Rocket Rag Newsletter

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Dear Rocket Rag Readers,

Welcome back to your premier source for the latest and greatest from the world of Elon Musk! It's been another electrifying period, with visionary moves and bold stands that underscore the relentless drive for innovation and progress. Fasten your seatbelts as we explore the groundbreaking developments shaping our future.

“Nine-Lives” Starship: Flight 9 Cleared for Liftoff

The FAA signed off on license tweaks and SpaceX is now targeting next week for the ninth Starship test. Musk is expected to pair the launch with a live address outlining how rapid-reusability and on-tower catches fold into his 2030 Mars cargo schedule. If Flight 9 sticks the boost-back splash-down demo, expect Tower-Arm catching attempts as early as Flight 10.

Science Stories You Can’t Get Anywhere Else

Feed your curiosity with Nautilus — a science newsletter for thinkers, seekers, and the endlessly curious. Each week, we bring you beautifully written stories at the intersection of science, philosophy, and culture. From the physics of time to the psychology of awe, our essays, interviews, and ideas dive beneath the surface and linger in the mind.

Join a global community of readers who believe that big questions deserve thoughtful answers. Whether you're a lifelong learner or just love a good mystery of the universe, Nautilus will challenge how you see the world — and maybe even yourself.

Sign up now and start thinking deeper.

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Robotaxi Reality Check: Austin Pilot Will Be Invite-Only—with Human Tele-Ops

Morgan Stanley’s Adam Jonas came away from Palo Alto convinced Tesla will start with 10-20 Model Y robotaxis roaming a geofenced slice of Austin. Each car can be remote-steered by a human operator if FSD gets stuck—far more direct control than Waymo or Zoox allow. Regulators are already probing latency and bad-weather contingencies, underscoring that autonomy in 2025 is still part human, part hype.

Starlink Takes Flight: Saudi Arabia Approves Aviation and Maritime Services

The reach of SpaceX's Starlink continues its impressive global expansion. In a significant development, Saudi Arabia has granted authorization for Starlink to provide its revolutionary satellite internet services to the aviation and maritime shipping sectors. This move will bring high-speed, low-latency internet to airplanes and ships traversing the region, enhancing connectivity, safety, and operational efficiency.

This approval underscores the transformative potential of Starlink in connecting even the most remote and mobile parts of our world. For Elon Musk, Starlink has always been about more than just internet access; it's about building a resilient global communication network that supports human endeavor in all its forms, whether on land, at sea, or in the air. Another giant leap for global connectivity!

Have a great day out there!