October 18, 2025, 11:20 PM EDT. Bezos' space venture Blue Origin could someday outgrow Amazon, per statements highlighted in Rocket Dreams. Founded in 2000, Blue Origin has grown steadily, with its 2015 milestone of a successful New Shepard suborbital flight following SpaceX's early wins. The rivalry with SpaceX and the broader space race underscores how private aerospace firms are reshaping valuations, even as a trillion-dollar target remains debated. Bezos argues Blue Origin's mission to "build the road to space" could eventually dwarf Amazon, but assigning a precise valuation is tricky. The discussion contrasts Blue Origin's path with SpaceX's financing trajectory and reflects how ambitious space ambitions may redefine tech business in the years ahead.
October 18, 2025, 11:18 PM EDT. SpaceX is targeting a Friday morning lift from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, launching the next batch of Starlink satellites on its Falcon 9 rocket. The launch window opens around 6 a.m. PT, with a backup opportunity the following day in case of delays. Public viewing at the base isn't allowed, but clear skies may offer good vantage points in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles. Watch the liftoff via the SpaceX livestream on their website and the new X TV app, starting about five minutes before liftoff. For updates, check local sources such as VC Star.
October 18, 2025, 11:16 PM EDT. Tesla reported a record 497,099 global vehicle deliveries in Q3, driven by U.S. buyers rushing before the $7,500 EV tax credit expired. The quarterly tally narrowly surpassed the prior record and marked a year-over-year rise for the first time this year, though year-to-date U.S. and global demand show pressure from rising competition and price cuts. The tax credit rollback could dent near-term demand, even as rivals like GM, Ford and Hyundai expand EV sales. The results briefly boosted CEO Elon Musk's net worth above $500 billion, before shares drifted lower again. BYD and Chinese automakers are gaining ground globally, and market share for Tesla continues to face headwinds amid price competition and regulatory scrutiny.
October 18, 2025, 11:14 PM EDT. Tesla's third-quarter EV deliveries rose 7% year over year to 497,099, signaling a potential rebound as buyers rushed to beat the expiring $7,500 federal tax credit. The broader EV market climbed in the quarter, yet the tax credit expiry could cool momentum ahead of the seasonally weak period. Analysts call it a bounceback rather than a durable turnaround, noting California market saturation, tariffs, and branding/political headwinds. Still, Tesla outpaced the prior quarter on deliveries, with rivals such as Cadillac also benefiting from the EV rush. Musk's focus on autonomous driving and the robotaxi venture remains a longer-term bet, while near-term demand faces ongoing market headwinds.
October 18, 2025, 11:12 PM EDT. Tesla rolled out cheaper versions of two electric models, touting a Model Y under $40,000 with a stripped-down interior and a Model 3 under $37,000 (below $35,000 for New York buyers with rebates). The move aims to revive flagging demand amid an aging lineup, stiff competition from Ford, Chevrolet and Hyundai, and anti-Elon Musk sentiment. Investors barely cheered: the stock slid about 4.5% after the announcement as traders signaled an upside challenge despite the price cuts. The new Model Y trims range to about 321 miles, loses some features such as a panoramic roof, second-row touchscreen, and premium interior, while the Model 3 also sacrifices range and features. The price cuts come as the federal tax credit expired, reducing one of the last levers to spur EV purchases.