

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

Jan 31, 2024 • 30min
Starlab chooses Starship.
StarLab Space, which is a joint venture between Voyager space and Airbus, have chosen to launch their Starlab commercial space station on SpaceX’s Starship. Rocket Lab launched its first successful mission of 2024 called “Four of a Kind'' from New Zealand. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and Arianespace have signed an Memorandum of Understanding for a long-term partnership to support satellite launch missions, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestOur guest today is Kevin Brown, Senior Vice President, Business Development at All Points Logistics.You can connect with Kevin on LinkedIn and learn more about All Points on their website.Selected ReadingStarlab Space Selects SpaceX’s Starship for Historic LaunchSpaceX: DOD Has Requested Taking Over Starship For Individual Missions | Aviation Week NetworkRocket Lab Successfully Launches First Electron Mission of Busy 2024 Launch Schedule | Business WireNSIL and ARIANESPACE sign an MoU for Long-term partnership to support Satellite Launch missionsNorwegian Microsatellite Developed by Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) Achieves Optical Satellite-to-Ground Communications Link | Business WireSpace Commerce Institute Partners with Azercosmos to Launch Mentorship Program for Women in AzerbaijanWhite House official urges more 'real' Pentagon investment in space mobility - Breaking DefenseThe world’s first metal 3D printer for space is on its way to the ISS | AirbusExotrail developing space tug to carry small satellites to geostationary orbit - SpaceNewsSpace-related incidents during Taiwan’s electionsA Year After Space Force Fuel Spill on Sacred Hawaii Volcano, Work on a Cleanup Plan Continues | Military.comSpace Coast’s new general spearheads more cooperation with private space companies – Orlando Sentinel U.S. Space Force wary of China's expanding spy satellite fleet - SpaceNews Space Force reexamining acquisition strategy for secure narrow-band communications - Breaking DefenseT-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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

Jan 31, 2024 • 31min
Enhancing Europe’s space sector.
The European Space Agency, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank have come to a formal agreement to enhance the European Space Sector. Spanish aerospace company PLD Space has won the second phase of the project for the development of a Spanish launcher for small satellites. Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. has completed a deal with Eutelsat OneWeb to purchase its 50% share of the Airbus OneWeb Satellites (AOS) joint venture, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestOur guest today is Yashas Karanam, Director of Bellatrix Aerospace.You can connect with Yashas on LinkedIn and learn more about Bellatrix on their website.Selected ReadingESA Signs A New Tripartite Collaboration To Strengthen Ties In The European Space Sector With EIB And ECPLD Space awarded PERTE contract to develop space launcher for 40.5 million eurosAirbus Announces Purchase of Eutelsat OneWeb’s Stake in Satellite Constellation Manufacturing Joint VentureQuindar Secures $6M for Spacecraft Management AI, Integrates with KSAT for Mission OpsRogue Space Systems Awarded a Payload Hosting Contract with Forward EdgeMission Teams Target Tuesday for Launch of Cygnus Cargo Mission – Space Station Projects Flying to Space Station on NG-20 Will Include Tissue Chips, Artificial Retina Production, a New Supercomputer, and MoreUAE's first female astronaut to graduate from Nasa training programme in MarchMichael Lukacs Leads Critical Investment in Space; Private Sector Powers First American Lunar Landing in Half a Century | Tech TimesThe Past, Present, And Future Of Inflatable Space Habitats | HackadaySpace Shuttle Endeavour hoisted for installation in vertical display at L.A. museum - ABC NewsT-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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

Jan 29, 2024 • 32min
SLIM lets the sun shine in.
JAXA reestablishes contact with SLIM after a recent shift in lighting conditions allowed it to catch sunlight and generate the power that it needs for its mission. The Korea Augmentation Satellite System (KASS) has been officially certified by the Korean authorities. Iran says it successfully launched three satellites into space over the weekend, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestOur guest today is Dr. Carlos Mata, CTO at Scientific Lightening Solutions on managing lightning risks in spaceports. You can connect with Carlos on LinkedIn and learn more about Scientific Lightening Solutions on their website.Selected ReadingJapan's SLIM probe regains power more than a week after moon landing | ReutersCommittee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Scientific and Technical Subcommittee, 61st session, 995th meeting | UN Web TVKorea’s KASS satellite navigation system certified by national authorities and enters operational service | Thales Alenia SpaceIran launches 3 satellites into space as tensions rise : NPRNorthrop Grumman Satellite-Refueling Technology Selected as First Preferred Refueling Solution Interface Standard for Space Systems Command (SSC)FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Innovation Engines Awards, Catalyzing More Than $530 Million to Boost Economic Growth and Innovation in Communities Across America | The White HouseWe're heading for Venus: ESA approves EnVisionA handful of space companies are running out of cash and time. Here are three at riskCompeting In Space: A Joint Product Of The National Space Intelligence Center And The National Air And Space Intelligence CenterRedwire Space Announces Strategic Expansion of its In-Space Manufacturing Technology Portfolio to Tap into Global Semiconductor MarketVisually impaired people can now listen to an eclipse. Here’s how.T-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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

Jan 26, 2024 • 35min
Goodbye, Ginny.
NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter has ended its mission at the Red Planet after surpassing expectations and making dozens more flights than planned. The Federal Communications Commission is proposing a new framework to license space stations conducting in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) activities. paceX is looking for science and research ideas that will enable life in space and on other planets, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestOur guest today is Salvatore Grignano, Senior Marketing and Promotion Officer at the Italian Trade Agency, Houston.You can connect with Salvatore on LinkedIn, learn more about ITA on their website and meet up at SPACECOM.Selected ReadingAfter Three Years on Mars, NASA’s Ingenuity Helicopter Mission EndsFirst Video of NASA’s Ingenuity Mars Helicopter in Flight, Includes Takeoff and Landing (High-Res) Space Innovation; Facilitating Capabilities for In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and ManufacturingSpaceX - ResearchNASA Selects Winners of Third TechRise Student ChallengeNASA Collaborating on European-led Gravitational Wave Observatory in SpaceGMV and Astroscale UK spearhead new ESA initiative for improved satellite collision avoidance"Europe must promote fair competition between private launch operators"- PLD SpaceESA - Hubble finds water vapour in small exoplanet’s atmosphereHellas Sat and Thales Alenia Space sign a Memorandum of Understanding to develop Optical Communication payload for Hellas Sat 5 satelliteVirgin Galactic's to launch 1st Ukrainian woman to space — and 3 others — on Galactic 06 suborbital flight todayJanuary/February 2024 - 10 Defining Moments in Cybersecurity and Satellite in 2023How the Taiwan Crisis Impacts the Space Power RaceFighting for Space: The Low Earth Satellite Race | Al JazeeraNew emperor penguin colonies discovered in Antarctica after guano spotted from spaceT-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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

Jan 25, 2024 • 29min
SLIC move for Firefly.
Firefly Aerospace has been chosen by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) to launch satellites using its Alpha rocket. The Space Development Agency has awarded General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems a contract to demonstrate optical communication terminals (OCTs). The US Department of Defense has awarded a research and development contract to TransAstra to develop the company’s FlyTrap system to capture and secure space objects, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestOur guest today is Robert Long, President & CEO of Space Florida.You can learn more about Space Florida on their website and meet up at SPACECOM.Selected ReadingFirefly Aerospace Onboarded as Launch Provider for the NRO with Alpha RocketGeneral Atomics Awarded Space Development Agency Contract to Demonstrate Optical Communication Terminals | NewswireTransAstra Awarded First Defense Department Contract for FlyTrap, Following Success With NASA- chronicle-tribune.comAstroscale’s ELSA-d Finalizes De-Orbit Operations Marking Successful Mission ConclusionStricken Japanese Moon mission landed on its noseGITAI Autonomous Robotic Arm Set to Launch on Jan. 29 to International Space StationBoryung, Axiom Space Announce Joint Venture to Revolutionize Space Industry in KoreaChina's space station sets up brain activity testing platform - CGTNDominican Republic to launch first satellite to tackle Sargassum from spaceEyes in the sky: The increasing importance of very low Earth orbit (VLEO) for national security - SpaceNewsAir Force Now 'Very Weak', New Report Says, But Space Force Is Gaining StrengthRogue Space Systems Announces Strategic Leadership Changes To Accelerate GrowthCelebrating NASA's Spirit and Opportunity Rovers’ Mars LandingsT-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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

Jan 24, 2024 • 28min
The space sandwich.
ClearSpace and Orbit Fab announce a strategic partnership to advance in-space refueling and servicing capabilities. Belgium has become the latest country to add its signature to the Artemis Accords. The European Space Agency and the European Commission have selected five companies that will launch institutional missions into space in the framework of the Flight Ticket Initiative, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestOur guest is Robert Ganim, Starburst Aerospace's Director of Government Affairs. You can connect with Robert on LinkedIn and learn more about Starburst on their website.Selected ReadingClearSpace And Orbit Fab Partner To Create In-Space Refueling ServiceBelgium Becomes Latest Signatory to the Artemis AccordsPLD Space, selected by ESA and the European Commission for the Flight Ticket Initiative launch contractsNASA System Predicts Impact of a Very Small Asteroid Over GermanyEutelsat Signs GEO/LEO Deal in South Africa - Via SatelliteHorizontal Integration Facility designs reveal full extent of ELA's value offering to launch vehicle providers and payload customers. U.S. government awards NOAA millions for wildfire response research | SpaceFreedom Space Technologies Awarded Contract in Partnership with OMNI Federal to Support Space Force Space Systems Command FORGE C2 Mission- Business WireChina takes its chip war to space as it uses Tiangong space station to test processors and gain a tech edge- South China Morning PostJanuary/February 2024 - Former Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart on the Milestones, Hopes, and Heartbreaks of Virgin Orbit’s Journey | Via SatelliteLaunch Into a Galaxy of Playfulness with Limited-Edition OREO Space Dunk CookiesT-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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

Jan 23, 2024 • 27min
Space finance bits and bobs.
Albedo Space raises $48 million in a Series A round. Latitude has closed a Series B funding round that secured $30 million in new capital. Share My Space has transitioned to ALDORIA, and secured €10M in a Series A funding round, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestWe’re working with AWS to bring you an in-depth look at the transformative intersection of cloud computing, space technologies, and generative AI. Today we have a preview of our fourth episode which is due to air on Saturday, AWS in Orbit: Empowering small farming through AI and space technologies. Yohei Nakayama, Chief Technology Officer at Degas Ltd., shares how his company is revolutionizing small farming in Ghana through AWS's cloud, AI, and space technologies. Yohei is joined by AWS Solutions Architect Emma Higashikawa,Selected ReadingAlbedo Raises $48M Series ALatitude closes $30M Series BALDORIA closes €10M Series A FundingAAC Clyde Space wins SEK 9.9 M Sirius orderLockheed Martin Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial ResultsSpace stock Intuitive Machines climbs ahead of historic commercial moon-landing missionCapella Space and Floodbase Partner to Bring High-Resolution SAR Data to Parametric InsurersOrbex Selected for European Commission and ESA's New Flight Ticket InitiativeBlue Origin joins 2 stages of New Glenn rocket for the 1st time (photo) | SpaceJapan’s moonshot may mark breakthrough for future lunar missions - The Japan TimesDr Tidiane Ouattara Appointed Head of the Science, Technology and Space Division at the AUCVoyager Space Appoints Marshall Smith as Chief Technology Officer, Member of Starlab Space Board of DirectorsIndustry report calls for greater use of AI to extract untapped value from satellite data - SpaceNewsUSPS Reaches for Final Frontier With New Priority Mail Stamps T-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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

Jan 22, 2024 • 28min
Very important dust.
NASA has completed the disassembly of the OSIRIS-REx sampler head to reveal the remainder of the asteroid Bennu sample inside. Sierra Space has tested its first full-scale, expandable space station structure, alongside softgoods technology partner ILC Dover. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency believes there’s a possibility of power generation for their lunar lander, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestOur guest today is Aravind Ravichandran, founder of TerraWatch Space Advisory and Insights. You can connect with Aravind on LinkedIn and learn more about TerraWatch Space on their website.Selected ReadingNASA’S OSIRIS-REx Curation Team Reveals Remaining Asteroid SampleSierra Space Advances its Revolutionary Commercial Space Station TechnologyRedwire Selected as Strategic Supplier for Blue Origin’s Trailblazing Blue Ring Space Mobility PlatformJAXA | The results of the Moon Landing by the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM)Laser Instrument on NASA’s LRO Successfully ‘Pings’ Indian Moon LanderAxiom Space Celebrates Arrival of Ax-3 crew to International Space StationIran says it successfully launched satellite in Revolutionary Guards' space program- The Times of IsraelSurrey scientists to help build zero gravity space fuel systemRelativity Space wants to build 200-foot tower next to Long Beach AirportSpace Policy Official Details Approach to Maintaining U.S. Edge'Star Trek' on Mars? Curiosity rover spots Starfleet symbol on Red PlanetT-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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

Jan 20, 2024 • 28min
Lift off from Equatorial Launch Australia.
Equatorial Launch Australia’s (ELA) mission is to be the pre-eminent multi-user commercial Space Launch company, providing world-class launch services supporting testing, launch and recovery of space vehicles and payloads flown to and from all space orbits. We spoke with ELA’s Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Michael Jones.You can connect with Michael on LinkedIn and learn more about ELA on their website.You can also find out more about the Global Spaceport Alliance on their website.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.Audience SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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. © 2023 N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 19, 2024 • 27min
There’s Transformers on the Moon!
Japan’s lunar lander makes a successful touchdown on the moon. NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce announced the start of a commercial pathfinder project in support of its Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS). The European Space Agency finds layers of water ice stretching several kilometers below ground at Mars’ equator, and more.Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.Miss an episode? Sign-up for our weekly intelligence roundup, Signals and Space, and you’ll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram.T-Minus GuestOur guest today is Equatorial Launch Australia’s (ELA) Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Michael Jones.You can connect with Michael on LinkedIn and learn more about ELA on their website.Selected ReadingNASA, Partners to Welcome Private Crew Aboard Space StationAstrobotic loses contact with hobbled Peregrine moon lander- SpaceOffice of Space Commerce Initiates TraCSS Pathfinder ProjectsSidus Space Unveils Cutting-edge Multi-Material 3D Printed Space Hardware DivisionESA - Buried water ice at Mars's equator?The first large-scale vertical take-off and landing flight test mission of the Blue Arrow Aerospace Zhuque-3 reusable rocket was a complete success!Scout Space names new chief executive officer - SpaceNewsAstroscale Plans Refueling Mission APS-R With Space Force Funding - Via Satellite2024 Space4Youth Competition Open!T-Minus Crew SurveyWe want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day.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. © 2024 N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices