

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

Jun 19, 2025 • 35min
Juneteenth: Reflecting, belonging, and owning your seat at the table. [Special Edition]
We put together an open conversation between our podcast hosts, CyberWire Daily's Dave Bittner, T-Minus Space Daily’s Maria Varmazis, and CISO Perspectives podcast’s Kim Jones. Their conversation goes deeper than just the historical significance of Juneteenth, diving into candid conversations on allyship, representation, and the enduring value of diversity in the cybersecurity and space fields. Grab your coffee and join us in the room.
Resources:
Juneteenth
CISO Perspectives podcast:
Does diversity matter in cyber?
Mid season reflection with Kim Jones.
T-Minus Space Daily podcast:
Dr. Sian Proctor sharing her poem "Space to Inspire" on Instagram.
Deep Space: Inspiration4 with Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 18min
We’re here for the ride, Sally.
Honda has successfully conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket. Vi and AST SpaceMobile plan to expand mobile connectivity across India’s unconnected regions. China conducted a zero-altitude escape flight test at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Tuesday, and more.
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Selected Reading
Honda Conducts Successful Launch and Landing Test of Experimental Reusable Rocket
Viasat hacked by China-backed Salt Typhoon in 2024 US telecom attacks
Vi and AST SpaceMobile Announce Partnership for Satellite Connectivity
China's new crewed spaceship for moon missions completes abort test - CGTN
NASA, German Aerospace Center to Expand Artemis Campaign Cooperation
Maxar Partners With Array Labs to Fuel Its 3D Operational Terrain
Planet and Tony Blair Institute for Global Change Enable Data-Driven Policy for the Government of Zanzibar
Exobiosphere and Space Cargo Unlimited Unite for High-Throughput Biotech in Space
Collaborative partnership to position New Zealand as a global leader in superconducting magnet technologies for space
Orion Space Solutions Prepares for Historical VLEO DARPA Ouija Program Mission Launch
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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

Jun 17, 2025 • 25min
Hyper for the future of mach 5+ space travel.
Ursa Major has been selected by Stratolaunch to develop and deliver 16 upgraded Hadley H13 engines. The UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has awarded a £5.15 million satellite contract for the Orpheus space domain awareness mission to Astroscale UK. Rocket Lab adds two new missions to Electron’s 2025 launch manifest, and more.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Craig Smith, Executive Director at Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority.
You can connect with Craig on LinkedIn, and learn more about the Oklahoma Air and Space Port on their website.
Selected Reading
Ursa Major Awarded $32.9M Contract to Deliver 16 Hadley's
Dstl announces Orpheus satellite mission contract - GOV.UK
Rocket Lab Adds Two New Missions to 2025 Electron Launch Manifest, Schedules First Launch in Four Days’ Time
Millennium Space Systems Delivers Pair of Space Vehicles to Launch Site for NASA's TRACERS Mission
Logos Space Services Raises $50 Million From USIT in Series A Round - Via Satellite
NASA Seeks Commercial Feedback on Space Communication Solutions
Skylo Sets Sights on Asia and Certifies Samsung Exynos 2500 as Analysys Mason Hails Turning Point for Satellite D2D
Telespazio UK announces successful completion of critical phase in ALIGN programme
ESA - Proba-3’s first artificial solar eclipse
T-Minus Crew Survey
Complete our annual audience survey before August 31.
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

Jun 16, 2025 • 34min
ULA scrubs the latest launch of Amazon Project Kuiper satellites.
United Launch Alliance scrubs the launch of the second batch of Amazon Project Kuiper satellites due to an engineering observation of an elevated purge temperature within the booster engine. UP Aerospace has successfully conducted a hypersonic rocket launch at White Sands Missile Range. Axiom’s Ax-4 mission to the international space station is aiming to launch no earlier than Thursday, June 19, and more.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Brandon Karpf, friend of the show, founder of T-Minus Space Daily, and cybersecurity expert.
Selected Reading
Atlas V Kuiper 2
UP Aerospace Successfully Launches Maiden Flight of the Spyder Hypersonic Rocket
NASA, Partners Review Axiom Mission 4 Launch Opportunities
Star Catcher and Starcloud Announce Partnership to Utilize Power Beaming to Enhance Capabilities
Redwire Completes Acquisition of Edge Autonomy, Establishing Company as a Global Defense Tech Disruptor Specializing in Multi-Domain Solutions
Elon Musk activates Starlink internet access in Iran - Washington Times
BlackSky to Expand Constellation to Deliver High-Cadence, Multi-Spectral Broad Area Collection Capabilities
AST SpaceMobile Announces Settlement Term Sheet Facilitating Long-Term Access to up to 45 MHz of Premium Lower Mid-Band Spectrum in North America for Direct-to-Device Satellite Applications
2025 IREC - ESRA
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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

Jun 14, 2025 • 25min
AIAA’s Breaking Barriers.
AIAA has a new CEO and a new logo. The brand refresh represents a commitment to breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. The new image, inspired by the Bell X-1, which broke the sound barrier, signifies AIAA's dedication to fostering collaboration, driving technological advancements, and inspiring the next generation of aerospace pioneers. Find out more from Clay Mowry.
You can connect with Clay on LinkedIn, and find out more about AIAA 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.
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

Jun 13, 2025 • 17min
Orbit delayed, deals made.
Expect delays on the Space Force’s Next-Gen OPIR satellite. NATO awards a seven figure contract to Planet Labs. EU clears SES’s $3.1 billion dollar bid for Intelsat. 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
We are joined by NASASpaceflight.com with the Space Traffic Report.
Selected Reading
Weapon Systems Annual Assessment: DOD Leaders Should Ensure That Newer Programs Are Structured for Speed and Innovation (U.S. GAO)
NATO Selects Planet for Landmark Seven-Figure Contract for Advanced Daily Monitoring and Early Warning Capabilities (BusinessWire)
EU unconditionally clears SES's $3.1 bln bid for Intelsat (Reuters)
Commission approves unconditionally the acquisition of Intelsat by SES (Europa)
BAE Systems and Hanwha Systems sign MOU to develop advanced multi-sensor satellite system (BAE Systems)
FAA Closes SpaceX Starship Flight 8 Mishap Investigation (Federal Aviation Administration)
Space in Africa and Jaguar Space sign MOU (Jaguar Space)
ICEYE signs agreement to deliver SAR satellite capabilities to the Portuguese Air Force (ICEYE)
T-Minus Crew Survey
Complete our annual audience survey before August 31.
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

Jun 12, 2025 • 24min
Dawn Aerospace says “Oklahoma…OK!”
Dawn Aerospace of New Zealand signs an agreement with Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority. Sierra Space launches a new business unit. Muon Space completes Series B. And, more.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Ryan Melton, CEO of OpenC3, Inc.
You can connect with Ryan on LinkedIn, and learn more about OpenC3 on their website.
Selected Reading
Dawn Aerospace Partners with Oklahoma Spaceport to Launch U.S. Based Spaceplane, Unlocking Daily Access to Space (Dawn Aerospace) We have spoken with Craig Smith and Stefan Powell
Announcing Sierra Space Defense (BusinessWire)
Muon Space Completes $146 Million Series B to Scale Satellite Constellations for Defense and Commercial Missions (Muon Space)
Velo3D and Vaya Space Announce $4 Million Strategic Partnership to Leverage Velo3D's Rapid Production Solution (RPS) to Advance Additive Manufacturing for Space Propulsion (PR Newswire)
Astrobotic’s CubeRover is Flight-Ready for Lunar Mission (Astrobiotic)
NASA, Axiom Space Delay Axiom Mission 4 Launch to Space Station (NASA)
$15M boost: NewSpace Center to create 1,000 jobs in NM (Albuquerque Business First)
NASA Space Missions At Risk Under Trump Budget Plan (Bloomberg)
T-Minus Crew Survey
Complete our annual audience survey before August 31.
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

Jun 11, 2025 • 12min
It’s all about the launch.
Axiom Space postpones launch further. Amazon's Project Kuiper readying second batch of satellites. Voyager Space going public. And, more.
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Selected Reading
Axiom Space (Axiom)
Project Kuiper mission updates: The latest launch news as we deploy our satellite internet constellation (Amazon)
Space and defense tech firm Voyager raises $382.8 million in US IPO (Reuters)
Voyager Announces Pricing of Initial Public Offering (BusinessWire)
York Space Systems' Dragoon Mission Ready for Launch, First in 12-Satellite Constellation for Missile Warning and Warfighter Connectivity (PR Newswire)
Rocket Lab Successfully Launches Second Mission for iQPS in Rapid 25 Day Turnaround (Rocket Lab)
USAF Test Pilot School pioneers space cyber test workshop (Edwards Air Force Base)
AST SpaceMobile Set to Join the U.S. Large-Cap Russell 1000® Index (BusinessWire)
China is arming its space station with 'guard dogs.' They have good reason for it (Fast Company)
SFL Missions Inc. Included on Team Awarded Moon Mapping Study Contract by European Space Agency (ESA) (BusinessWire)
'Tiangong Lecture' bridges Chinese astronauts and Hungarian students (CGTN)
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy (New Scientist)
Redwire Selected by NASA to Facilitate Biotechnology Research as Part of Historic International Human Spaceflight Mission (BusinessWire)
NASA’s PUNCH Releases Its First Images of Huge Eruptions from Sun (NASA)
T-Minus Crew Survey
Complete our annual audience survey before August 31.
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

Jun 10, 2025 • 22min
Big news on the Hill for Space Force.
Big budget news for the Space Force from Capitol Hill. Quantum Space secured an additional $40 million to accelerate Ranger spacecraft. Attackers are increasingly targeting space assets with advanced malware. And, more.
Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app.
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T-Minus Guest
Our guest today is Celia Pelaz, COO at Spire Global.
You can connect with Celia on LinkedIn, and learn more about Spire Global on their website.
Selected Reading
House appropriators unveil defense bill, boost Space Force funding (SpaceNews)
Quantum Space raises $40 million (SpaceNews)
Space ISAC articles - Constellations (Kratos)
Axiom Mission 4 (Axiom)
NASA raises the odds that an asteroid could hit the moon in 2032 (Space)
Shenzhou-20 crew completes over 10 experiments, tests in past week (CGTN)
CEO of space company Axiom breaks down what a $70 million ticket gets you (Business Insider)
Space stocks soar as Elon Musk and Donald Trump argue (The Street)
T-Minus Crew Survey
Complete our annual audience survey before August 31.
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

Jun 9, 2025 • 25min
NASA crowdsources innovation in space.
The US Space Agency has announced 25 new NASA Open Innovation Service contracts. Protests are planned against proposed cuts to NASA’s budget. The UK Space Agency has launched a call for proposals for a UK-led scientific instrument for NASA’s Habitable Worlds Observatory, 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
NASA Awards Third Crowdsourcing Contract Iteration
Ex-NASA Admin pick blames Musk ties for pulled nomination- The Register
Stop the NASA Budget Cuts Protest - Action Network
UK aims to lead an instrument on NASA mission to find habitable worlds
Canada reaffirms international collaboration with the European Space Agency
SpaceX fires up Super Heavy booster ahead of Starship's 10th test flight (video)- Space
Redwire Announces Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger to Acquire Edge Autonomy
Trump’s Golden Dome Creates Opening for Space Force to Gain Relevance
China's Tianwen 2 spacecraft sends home 1st photo as it heads for mysterious 'quasi-moon' asteroid- Space
T-Minus Crew Survey
Complete our annual audience survey before August 31.
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