

T-Minus Space Daily
N2K Networks
T-Minus Space Daily from N2K CyberWire delivers critical daily intelligence on what powers, protects, and connects the space industry and innovation.N2K CyberWire’s space team makes visible the global connections that facilitate connectivity and commerce through space networks. We cover the news of the day and regularly feature experts covering space’s role in critical infrastructure and national security, space operations and intelligence, data and cybersecurity in space, domestic and international space policy and regulation, space law, and space-enabled scientific research. Find out more at space.n2k.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 18, 2025 • 29min
Beam me up, power!
NASA’s Northrop Grumman CRS-23 mission to the International Space Station has now docked with the orbiting lab. Axiom Space and Spacebilt Inc. have formed a multi-organization collaboration to bring optically-interconnected orbital datacenter infrastructure to the ISS in 2027. NTT in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group, has successfully demonstrated the world’s most efficient optical wireless power transmission under atmospheric interference, and more.
Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.
Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.
T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Mary Glazkova, CEO at Mission Space.
You can connect with Mary on LinkedIn, and learn more about Mission Space on their website.
Torsten Kriening and Yvette Gonzalez from SpaceWatch.Global share the latest from World Space Business Week.
Selected Reading
Cygnus XL Cargo Craft Captured by Station Robotic Arm - NASA
Axiom Space, Spacebilt Announce Orbital Data Center Node Aboard International Space Station
Axiom Space Launches Global University Alliance to Lead Future of Microgravity Research
NTT and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Demonstrate World-Record Transmission for Long-Distance Power Supply
Hubble Network Raises $70M Series B to Scale Global Bluetooth®-to-Satellite Connectivity
Ursa Major Awarded $34.9M to Advance Draper Engine for Space-Based Defense
Spain's Kreios Space secures €8 million to bring satellites closer to Earth and strengthen European strategic autonomy
Scout Space is Awarded an AFWERX SBIR Phase II
HawkEye 360's Cluster 12 Achieves Full Operational Capability
US satellite spies on Chinese space station and more. China spies back -South China Morning Post
Starcloud and Mission Space Forge Strategic Alliance to Integrate Orbital Datacenters with Next-Gen Space Weather Data
Share your feedback.
What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.
Want to hear your company in the show?
You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info.
Want to join us for an interview?
Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal.
T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17, 2025 • 16min
In thrust we trust, just not for Cygnus XL today.
Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL spacecraft delays docking with the International Space Station (ISS). PLD Space has been selected by the European Space Research and Technology Centre, part of the European Space Agency (ESA), for its first Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) contract. The Space Data Association (SDA) has selected GMV to develop its next generation safety of flight system, and more.
Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.
Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.
T-Minus Guest
Torsten Kriening and Yvette Gonzalez from SpaceWatch.Global share the latest from World Space Business Week in Paris.
Selected Reading
NASA, Northrop Grumman Assessing Cygnus XL Engine Burn Plan
PLD Space secures its first GNC contract with ESA to develop a new hybrid navigation system
SDA Selects GMV to Deliver Next Generation Safety of Spaceflight System
BlackSky Wins NGA Luno A Delivery Order for AI-Enabled Change Detection
Anduril and Impulse Space Expand Partnership to Conduct RPO Mission Demonstration in GEO
Russia developing Starlink rival at 'rapid pace,' space chief says- Reuters
Astro Digital Signs Power Purchase Agreement with Star Catcher to “Plug Into” Space’s First Power Grid
Maxar Partners with Ecopia AI to Launch Vivid Features, Powering Dynamic Vector Maps of Every Place on Earth
IonQ Completes Acquisition of Oxford Ionics, Rapidly Accelerating Its Quantum Computing Roadmap
IonQ Announces Intent to Acquire Vector Atomic, Expanding Into Quantum Sensing and Strengthening Its Quantum Technology Portfolio
Share your feedback.
What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.
Want to hear your company in the show?
You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info.
Want to join us for an interview?
Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal.
T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 28min
Exploiting satellites and expanding connectivity.
Milenko Starczyk, head of cyber security at VisionSpace Technologies, delves deep into satellite vulnerabilities and their implications for global security. He uncovers nearly 40 critical software weaknesses in satellite systems, particularly concerning NASA’s infrastructure. Starczyk emphasizes the need for a shift from compliance checklists to proactive security measures in the industry. The conversation also touches on groundbreaking advancements, such as Skimsat's mission and emerging partnerships aiming to enhance global connectivity for underserved areas.

Sep 15, 2025 • 31min
At the Apex of spacecraft manufacturing expansion.
Spacecraft manufacturer Apex has closed a $200 million Series D funding round. European aerospace groups Leonardo, Thales, and Airbus are reportedly looking to sign an initial agreement to combine their satellite businesses as early as this year. SES and Cailabs are partnering to test laser communication technology, and more.
Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.
Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.
T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Patrick O'Neill, Public Affairs and Outreach Lead at the International Space Station US National Laboratory.
You can connect with Patrick on LinkedIn, and learn more about the ISS National Lab on their website.
Torsten Kriening from SpaceWatch.Global brings us the latest from World Space Business Week in Paris.
Selected Reading
Apex Raises $200 Million Series D Financing
Airbus, Thales, Leonardo could sign first deal this year on satellite tie-up, Airbus executive says- Reuters
SES Partners with Cailabs to Test Next-Generation Laser Communication Technology
Infinite Orbits Signs Multi-Launch Agreement to GEO with Impulse Space
NASA Science, Cargo Launches Aboard Northrop Grumman CRS-23
Globalstar to Enter Next Era of Mobile Satellite Connectivity with Expanded Operational Frequencies
York Space Systems Establishes First Contact and Confirms Health of All 21 Satellites Launched for SDA’s Tranche 1 Transport Layer Mission
Share your feedback.
What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.
Want to hear your company in the show?
You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info.
Want to join us for an interview?
Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal.
T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 21min
Identifying vulnerabilities in space with Bigbear.ai.
In this engaging discussion, Eric Conway, Vice President of Technology at BigBear.ai, and Joe Davis, Cybersecurity Research Scientist, delve into the critical vulnerabilities in space systems. They highlight the dangers posed by cyber threats and unauthorized access to satellites. The conversation introduces SpaceCrest, a groundbreaking AI solution designed to strengthen cybersecurity. They also explore digital twins for enhanced simulations, emphasizing the importance of resilience in space operations and the ongoing need for innovative strategies against evolving threats.

9 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 24min
ESA pushes for space, defense, and cybersecurity autonomy.
Elysia Segal from NASASpaceflight.com discusses critical advancements in space exploration, including the Venus flyby by JUICE and the latest from SpaceX. She emphasizes Europe's growing autonomy in defense and cybersecurity, spotlighting innovative collaborations like Satlink and Rivada’s partnership. The conversation also delves into the challenges of space communication, particularly the recent hiccups with JUICE, and highlights exciting upcoming opportunities in Earth observation and cybersecurity competitions.

9 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 29min
Could there have been life on Mars?
Kelly Stafford, Interim Program Director of the Hyperspace Challenge, connects various sectors in the space industry. She discusses groundbreaking findings of potential ancient life in Mars' Jezero Crater, emphasizing the significance of the Perseverance rover's discoveries. The conversation shifts to emerging space technologies like Boeing's 3D-printed solar arrays and the innovative work of Rendezvous Robotics. Stafford also highlights a 2025 initiative that promotes collaboration among government, industry, and academia to accelerate innovation in space defense.

Sep 10, 2025 • 13min
The Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 mission launched.
SpaceX launches the Space Development Agency’s (SDA’s) first Tranche 1 mission to low-Earth orbit (LEO). ReOrbit has closed a €45 million Series A funding round. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) says it is working on Chandrayaan 4 and Chandrayaan 5 and plans to have a completed module of their Bharatiya Antriksh Station (BAS) in orbit by 2035, and more.
Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.
Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Selected Reading
SpaceX - Space Development Agency's First Tranche 1 Mission
ReOrbit Secures €45 Million to Manufacture Sovereign Satellites and Connected Systems for National Security
We are working on Chandrayaan 4, Chandrayaan 5: ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan
Roscosmos Progress 91 Undocked from Space Station - NASA
SpaceX test fires next Super Heavy booster for Starship's 11th upcoming launch (video)- Space
NASA’s PExT, Wideband Space Communications Demo Begins Commissioning
NASA Partnerships Allow Artificial Intelligence to Predict Solar Events
X-Bow Launches Strategic Partnership with AEON
ICEYE launches the ISR Cell, bringing tactical space-based intelligence anywhere
Launch Your Name Around Moon in 2026 on NASA’s Artemis II Mission
Share your feedback.
What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.
Want to hear your company in the show?
You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info.
Want to join us for an interview?
Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal.
T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 25min
Scaling solar tech and securing space traffic.
In this engaging discussion, Kevin Hell, President and CEO of Empower Technology, shines a light on the latest innovations in solar technology designed for space applications. He reveals how advanced materials are pushing the boundaries of solar efficiency. The conversation also dives into the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly with Lockheed Martin Ventures, to scale production capabilities. Additionally, listeners learn about NOAA's new pilot program for space traffic coordination, reflecting the growing complexities of sharing space.

Sep 8, 2025 • 26min
To boldly regulate (space) where none have gone before.
EchoStar has entered into a definitive agreement with SpaceX to sell the company's AWS-4 and H-block spectrum licenses for approximately $17 billion. NASA seeks feedback from industry partners on the next phase of its commercial space stations strategy. Planet Labs has announced financial results for the period ended July 31, 2025, and more.
Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.
Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.
T-Minus Guest
Bailey Reichelt from Aegis Space Law and Matthew Linton from Linton Space Law bring us Space Law FAQs.
If you have any questions you’d like to ask the team, please email space@n2k.com.
Selected Reading
EchoStar Announces Spectrum Sale and Commercial Agreement with SpaceX
MDA Space Provides Update On Echostar Contract
NASA Seeks Industry Input on Next Phase of Commercial Space Stations
Commercial Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Development Program Phase 2- SAA
Planet Reports Financial Results for Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2026
ICEYE signs satellite acquisition agreement with the Finnish Defence Forces
NASA Announces CHAPEA Crew for Year-Long Mars Mission Simulation
SpaceX takes flight with $8M expansion of Central Texas facility
Star Trek is officially coming to lego watch announcement teaser
Share your feedback.
What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.
Want to hear your company in the show?
You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info.
Want to join us for an interview?
Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal.
T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices