Main Engine Cut Off

Simone D’Amico of Stanford and EraDrive, DJ Bush of NVIDIA, and Al Tadros of Redwire join me to talk about autonomy in space, to get into the specific details of what they’re working on and how it comes together, and what it may do for the industry in the next few years.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 32 executive producers—Joonas, Russell, Donald, Stealth Julian, Pat, Fred, David, Lee, Frank, Josh from Impulse, Steve, Joel, Joakim, Matt, Natasha Tsakos, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Kris, Theo and Violet, Heiko, Will and Lars from Agile, Jan, Warren, The Astrogators at SEE, Ryan, Better Every Day Studios, and four anonymous—and hundreds of supporters.TopicsEpisode T+315: Autonomy in Space (with Simone D’Amico, DJ Bush, and Al Tadros) - YouTubeSimone D'Amico | LinkedInCenter for AEroSpace Autonomy Research (CAESAR)Stanford spinoff EraDrive claims $1 million NASA contract - SpaceNewsDJ Bush | LinkedInHow Starcloud Is Bringing Data Centers to Outer Space | NVIDIA BlogAl Tadros | LinkedInRedwire Space | Heritage + InnovationNASA Starling - Autonomous Tip and Cue in OrbitNASA Starling - Distributed Optical NavigationNASA Starling - Autonomous Space Domain AwarenessVISORS - Precise Formation-FlyingAutonomous Spacecraft 3D Model ReconstructionThe ShowLike the show? Support the show on Patreon or Substack!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOFollow @meco@spacey.space on MastodonListen to MECO HeadlinesListen to Off-NominalJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterArtwork photo by JAXAWork with me and my design and development agency: Pine Works

The chaos surrounding the NASA Administrator role takes center stage, affecting plans for the Artemis 3 lander. Tensions rise as SpaceX updates its Starship program amidst potential delays in Moon landings. Political maneuvering becomes evident as motivations and proposals for re-nominating candidates unfold. The podcast delves into how SpaceX might simplify mission architecture, while also exploring industry responses from competitors like Blue Origin and Lockheed. Ultimately, there’s a push for transparency to bolster confidence in the lunar ambitions.

Caleb Henry, Director of Research at Quilty Space and a savvy space industry analyst, dives deep into the evolving world of satellite communications. He discusses Starlink V3’s innovative design with enhanced capabilities and inter-satellite links. Caleb also explores Project Kuiper’s strategic rollout in multiple countries and sheds light on the implications of the Airbus-Thales-Leonardo merger. Plus, he delves into the changing landscape for Iridium amidst competition from SpaceX, and previews upcoming research on relay satellites.

Miles O'Brien, a veteran science journalist and space analyst, dives into the latest from Starship Flight 11, highlighting its partial success and the challenges of lunar refueling. The discussion shifts to NASA's budget priorities amidst potential leadership changes, including Jared Isaacman's rumored interest in the NASA Administrator role. O'Brien raises alarms over workforce cuts at NASA and emphasizes the geopolitical stakes of lunar exploration, particularly if China makes strides at the South Pole. They also touch on the implications of SpaceX's evolving communication strategy and future ambitions.

Phil McAlister, former Director of NASA’s Commercial Space Division, discusses the challenges facing NASA's human spaceflight budget and the future of commercial LEO destinations. He reveals how geopolitical events may have altered funding opportunities and explains NASA leadership's hesitance to retire the ISS. McAlister estimates that shifting to commercial stations could cut NASA's costs significantly. With budget pressures mounting, he warns that NASA might face serious operational challenges if funding issues persist.

NASA has shifted to a 'prove-it' era, demanding more from companies before awarding contracts. Blue Origin has been selected to potentially revive the VIPER rover mission, while the Dream Chaser faces setbacks that may end its ISS role. The new commercial space station strategy emphasizes demonstration over promises, reflecting a significant change in how NASA engages with private partners. This approach could increase costs and impose stricter bidding requirements, possibly sidelining newer vendors in the space industry.

Caleb Henry, Director of Research at Quilty Space, joins me to talk about EchoStar’s spectrum sales and constellation cancellation, SpaceX’s spectrum purchase, and the financials of Starlink.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 34 executive producers—Bob, Heiko, Creative Taxi, Josh from Impulse, Russell, Donald, Will and Lars from Agile, Matt, Steve, Lee, Joel, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Natasha Tsakos (pronounced Tszakos), The Astrogators at SEE, Better Every Day Studios, Ryan, Kris, Pat, Joakim (Jo-Kim), Stealth Julian, Warren, Theo and Violet, Jan, Joonas, Fred, David, and four anonymous—and hundreds of supporters.TopicsQuilty Space (@QuiltySpace) / XStarlink Financial & Strategic Analysis 2025 1H | Quilty SpaceSign Up Form | Quilty SpaceEchoStar sells spectrum to SpaceX, cancels MDA satellite contract - SpaceNewsEchoStar’s $23 billion spectrum sale clears path for direct-to-device constellation - SpaceNewsEchoStar orders initial MDA satellites for $5 billion LEO constellation - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show on Patreon or Substack!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOFollow @meco@spacey.space on MastodonListen to MECO HeadlinesListen to Off-NominalJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterArtwork photo by CMSEOWork with me and my design and development agency: Pine Works

Casey Handmer, founder of Terraform Industries and former JPL employee, shares captivating insights about NASA's struggles in 2025, including workforce challenges and budget cuts. He highlights the urgency for reform to compete with global space players like China. Casey also dives into innovative fuel synthesis technologies aimed at Mars exploration, emphasizing their potential to benefit both our planet and interplanetary missions. His unique perspective sheds light on the vital need for fresh approaches in space policy and talent management.

Tom Marotta of The Spaceport Company joins me to talk about the executive order this week focused on commercial space regulatory reform, what problems it seeks to solve, his experience on both sides of those issues, and how we should understand the positioning of the order.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 34 executive producers—Frank, David, Jan, Josh from Impulse, Steve, Ryan, Joakim (Jo-Kim), Lee, Creative Taxi, Theo and Violet, Fred, Pat, Donald, Better Every Day Studios, Stealth Julian, Bob, The Astrogators at SEE, Russell, Joel, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Matt, Natasha Tsakos (pronounced Tszakos), Kris, Warren, Heiko, Will and Lars from Agile, Joonas, and four anonymous—and hundreds of supporters.TopicsTom Marotta | LinkedInThe Spaceport CompanyPrevious appearance: T+259: Tom Marotta, The Spaceport Company - Main Engine Cut OffEnabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry – The White HouseTrump Issues Executive Order on Commercial Space – SpacePolicyOnline.comThe ShowLike the show? Support the show on Patreon or Substack!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOFollow @meco@spacey.space on MastodonListen to MECO HeadlinesListen to Off-NominalJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterArtwork photo by NASAWork with me and my design and development agency: Pine Works

Michael Moreno, VP of Strategy at Lunar Outpost, discusses innovative lunar rover development and exciting projects like the Lunar Terrain Vehicle for NASA. He highlights the company's shift towards commercial services on the Moon and the significance of Lunar Voyage 1, their first step into a profitable lunar economy. Moreno also addresses the balance between meeting NASA's needs and commercial demands, the importance of modular payload designs, and the future of lunar infrastructure. Tune in for insights on upcoming lunar missions and the potential for multiple providers on the Moon!