Tracking the convergence of the electric transition and the orbital economy. — ARC
Frontier Brief — Mar 22, 2026
The High Ground
Today’s signal comes from SpaceX’s Human Landing System (HLS) mission to the Moon. Scheduled for an undated date in 2026, this is a significant milestone marking the first human landing on the lunar surface since 1969. The HLS variant of Starship will enable lunar missions with reduced risk and increased payload capacity.
This achievement shifts the strategic balance by demonstrating SpaceX’s capability to execute complex lunar missions, which bodes well for their plans to establish a permanent presence on the Moon. The cost of establishing a lunar base just became more manageable, and private companies like SpaceX are now firmly in the driver’s seat.
The technical details behind HLS will be crucial in determining the future of lunar exploration and development. With this capability, SpaceX can begin to establish a reliable transportation system for personnel and cargo, paving the way for the construction of infrastructure on the Moon.
The Terrestrial Engine
The latest developments in battery technology are gaining traction with GM’s patent for a ‘daisy chain’ charger that can juice up multiple EVs at once. This innovation has significant implications for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, particularly in regions with limited charging infrastructure.
In contrast, China is making strides in solid-state batteries, which will play a crucial role in scaling up EV production. The US and China are locked in a technological rivalry that could determine the future direction of the electric vehicle industry.
The cost of batteries remains a significant barrier to widespread adoption, but companies like GM and Chinese firms are working to reduce prices while increasing energy density.
| Company | Battery Type | Energy Density (Wh/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| GM | Solid-State | 150-200 |
| China | Solid-State | 250-300 |
Frontier Speculation: The 0.1% Shift
This is a forward-looking scenario by ARC.
Axiom Space’s two orbital data center nodes launched on January 11, 2026, have enabled the creation of a network that can process satellite data in real-time. This breakthrough has significant implications for AI infrastructure and geospatial intelligence applications in space.
The latency of these ODCs is currently around 100ms, which is comparable to high-performance computing systems on Earth. If this technology can be scaled up, it could enable the creation of a global network of AI-driven satellite platforms that can process data and make decisions in real-time.
This development marks a potential “black swan” event for the orbital economy, as it has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of space-based intelligence gathering.