SpaceX makes history. Catches rocket 🚀

Author

Ben Thompson
October 18, 2024

In partnership with

Welcome to all our new subscribers and a warm “Ahoy” to our loyal readers. Another new week, let's take a look 🔭

In today’s email:

  • Landed: 🚀 SpaceX makes history with booster catch.

  • Not Happy: 🚜 Why farmers have resorted to hacking their tractors.

  • Price Goes Up: 📈 General Rate Increase (GRIs) explained.

  • Slow Please: 😲 Consumers choose slower services hitting UPS & FedEx.

TRANSPORTATION NEWS

SpaceX Makes History: Catches Starship Booster

SpaceX’s booster catch is a game-changing milestone in space exploration and aerospace innovation. Weighing in at approximately 22.8 metric tons (without fuel), the Falcon 9 first stage is one of the heaviest objects ever caught during a controlled descent. This breakthrough highlights the incredible advancements SpaceX has made in reusability and cost efficiency for space missions.

Traditionally, the first stage of rockets was discarded after launch, contributing to the high costs of space travel. However, SpaceX’s approach to capturing the booster is revolutionizing the industry. Using a combination of grid fins for steering and engine power to control its descent, the Falcon 9 booster is guided back to Earth, where it’s caught by specially designed robotic arms—a remarkable feat of engineering precision.

This innovative recovery method allows SpaceX to refurbish and reuse the boosters for future missions, slashing costs and making space more accessible. While cranes and industrial equipment in other industries have managed heavier loads, the controlled catch of the Falcon 9 booster is a pioneering achievement in space travel.

In the broader context of global trade and technology, SpaceX’s ability to recover such a massive object mid-flight could have long-lasting effects on the cost of satellite launches, cargo missions, and even future human exploration. As the space race evolves, SpaceX continues to push boundaries, making space exploration more sustainable and affordable for industries around the world. See clip of catch

TOGETHER WITH VINOVEST

The Rising Demand for Whiskey: A Smart Investor’s Choice

Why are 250,000 Vinovest customers investing in whiskey?

In a word - consumption.

Global alcohol consumption is on the rise, with projections hitting new peaks by 2028. Whiskey, in particular, is experiencing significant growth, with the number of US craft distilleries quadrupling in the past decade. Younger generations are moving from beer to cocktails, boosting whiskey's popularity.

That’s not all.

Whiskey's tangible nature, market resilience, and Vinovest’s strategic approach make whiskey a smart addition to any diversified portfolio.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Why Farmers Have Resorted to Hacking Their Tractors

Farmers are being pushed to desperate measures, and it’s not because of crop yields. Companies like John Deere have implemented strict software locks on their tractors, making it nearly impossible for farmers to repair their own equipment. Some farmers have resorted to hacking their own machinery just to keep their operations running. But there’s hope. The Right to Repair movement has taken root in America’s heartland.

RECOMMENDED READS

Container Seal Numbers Explained: Security and Compliance. Learn how container seal numbers ensure cargo security in global trade and why they're crucial for preventing theft and tampering.

General Rate Increases (GRI) in Shipping. Discover how General Rate Increases (GRIs) impact global shipping costs and what businesses can do to navigate them effectively.

How to get a Certificate of Origin from a Chamber of Commerce. Understand the importance of a Certificate of Origin, how it's issued by the Chamber of Commerce, and its role in trade.

GLOBAL TRADE SNIPPETS

Japan's exports decline for the first time in 10 months. Japan's exports dropped in September, marking the first decline in nearly a year. This slump was driven by weakened global demand, particularly in sectors like electronics and machinery.

Consumers opt for slower shipping services at UPS and FedEx. Amid rising costs, consumers are increasingly choosing slower, more affordable shipping options at UPS and FedEx. This shift in preferences reflects efforts to balance convenience with budget considerations as economic conditions tighten.

Bitcoin nears all-time highs as ETF excitement builds. Bitcoin is approaching all-time highs as anticipation for spot Bitcoin ETFs grows. Investors are watching closely, expecting potential price surges if regulatory approvals come through.

SHIPWRECK OF THE WEEK ⚓️☠️

Launched in 1903, the HMS Hampshire was a British armored cruiser that served during World War I. In 1916, while en route to Russia carrying British Secretary of War Lord Kitchener, the ship struck a mine laid by a German U-boat off the coast of the Orkney Islands and sank, resulting in the loss of over 700 lives. Today, the wreck of the HMS Hampshire rests in deep waters and remains a poignant site for divers, offering a glimpse into a significant moment in naval history......................... Click to see Shipwreck👀

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