

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

Dec 16, 2025 • 27min
Microdebris, maneuvers, and managing the orbital commons.
The US and France held a joint orbital exercise as part of the Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender. EraDrive has raised $5.3M in a seed round to scale the production of their space traffic management system. The US Department of State is seeking qualified individuals to participate as private sector advisors for a discussion group on space situational awareness (SSA), and more.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Trevor Smith, Co-founder and CEO of Atomic-6.
Selected Reading
France, US practice up-close satellite maneuvers under joint space war plan
EraDrive CEO announcement
Solicitation for Federal Register Notice 12609: Seeking Private Sector Participants for a Discussion Group on the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) Expert Group on Space Situational Awareness - United States Department of State
Vast Announces Call for Research Proposals
Momentus Completes Key Milestone for Next Launch of Spacecraft with Customer Payloads
Earth’s atmosphere may help support human life on the moon
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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

Dec 15, 2025 • 26min
Starfish Space completes an autonomous RPO in LEO.
Starfish Space has successfully completed an autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) mission in low Earth orbit with Impulse Space. Rocket Lab has marked a milestone with the successful deployment of its first dedicated launch for JAXA. Mission Space has announced its intention to launch its second on-orbit payload with Rogue Space Systems, and more.
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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.
Selected Reading
Starfish Space Completes Autonomous Rendezvous and Proximity Mission in LEO with Impulse Space
Mission Success: Rocket Lab Deploys First Dedicated Launch for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
Mission Space and Rogue Space Announce Launch of Mission Space's Second In-Orbit Payload
Virgin Galactic Partners with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to Advance High-Altitude Image-Capture Technology
Space Force will not partner with NRO for next-generation surveillance satellites
'Fiddler on the Moon' documentary explores how Judaism might adapt as humanity reaches out into space
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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

Dec 13, 2025 • 23min
Lunar nuclear power and next-generation quantum sensing.
Canadian Space Mining Corporation (CSMC) is focused on lunar nuclear power and next-generation quantum sensing. We spoke to Daniel Sax, founder and CEO of CSMC, about how CSMC evolved from lunar exploration into developing micro-reactors for the Moon and the Arctic, as well as quantum gravity sensors that could transform subsurface mapping for both Earth and planetary science.
You can connect with Daniel on LinkedIn, and learn more about CSMC on their website.
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.
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

Dec 12, 2025 • 27min
From cyber threats to heavy-lift satellites.
Lawmakers in the US have reintroduced a bipartisan bill to help commercial satellite owners and operators defend against growing cybersecurity threats to satellites. Satellite manufacturer K2 Space has raised $250 million in Series C funding at a $3 billion valuation. Fortastra has emerged from stealth and has raised over $8 million in seed financing, and more.
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T-Minus Guest
Elysia Segal brings us the Space Traffic Report from NASASpaceflight.com.
Selected Reading
Lawmakers revive satellite cybersecurity bill to shield commercial space systems from rising threats - Industrial Cyber
K2 Space Raises $250M at $3B Valuation to Roll Out a New Class of High-Capability Satellites
Strength Among the Stars: Fortastra Emerges to Build Maneuverable Spacecraft for National Security
New Orders Signed With MBDA For Over 35m€- Avio
NASA Selects Two Heliophysics Missions for Continued Development
NASA JPL Unveils Rover Operations Center for Moon, Mars Missions
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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

Dec 11, 2025 • 23min
AI trained in space.
Starcloud has successfully trained and run the first large AI model in space. DARPA has awarded BAE a Phase 2 contract to advance autonomous space-based surveillance. Firefly Aerospace will host Volta Space Technologies’ wireless power receiver on Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 2 lander on the far side of the Moon, and more.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Jerome Hittle, CEO & Founder at AmplifiedSpace.
You can connect with Jerome on LinkedIn, and learn more about AmplifiedSpace on their website.
Selected Reading
‘Greetings, earthlings’: Nvidia-backed Starcloud trains first AI model in space as orbital data center race heats up
BAE Systems to advance autonomous space-based surveillance technology for DARPA
Firefly Aerospace Adds Volta’s Wireless Power Receiver to Blue Ghost Mission on Far Side of the Moon
HawkEye 360 and International Partner Establish Multi-Year Data Access Agreement
ESA - Space-enabled air traffic control takes flight globally
Momentus Selected for U.S. Space Force SHIELD Contract Vehicle
Bezos and Musk Race to Bring Data Centers to Space
NASA Teams Work MAVEN Spacecraft Signal Loss
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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

Dec 10, 2025 • 16min
Canada’s MILSATCOM in the Arctic.
MDA Space has signed a partnership agreement with the Government of Canada and Telesat Corporation to develop and deliver military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) capabilities. SpaceX launched the NROL-77 mission on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida yesterday. China set a new record, launching three rockets in less than 19 hours, and more.
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Selected Reading
MDA Space Signs Strategic Partnership With The Department Of National Defence And Telesat To Deliver Military Satellite Communications
Launches - NROL-77
China breaks record with 3 Long March rocket launches in 19-hour stretch- Space
Chinese astronauts install debris protection aboard space station- Reuters
Federal Register Space Modernization for the 21st Century
ESA - Artist’s impression of the flaring, windy black hole in NGC 3783 (portrait)
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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

Dec 9, 2025 • 23min
One small step for Isaacman.
The US Senate Commerce Committee has voted to advance the nomination of Jared Isaacman to lead NASA. The Soyuz MS-27 crew has returned to Earth. Muon Space has been awarded a $1.9 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Direct to Phase II contract by SpaceWERX, and more.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Dr. Michelle Hailey, Director of Global Affairs at Solamed Solutions.
You can connect with Michelle on LinkedIn, and learn more about Solamed on their website.
Selected Reading
US Senate Committee votes to advance NASA nominee Jared Isaacman- Reuters
NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim, Crewmates Return from Space Station
Muon Space Secures Direct to Phase II Award Supporting Space Development Agency's Missile Warning and Tracking Mission
Space Infrastructure Startup Mantis Space Selects Albuquerque for Headquarters and Manufacturing Hub
Balerion Space Ventures Announces Strategic Investments in Three Companies Building the Infrastructure for America's Next Industrial Revolution
In First, Wheelchair User Set To Go To Space - Disability Scoop
Blue Origin Announces Crew for New Shepard’s 37th Mission
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Want to join us for an interview?
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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

Dec 8, 2025 • 26min
Europe’s big bet on sovereign space intelligence.
ICEYE has secured €150 million in new funding. NASA has selected two science instruments designed for astronauts to deploy on the surface of the Moon during the Artemis IV mission. Cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov to hand over command of the ISS to four-time space flyer NASA astronaut Mike Fincke, and more.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Gerry Hudack, VP of Engineering at Rendezvous Robotics.
You can connect with Gerry on LinkedIn, and learn more about Rendezvous Robotics on their website.
Selected Reading
ICEYE and General Catalyst partner to redefine space-based intelligence in Europe
NASA Selects 2 Instruments for Artemis IV Lunar Surface Science
Crew Swaps Commanders on Sunday as Trio Packs for Departure - NASA
ispace and Kurita Water Industries Agree on Strategic Partnership for Lunar Water Resource Development
SpaceX tells investors it is targeting late 2026 IPO, the Information reports- Reuters
NASA spacecraft were vulnerable to hacking for 3 years and nobody knew. AI found and fixed the flaw in 4 days- 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.
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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

Dec 6, 2025 • 24min
Should we repeal the Wolf Amendment?
Nearly 15 years after its inclusion in a 2011 annual appropriations bill, the Wolf Amendment remains a hotly debated topic reflecting many of the core geopolitical and philosophical issues at the heart of the debate over the U.S.-China relationship on matters of space and more. The Aerospace Corporation has created a series of debates arguing for and against retaining the amendment. We spoke to Brian Weeden from The Aerospace Corp.'s Center for Space Policy and Strategy discussing the takeaways from the debate series.
You can connect with Brian on LinkedIn, and read the debate arguments on The Aerospace Corporation’s website.
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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

Dec 5, 2025 • 21min
Canada Expands RADARSAT.
Canada has announced its intention to contract MDA Space to build, test, and launch an additional radar imaging satellite. HawkEye 360 has been awarded a contract extension from the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the Commercial Systems Program Office (CSPO) to expand its ongoing work. NASA has extended its Cooperative Agreement with CASIS to manage the International Space Station National Laboratory through 2030, 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
MDA Space Awarded Initial Contract By Canadian Space Agency For Radarsat Constellation Mission Replenishment Satellite
NRO Selects HawkEye 360 to Advance Tactical RF Data and Analytics Capabilities
CASIS to Manage the International Space Station National Laboratory Through 2030
Sidus Space Secures Subcontractor Role with MobLobSpace on NASA SBIR Radar Initiative with LizzieSat Hosting
Sam Altman Has Explored Deal to Build Competitor to Elon Musk’s SpaceX
RTX's Raytheon announces strategic collaboration with AWS to improve services for space customers
Castelion Closes $350 Million Series B to Mass Produce U.S. Hypersonic Weapons
NASA’s Fly Foundational Robots Demo to Bolster In-Space Infrastructure
“Space Sailors” Seeking Download Help from Ham Radio Operators
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.
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