If SpaceX's Starship program succeeds, it could revolutionize the space industry by dramatically lowering the cost of launching people and payloads to orbit and beyond, Axios' Miriam Kramer writes.

Driving the news: In the next few days, SpaceX is planning the first launch of the Starship at Boca Chica, about 300 miles southeast of San Antonio.

• The launch was originally slated for yesterday, but liftoff was scuttled after a technical issue arose during the countdown.

Why it matters: SpaceX and other companies want to find new markets to reach their goal of resembling the airline industry to take people to space.

• But in order to make that future a reality, launch costs need to get cheaper. That's where Starship comes in.

The big picture: If Starship works and SpaceX builds up a fleet that can launch often and be reused, it could "potentially enable new businesses and even new markets," BryceTech CEO Carissa Christensen tells Axios.

• Starship could also be a major factor in making human spaceflight accessible to a wider number of people.

What to watch: It's not yet clear how quickly SpaceX will be able to scale up its Starship operations, and in order to reduce prices the company will need a large fleet of Starships flying at a rapid clip.

• It typically takes years for rockets to achieve expected operations after their first test flights.

The city is bringing a second general contractor to the beleaguered St. Mary's Strip project, an uncommon move with the goal of speeding up access for local businesses — but it won't help construction wrap up faster.

Driving the news: Local general contractor E-Z Bel Construction will begin work on North St. Mary's Street today, assistant city manager Rod Sanchez tells Axios. More than two years into construction, the company joins lead contractor SpawGlass.

Why it matters: Business owners have criticized SpawGlass and said the city hasn't held the company accountable for delays.

Details: E-Z Bel will work on the south end of the street to finish driveways near businesses including Burger Boy, in addition to doing some drainage work.

• The project is on track to be finished by early summer, according to the latest timeline.

What they're saying: "We'd like to finish a lot of that south side," Sanchez tells Axios. "We can knock that out, move some of those barricades over — have more of a complete looking project."

Catch up fast: The $11.6 million North St. Mary's Street construction project is taking at least six months longer than expected due to expanded project work and sewer issues.

• Business owners have long blasted city leaders over the project's timing and complained that customers can't easily access bars, restaurants and shops along the popular corridor.
• When finished, The Strip will have wider sidewalks, bike lanes and better lighting.

Yes, but: Sanchez says the city's decision to bring on a second contractor isn't related to SpawGlass' performance.

• "Spawglass is doing fine, but if we can expedite things, that's what we want to do," Sanchez says.

Of note: A spokesperson didn't immediately provide information on how much the city will pay E-Z Bel and how much less money SpawGlass will receive.

Go deeper

⚠️ A part of Culebra Road, near North General McMullen Drive, collapsed yesterday, creating a sinkhole that led to a two-car crash. A driver swerved to miss the hole and hit an oncoming vehicle. One person suffered minor injuries. (KSAT)

🍽️ Make Ready Market, the 10-stall food hall in the River North area, will feature Thai Bird, Garaje Cantina, Idle Beer Hall & Brewery and EET UP. A grand opening date has not been announced. (SA Current)

🗑️ Higher trash pickup fees are likely to come this fall, although it's not clear yet how much rates will rise. (Express-News 🔒)

San Antonians on the fence about when to sell their home should consider next week, according to a recent report from Realtor.com.

Zoom out: The report lists this week as good for sales on a national level.

The methodology: Using data and seasonal trends from 2018-2019 and 2021-2022, the report determined that the 2023 housing market is likely to behave similarly to those time periods.

By the numbers: Sellers can expect:

• 20.2% more buyers viewing San Antonio listings on Realtor.com compared with the average week in 2022.
• 9 fewer days on the market compared with the average week.
• 16.2% fewer active listings than the average week.

Yes, but: For the best chance at a quick sale and high price, homeowners should make sure their home has been well cared for and is up to date with routine maintenance, a spokesperson tells Axios.

💼 Check out who's hiring on our Job Board.

1. Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission at St. Marys University.
2. Regional Director, Risk Management at Turner.
3. Senior Project Manager at Rosendin.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

San Antonio will be the first stop in Erykah Badu's "Unfollow Me" tour on June 11.

What's happening: The tour with rapper yasiin bey was announced Monday. General admission tickets go on sale on ATTCenter.com and Ticketmaster.com on Thursday at 2:22pm.

Flashback: Badu, known as the queen of neo-soul, released her breakout album, "Baduizm," in 1997.

• The album featured hits like "On & On" and "Next Lifetime."

Details: yasiin bey, formerly known as Most Def, will join Badu on the 25-city tour.

• Dallas, Badu's hometown, is the only other Texas stop in the tour at this time.