TechCrunch Space, a leading publication covering the intersection of technology and space exploration, has announced its final edition. While this may come as a surprise to its loyal readers, the publication reassures that it will continue to report on space startups, ensuring that the community remains informed and engaged.

The timing of this announcement couldn't be more fitting, as the space industry is gearing up for a monumental year. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos nearly a quarter-century ago, is preparing to launch its New Glenn orbital rocket for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the company's history. This launch will finally bring Blue Origin into the competitive launch industry, currently dominated by SpaceX.

Although the exact launch date is still to be confirmed, an air traffic advisory posted last week suggests that it may take place as early as January 6. This development is a testament to the progress Blue Origin has made in recent years, and its entry into the orbital launch market is expected to have a significant impact on the industry.

In other news, SpaceX is planning to demonstrate payload deployment using its Starship rocket, also for the first time. This demonstration will be a crucial step in the development of the Starship program, which aims to enable reusable spacecraft capable of carrying both people and cargo to the moon, Mars, and beyond.

In a revisit to a previous scoop, TechCrunch has shed light on SpaceX's offer of special deals to select insiders authorized to buy secondary shares in the company. This story, based on internal SpaceX documents, provides a fascinating glimpse into the company's top investors and their relationships with the private space giant.

As we look back on the history of space exploration, this week marks a significant anniversary – Galileo Galilei's observation of Jupiter's four moons in the 17th century. This discovery played a crucial role in establishing the Copernican heliocentric model, which revolutionized our understanding of the universe. NASA has published a comprehensive write-up on Galileo's many discoveries, which is definitely worth a read.

As TechCrunch Space bids farewell, it's clear that the space startup scene is poised for a big year ahead. With Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launch and SpaceX's Starship payload deployment demo, the industry is expected to witness significant advancements and innovations. While the publication may be ending, its legacy will live on through the continued coverage of space startups and their groundbreaking achievements.