Skyroot Aerospace successfully launched India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, while SpaceX aborted a Starship test flight and several major technology and automotive companies announced significant market exits.

Key Points

• Skyroot Aerospace launched the 24-meter Vikram-1, making India the third nation with private orbital launch capabilities.
• SpaceX aborted a Starship launch after the 33 Raptor engines ignited, requiring the replacement of two engines before the next attempt.
• Major automakers including Honda, Volkswagen, and Nissan are pulling various electric vehicle models from the U.S. market following the expiration of federal tax credits.
• Tesla is discontinuing the Model X and S, while Polestar faces a complete exit from the U.S. due to new import restrictions.
• GoPro faces potential insolvency as consumer demand shifts toward cheaper alternatives, despite the brand's continued use by NASA.
• OnePlus announced it will cease selling new smartphones in North America and Europe, though it will maintain existing software support and warranties.

Why it Matters

The aerospace industry is seeing a shift toward private sector dominance, even as complex engineering challenges continue to cause high-profile launch delays. Simultaneously, the contraction of the electric vehicle and consumer electronics markets suggests a period of significant economic consolidation and changing consumer preferences in Western regions.