hello. Welcome back to TechCrunch Space. Happy belated Parents’ Day!
Want to tip? Email Aria. aria.techcrunch@gmail.com Or send us a message on Signal (512-937-3988). You can also send a note to the entire TechCrunch team at tips@techcrunch.com. For safer communicationClick here to contact us with SecureDrop instructions and a link to the encrypted messaging app.
If you're looking for a Starliner mission recap, you'll probably have to wait a little longer because the mission has officially been postponed. At this point, we're looking at a release date of May 17th or later. The long delay is to allow launch provider United Launch Alliance to return the rocket to the Vertical Integration Facility hangar to replace the valve. (Always that smelly valve!)
Not much of a scoop this week, did Write an exclusive article about a 5-month-old startup called Layup Parts that closed a $9 million funding round led by Founders Fund. For example, the company wants to bring automation to the manufacturing of composite parts in the same way that Protolabs and Xometry revolutionized CNC machining.
What we're reading
Instead of recommending what to read this week, let me recommend something to watch. A fantastic 30 minute video from the great Everyday Astronaut. Learn more about the first Polaris Dawn mission and the new spacesuits designed by SpaceX that will be worn by private astronauts.
We all know and love the International Space Station. But before there was ISS, there was a small orbital platform called Skylab. And 50 years ago, on May 14, 1973, Skylab launched its last Saturn V rocket.