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Brands in Space: What's behind the rush to advertise in the final frontier?

Apr 10, 2024
Big consumer brands are partnering with aerospace companies to market their products in the cosmos. But what’s the payoff back on earth?
When Intuitive Machines' lunar lander touched down on the moon in February, it was brandishing the Columbia Sportswear logo, part of an advertising partship with the outdoor apparel company.
GREGG NEWTON / Getty Images

“Low Earth orbit is now open for business”

Nov 29, 2023
This is how Varda Space Industries hopes to commercialize manufacturing in space.
Will Bruey, CEO and co-founder of Varda Space Industries and Wendy Shimata, VP of Autonomous Systems observe Varda’s spacecraft as it orbits Earth.
Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace

How the "new guys" of NASA's Group 8 opened up space travel to the rest of us

Feb 7, 2023
In the 1970s, NASA welcomed women and minority astronauts for the first time. Meredith Bagby's new book explores the impact that they made in the world of space travel.
As the first women and minorities in America's space program, NASA's Group 8 — some of whom are seen here — were a whole new face for space travel.
NASA/AFP via Getty Images

The strategy behind adding Elon Musk to Twitter's board

Apr 6, 2022
Musk has been an avid user — and critic — of the social media platform for years. The brand could use some "shaking up," one analyst says.
Elon Musk has been a fierce critic of Twitter's approach to speech.
Patrick Pleul/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Will private funds fuel the next space race?

Oct 22, 2019
Indian space entrepreneur Susmita Mohanty talks about the future of private space exploration ahead of 70th annual International Astronautical Conference.
iStock/Getty Images

GPS glitch could confuse navigation devices on April 6

Mar 18, 2019
Older equipment may lose its grip on space and time when its clocks roll over.
A taxi driver uses a navigator while driving in Tokyo.
TARO KARIBE/AFP/Getty Images

SpaceX to launch Dragon Capsule for milestone test

Mar 1, 2019
Tomorrow at 2:48am EST, NASA and SpaceX plan to jointly launch the company’s Crew Dragon space capsule on a rocket from Kennedy Space Center. It’s the first commercially built and operated American rocket and spacecraft designed for people. Although Crew Dragon will be unmanned this Saturday, it represents a major milestone for SpaceX. The aerospace […]
SpaceX chief Elon Musk speaks during a press conference after the launch of SpaceX Crew Dragon Demo mission at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 2, 2019.
JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images

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The SEC is trying to drop a hammer on Elon Musk. How big can it be?

Sep 28, 2018
The Securities and Exchange Commission sued the Tesla CEO for what it says was misleading tweets that hurt investors. A former SEC lawyer tells us what could be next.
Tesla's stock has taken a hit.
VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Neighbors are concerned SpaceX could transform South Texas

May 11, 2018
Some fear noise and explosions. Others see a boost to tourism and a spot on the world map.
The popular Boca Chica Beach sits at the end of Texas Highway 4, less than a half mile from SpaceX’s launch facility.
Paul Flahaive/Texas Public Radio