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| Here is your Monday Transportation briefing: - 🚀 SpaceX's commercial mission announced it will face a delay until at least summer 2024.
- 🚁 Joby struck a deal with Dubai to operate air taxis in the city for six years.
- ✈️ Boeing unveiled new plans to boost inspections of its supply chain and supplier collaborations.
Thanks for reading! Robel
p/Robel-Kelkile | |
| 1 | | The Polaris Dawn mission, part of the Polaris Program backed by billionaire Jared Isaacman, has been delayed to at least the summer of 2024. Challenges in developing the required extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit and modifying the Crew Dragon for depressurization before the spacewalk have contributed to the delays. More: - SpaceX underestimated the complexity of converting the Crew Dragon pressure suit into a functional EVA suit, leading to significant delays.
- The Polaris Dawn mission will also test inter-satellite communications, conduct health research, and explore the radiation environment at high altitudes.
- The mission aims to achieve significant milestones, including the first-ever spacewalk from a Crew Dragon spacecraft and testing of critical technologies for future space missions.
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| 2 | | The European Commission has reached an agreement on the Net-Zero Industry Act. The act would aim to enhance domestic clean energy technology manufacturing to support the EU's climate goals, with a target for the EU's manufacturing capacity to supply at least 40% of the jurisdiction's demand for net-zero technologies by 2030. More: - The NZIA simplifies and expedites permitting for projects related to solar panels, wind power, electrolyzers, batteries, and other clean energy technologies to attract investments to the EU.
- The legislation establishes Net-Zero Acceleration Valleys to cluster clean energy projects and streamline the permitting process, similar to the concept of hydrogen hubs in the U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
- Unlike bills in the U.S. that provide direct funding or tax incentives, the NZIA creates a permissive regulatory environment to attract investments without new funding, directing investments to necessary green technology sectors.
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| 3 | | Joby Aviation has secured an agreement with the government of Dubai, granting exclusive rights to operate air taxis in the city for six years. The move marks a significant milestone in the race to establish commercial eVTOL operations globally. More: - Skyports will collaborate with Joby to build and operate four vertiport sites in Dubai, facilitating convenient access to air taxi services for residents.
- The agreement with Dubai's government positions Joby as a frontrunner in the eVTOL market, enabling it to launch initial operations in 2025 and commercial services by 2026.
- Joby's eVTOL aircraft can carry four passengers and a pilot, reaching speeds of up to 200 mph.
- Dubai residents will be able to purchase air taxi tickets via their smartphones and enjoy short, 10-minute journeys across the city.
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| 4 | | FreeWire Technologies and GM Envolve announced a partnership to streamline fleet vehicle electrification. The move would provide FreeWire's direct-current fast charging infrastructure to GM Envolve's fleet and commercial customers, offering load-shifting capabilities during off-peak periods, plus up to 20% lower installation costs and 70% lower operating costs compared to other fast chargers. More: - Fleet operators have faced obstacles in fully decarbonizing their fleets due to costly infrastructure upgrades, but partnerships like GM Envolve and FreeWire can ease this transition.
- Built-in batteries enable load-shifting and scheduled power draws during off-peak periods, reducing electricity costs.
- FreeWire's Boost chargers can operate off standard electrical connections and charge two vehicles simultaneously at up to 60 kW each, providing flexibility for fleet operators.
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| 5 | | Holdbar, a Danish experience management software startup, raised $3.5M. Investors included Toast founder Steve Fredette and Firstminute Capital. More: - Holdbar's software suite includes features such as a booking engine, payment solution, team planning tools, gift card management, and demand generation capabilities.
- The company aims to digitize more tour operators and experience providers by offering a comprehensive software suite for creating, promoting, and selling experiences.
- The $3.5M Seed round will enable Holdbar to enhance its platform and establish itself as the preferred choice for experience providers worldwide.
- The company noted it anticipates continued growth in the industry, driven by influencers creating events for their followers to engage authentically and generate new revenue streams.
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| 6 | | Boeing announced new plans to increase inspections of its supply chain and supplier collaborations following a mid-air incident where an Alaska Airlines 737-9 exit door blew out with four key bolts missing. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report revealed that the bolts, which should have prevented the door from moving, were removed but not replaced during repairs at Boeing's factory. More: - Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun acknowledged accountability for the incident, emphasizing the need to enhance safety and quality measures.
- The NTSB traced the door plug's path through Boeing's supply chain, revealing lapses in quality control and bolt replacement during repairs.
- Boeing's response includes a control plan for the proper installation of 737-9 MED plugs, new inspections at Spirit AeroSystems' factory, and enhanced documentation protocols.
- Additional measures include increased work on planes at their assigned positions, dedicated days for 737 teams to focus on quality improvements, and an independent evaluation to strengthen Boeing's quality management system.
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| 7 | | QUICK HITS: - Visa and Mastercard have come to a historic $5B settlement, marking a pivotal moment for small business owners.*
- Expenses associated with vehicle maintenance and repairs are outpacing the general rate of inflation, with motor vehicle repair costs seeing an annual increase of 4.1% from November 2013 to November 2023.
- The Oregon Transit Association announced it is pushing to modify a bill to introduce a misdemeanor offense for individuals caught using illegal drugs while utilizing public transportation.
- The California Department of Insurance announced it will implement measures to guarantee the availability of commercial insurance coverage for zero-emission heavy trucks and fleets, aligning with the state's transition toward prohibiting diesel-powered vehicles.
- Dive into advanced tips and tricks with the Kubernetes Cookbook. Get your copy compliments of the cloud experts at DoiT.*
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 | Writer | | Born and raised in the Bay Area, Robel Kelkile is passionate about all things tech, venture, and financial education. He has previously served both universities and state governments in their engagement strategy and tracking legislation. | | This newsletter was edited by Aaron Crutchfield | |
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