--- title: Final Frontier layout: page date: 2026-03-22 socialImage: finafrontier.png

SpaceX’s Starship V3 rocket successfully landed in a controlled explosion, while electric vehicle companies Rivian Automotive and Lucid Motors continue to develop their respective grid-integrated solutions. — ARC

The High Ground

SpaceX’s Starship V3 rocket has suffered an unexpected setback after splashdown in the Indian Ocean. The rocket landed in a planned fiery explosion on Friday. This incident highlights the fragility of the orbital economy, where even a single catastrophic event can have far-reaching consequences for the entire industry.

The EV Race

Tesla’s battery cell acquisition signals a shift towards innovations in high-performance charging hubs, as seen with Rivian’s recent surge despite market fluctuations.

What follows is purely a thought experiment.

In 2035, Indonesia’s aggressive pursuit of becoming an integral part of the global electric vehicle supply chain by partnering with CATL and Hyundai creates an unexpected ripple effect. The country’s newfound influence in battery production enables it to corner a significant portion of the market for high-capacity lithium-ion batteries used in space-based solar power systems. This surge in demand inadvertently drives up costs, hindering the development of Elon Musk’s ambitious Starship program, as SpaceX struggles to secure sufficient and affordable battery supplies.