Hello and welcome back to the TechCrunch space. Unfortunately, Boeing’s Starliner launch was still delayed again, this time due to problems with one of the three redundant computers used by the rocket provider to initiate the launch sequence, United Launch Alliance. Those computers are supposed to work in sync, but one of them was moving a little slowly, which started to stop automatically.
Next possible launch dates? 5 and 6 June.
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story of the week
A Chinese spacecraft successfully landed on the far side of the moon on Sunday with the aim of bringing back samples of lunar rocks. China’s space agency said the Chang’e-6 lander went down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin.
The mission is expected to last more than 50 days, and is the latest in a growing series of successful Chinese moon missions.
The New York Times questioned whether Elon Musk’s SpaceX is using unfair tactics to maintain its dominance in the launch industry. According to some other space CEOs, the answer is yes. The story sparked a lot of online commentary, and whether you initially agree or disagree, it’s worth a read.
This week in space history
We made history today, folks! Six planets aligned in the sky this morning in a rare celestial event sometimes called a “planet parade.” Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter were visible to the naked eye — the full lineup, in order, is Jupiter, Mercury, Uranus, Mars, Neptune, and Saturn, plus a bonus crescent moon!
