T-Minus Space Daily: Episode Summary Episode Title: A Rocket Yule Log for Your Holiday Gathering Distraction
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Host: Maria Varmazas, N2K Networks

1. NASA Missions Update

Europa Clipper Mission NASA's Europa Clipper continues its journey toward Jupiter's moon Europa, currently positioned 13 million miles from Earth. The spacecraft successfully deployed critical instruments, including the 28-foot magnetometer boom and radar antennas, which will study Europa's magnetic field and map its icy crust. These instruments aim to assess the moon's subsurface oceans, ice shell thickness, and geological activity to evaluate its potential for supporting life.

Notable Quote:
"All systems are performing as expected as Europa Clipper journeys to Jupiter's moon Europa."
— Maria Varmazas [02:30]

Dragonfly Mission to Titan SpaceX has been selected as the launch provider for NASA's upcoming Dragonfly mission, part of the New Frontiers program. Dragonfly, a rotorcraft lander, is set to explore Saturn's moon Titan by flying between various sites to collect samples and gather data on Titan's composition and potential signs of past life. The mission is contracted at approximately $256.6 million, with a targeted launch window in July 2028 from Kennedy Space Center.

Notable Quote:
"Dragonfly will fly from site to site around Titan, collecting samples to uncover the moon's secrets and assess its habitability."
— Maria Varmazas [05:15]

JAXA's Epsilon S Setback Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) faced another setback with the Epsilon S second-stage rocket motor exploding 49 seconds after ignition during a test at Tanegashima Space Center. This marks the second such failure, the first occurring in July 2023. The incident delays the planned debut launch of the Epsilon S in March and necessitates extensive repairs to the test facility.

Notable Quote:
"It's better to have it happen on the test stand than on the launch pad."
— Maria Varmazas [07:40]

2. Business News in the Space Sector

DARC's Space Defense Initiatives France's Defense Innovation Agency has partnered with Paris-based startup DARC to enhance space defense capabilities. DARC specializes in rapid response missions for capturing debris and hostile objects in low Earth orbit. Their flagship system, the Interceptor, features five robotic arms designed to secure and guide targets to atmospheric reentry. Testing is planned for 2027, with full demonstrations by 2030.

Notable Quote:
"DARC's Interceptor is being designed for short-notice missions capable of deorbiting objects up to 1 metric ton within 24 hours."
— Maria Varmazas [09:25]

Slingshot Aerospace and NOAA Collaboration Slingshot Aerospace has secured a $13.3 million contract with NOAA's Office of Space Commerce to develop the user interface for the US Civil Space Safety Platform, Tracs. The project aims to streamline collision warnings and maneuver coordination for satellite operators, replacing the current SpaceTrack.org with Tracks.gov by late 2025.

Airbus Enhances UK's Skynet Communications Airbus has been awarded a contract to supply next-generation satellite modems for the UK's Skynet military satellite communications system. These modems will boost secure communication capabilities, supporting both existing and future satellites to ensure operational continuity and resilience against electronic warfare threats.

Inversion's Funding and ARC Development Inversion, a company focused on on-demand space delivery, has raised $44 million in Series A funding, bringing its total to $54 million. The funds will advance ARC, an autonomous reentry vehicle designed to store cargo in orbit and deliver it to Earth, even in remote locations, aiming to revolutionize the $6 trillion global logistics industry.

Additional Business Highlights:

• Rocket Labs received funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce for semiconductor fabrication related to solar cell production in New Mexico.
• BAE Systems will expand chip production in New Hampshire with a $35.5 million investment under the CHIPS Act, supporting the modernization of F-35 fighter jets and commercial satellites.
• Western Australia's Space Week launched a $3.5 million investment to establish a commercial satellite assembly facility, including the development of satellites for monitoring global greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Cybersecurity in Space

Insights from Clemence Poirier Clemence Poirier, Senior Cyber Defense Researcher at ETH Zurich's Center for Security Studies, discussed the increasing cybersecurity threats targeting the space sector, particularly in the context of the war in Ukraine. She highlighted the Viasat attack as a pivotal moment that heightened awareness and prompted extensive analysis of cyber operations against space systems.

Notable Quote:
"We found 124 cyber operations targeting the space sector directly related to the conflict in Ukraine."
— Clemence Poirier [14:50]

Key Findings:

• Increased Targeting: The conflict has seen a surge in cyber attacks aiming at both military and civilian space assets, including Starlink and Viasat.
• Threat Actor Engagement: Hacker groups exhibit fascination with space, viewing it as a prestigious target for cyber operations, though many lack specialized knowledge.
• Knowledge Gaps: Despite the increased targeting, there remains a significant knowledge gap among threat actors regarding the complexities of space systems, making such attacks challenging to execute effectively.

Notable Quote:
"The space sector is not necessarily well protected, but the unique nature of space systems somewhat mitigates the threats."
— Clemence Poirier [19:05]

4. NASA's Rocket Engine Yule Log Video

As part of the holiday festivities, NASA released a themed Yule log video titled "NASA Rocket Engine Fireplace 8 Hours in 4K." This unique video features the roar of four RS25 rocket engines and two solid rocket boosters, designed to emulate the cozy ambiance of a traditional Yule log but with a space-age twist. The video serves as a creative way to celebrate the holidays while showcasing NASA's Space Launch System rocket.

Notable Quote:
"NASA's Rocket Engine Fireplace packs the heat of four RS25 rocket engines and a pair of solid rocket boosters into a cozy holiday display."
— Maria Varmazas [21:30]

Conclusion

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, Maria Varmazas and guest Clemence Poirier provided comprehensive updates on significant NASA missions, highlighted key business developments within the global space industry, delved into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats against space assets, and added a festive touch with NASA's innovative Yule log video. The discussions underscore the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the space sector, encompassing exploration, defense, technology advancements, and the growing importance of cybersecurity.

For more detailed insights and additional resources, visit space.n2k.com.

Production Credits:
Produced by Alice Carruth, Associate Producer Liz Stokes, Mixed by Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester, Original Music by Elliot Peltzman. Executive Producer: Jennifer Iban. Executive Editor: Brandon Karpf. President: Simone Petrella. Publisher: Peter Kilpie.