T-Minus Space Daily

 Defense contractors, including space industry companies who are doing work with the Department of Defense, have requirements in their contracts right now to implement cybersecurity requirements to various degrees.  Those requirements have been in contracts for a very long time. Unfortunately, there has never been a mechanism in those contracts to make contractors prove that they're doing those things. And over the years, there have been multiple instances where the DOD has paid the price as a result of their contractors being compromised.  That’s about to change. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program comes into effect on November 10, 2025. Find out more about the requirements from Jacob Horne, Chief Cybersecurity Evangelist at Summit 7. 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. 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

Alicia Siegel, a spaceflight reporter for NASASpaceflight.com, shares insights on the recent FAA emergency order banning commercial launches during peak daytime hours. She discusses the implications for launch schedules and the repeated scrubbing of ULA's Atlas 5 mission due to technical issues. They also dive into Canada's federal budget, which allocates funds to boost domestic launch capabilities. Alicia highlights recent global launch activity, including India's LVM-3 mission and SpaceX's notable launches, painting a vibrant picture of the current space traffic landscape.

EchoStar says it will sell a set of wireless spectrum licenses to SpaceX for about $2.6 billion in exchange for stock in the space startup. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of the ordinary shares of Orbit Technologies Ltd for $356.3 million. Reflex Aerospace has closed a €50 million Series A funding round, 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 Yanni Barghouty, Co-founder and CEO of Cosmic Shielding Corporation. You can connect with Yanni on LinkedIn, and learn more about the Cosmic Shielding Corporation on their website. Selected Reading EchoStar to sell more spectrum licenses to SpaceX for $2.6 billion- Reuters Kratos to acquire Orbit Technologies - Intelligence Community News Reflex Aerospace Secures Record €50 Million Series A Record-Breaking Optical Power Beaming Proves Path to Scalable Power Grid for Space   Portal unveils Starburst, an ESPA-class rapid-maneuverability spacecraft, and announces Starburst-1 mission on SpaceX in Q4 2026 Firefly Aerospace Closes Acquisition of SciTec National Security Technology Company Starlab Names Leidos as Primary Assembly, Integration and Testing Provider Ecosmic partners with ESA to validate SAFE on Agency satellites Raytheon UK awarded UK Space Agency contract to deliver orbital analyst capability- RTX ispace selected for Japan’s Space Strategy Fund project 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google Research is detailing a new research initiative they're calling Project Suncatcher, the blueprints for a constellation of solar-powered satellites carrying Tensor Processing Units to operate as space-based AI data centers. US President Donald Trump has renominated Jared Isaacman to become Administrator of NASA after withdrawing his initial nomination just this past May. China’s crewed spacecraft Shenzhou‑20, docked at the Tiangong space station since April 24th, has unfortunately had its return to Earth postponed. 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 Exploring a space-based, scalable AI infrastructure system design Trump renominates Musk ally Jared Isaacman to run NASA months after withdrawal SEALSQ, WISeKey and Swiss Armed Forces advance quantum-secure satellite security  Our October 14 show: Are satellites vulnerable to eavesdropping?  China's Shenzhou-20 return mission delayed due to space debris impact- Reuters  ESA - Sentinel-1D and Ariane 6 ready for liftoff Rocket Lab - 'The Nation God Navigates' Launch Astronomer captures 2 meteors slamming into the moon (video) | Space 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

Intuitive Machines (IM) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lanteris Space Systems (Lanteris), formerly Maxar Space Systems, for $800 million. The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) has warned the European Commission (EC) that the EU Space Act initiative is doomed to be uncompetitive globally and will put a drag on America’s industry as well. The UK House of Lords has published The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out report, 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 John Wensveen, President of International Space University.  You can connect with John on LinkedIn, and learn more about the AI in Space course on their website. Selected Reading Intuitive Machines to Acquire Lanteris Space Systems, Creating the Next-Generation Commercial, Civil, and National Security Space Prime Progressive Policy Institute's Filing with the European Commission Regarding the EU Space Act The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out ESA - Sentinel-1D and Ariane 6 ready for liftoff Varda and United Semiconductors Announce Joint Development Agreement ‘Global perspective’ key to moving humanity forward in space- UN News 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

SpaceX’s Bandwagon-4 mission launched on Sunday from Florida carrying 18 payloads for KOREA ADD, Exolaunch, Fergani, Tomorrow Companies Inc., Starcloud, and Vast.  India launched the CMS-03 satellite to provide communication services over the Indian landmass and a wide oceanic region. China’s Shenzhou-21 crew arrived at the Tiangong Space Station 3.5 hours after liftoff, 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. Note that the BIS Affiliates Rule discussed in the Space Law FAQ segment has undergone changes in enforcement status due to geopolitical discussions since the episode was recorded. While not being actively enforced for one year, according to the Trump administration, it is still a law, and enforcement can resume at any point. For more information on the President's statement announcing a one-year hold on enforcement, please check out this article: US Is ‘Suspending’ BIS 50% Rule for a Year, Bessent Says, After China Trade Talks- Kharon Selected Reading SpaceX - Bandwagon-4 Mission India space agency launches its heaviest satellite China's Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft docks with space station - CGTN China's 2026 space mission lineup: Mengzhou-1, Long March-10A to debut - CGTN MDA Space Makes $10 Million Investment in Maritime Launch becoming an Equity Owner and a Strategic Partner NASA Cuts ISS Jobs At MSFC NRF, QIC Join Global Defence Investors in $46m Series A for Australian Hypersonic Flight Pioneer | Hypersonix Launch Systems Teledyne Completes Acquisition of TransponderTech from Saab Dwarf peas inside Biosphere 2's SAM breathe new life into space habitat research- University of Arizona News 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

When satellites burn up upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, they release particles and gases, including metals like aluminium, which may affect atmospheric chemistry. This process, known as atmospheric ablation, is still poorly understood, but early evidence suggests metal content in the atmosphere is rising. To address these uncertainties, the UK Space Agency commissioned three targeted studies to investigate the potential impacts of satellite re-entry. We spoke to Professor Minkawn Kim from the University of Southampton about his findings. You can hear the Professor’s chat with Maria from 2024 here.  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. 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

The European Space Agency (ESA) is establishing its first hub in Asia with a new office in Tokyo, Japan. Luxembourg telecommunications company OrbitsIQ Global has acquired UNIO Enterprise. Space infrastructure company Catalyx Space has raised $5.4 million in an oversubscribed Seed funding round, 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 Elysia Segal brings us the Space Traffic Report from NASASpaceflight.com. Selected Reading ESA to establish presence in Tokyo to strengthen strategic partnership with Japan OrbitsIQ Global Acquires UNIO Enterprise Catalyx Space Secures $5.4 Million Seed Round to Build for the Next Era of Orbital Logistics Rendezvous Robotics and Starcloud Partner to Enable Gigawatt-Scale Orbital Power and Data Infrastructure Momentus Signs New Contract for Partnership with DPhi Space to Fly Edge Computing Payload on Next Mission and for Future Revenue Sharing The International Space Station marks 25 years of nonstop human presence in orbit ESA - Flying through the biggest solar storm ever recorded 12-year-old discovers 2 possible new asteroids- Space 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

China says it's on course to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. stc group has committed to a prepayment of $175 million for future services from AST SpaceMobile (AST). Japan’s Axelspace Corporation has signed agreements with governmental organizations from Ghana and Kenya to support Earth Observation (EO) data usage, 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 guests today are Greg Gillinger, SVP for Strategy & Development, Integrity ISR, and Torsten Kriening from SpaceWatch.Global. Selected Reading China targets manned moon landing by 2030 - CGTN China unveils Shenzhou-21 crew for space station mission - CGTN Pakistani astronaut to enter Chinese space station as specialist - CGTN stc group and AST SpaceMobile Announce 10-Year Commercial Agreement and Long-Term Revenue Commitment for Space-based Cellular Broadband Connectivity Axelspace Signs MoUs with Two African Organizations to Address Social Challenges through the Utilization of Satellite Data DSIT research and development plans to 2029 to 2030 - GOV.UK Karman Space & Defense Acquires Five Axis Industries Inc. (“Five Axis”), a Leading Supplier of Advanced Engine Subsystems for Major Commercial Space Programs Colorado sues Trump Administration over Space Command move L3Harris Technologies Reports Strong Third Quarter 2025 Results, Increases 2025 Guidance 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

Japan’s HTV-X cargo spacecraft has arrived at the International Space Station for the first time ever. Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea’s KT SAT to jointly develop and test 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technologies. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to kick off two proceedings that will impact satellite licensing, 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 Watch Japan's 1st HTV-X cargo craft arrive at the International Space Station today KT SAT and SKY Perfect JSAT Sign MoU for Joint R&D on GEO-based 5G NTN Technologies FCC Kicks Off Proceeding to Overhaul Satellite Licensing ESA - Europe turns to space to boost resilience Space Foundation and Space Force Association Announce New Partnership Pentagon Nominee Open to Consolidating Space Force and NRO Holy See: Space-based weaponry poses ‘genuine and grave’ threat - Vatican News Boeing Reports Third Quarter Results NASA's X-59 'quiet' supersonic jet makes historic 1st flight (photos)- Space 25 years, one website: ISS in Real Time captures quarter-century on space station - Ars Technica 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