All change at the top for NASA.

Summary

T-Minus Space Daily: "All Change at the Top for NASA" – February 25, 2025

Hosted by N2K Networks, "T-Minus Space Daily" delivers essential space intelligence and analysis, featuring insights from industry leaders, academia, and global research organizations. In the February 25, 2025 episode titled "All Change at the Top for NASA," host Maria Varmazes delves into significant developments within NASA, groundbreaking advancements in space communication, updates on radar capabilities, a successful space tourism flight, and a comprehensive interview with quantum physicist and space venture capitalist Kalia Padilla.

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1. Leadership Overhaul at NASA

The episode opens with major announcements regarding leadership transitions within NASA. Maria Varmazes reports:

Maria Varmazes [02:15]: "Last week it was announced that Associate Administrator Jim Free was retiring."

Vanessa Weich has been appointed as the acting Associate Administrator, taking on roles previously held by Janet Petro, NASA's Acting Administrator. Weich, formerly the director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, will oversee 18,000 civil servant employees and manage an annual budget exceeding $25 billion.

Notable leadership appointments include:

• Stephen Kerner will serve as the acting Center Director of NASA Johnson.
• Jackie Jester has been named Associate Administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs.
• Laurie Glaze, currently the Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development, will assume responsibilities for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate following Katherine Kerner's retirement.

This leadership shakeup is poised to influence NASA's strategic direction and operational efficiency as the agency navigates future space missions and technological advancements.

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2. Verizon and AST Space Mobile's Pioneering Satellite Video Call

A landmark achievement in space-based communication was highlighted when Verizon and AST Space Mobile successfully conducted the first live video call between two mobile devices—one connected via satellite and the other through Verizon's terrestrial network.

Hans Wasberg, Verizon CEO [06:02]: "This event marks a new era in cellular to satellite connectivity in the US, enabling seamless data transmissions, not just text. I really think we're going to see huge leaps forward in this area in the coming year."

This demonstration follows the FCC's approval for AST Space Mobile to test its first five commercial Bluebird satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), aiming to enhance mobile connectivity even in areas devoid of traditional cellular networks. The collaboration signifies a significant step towards ubiquitous global communication, potentially transforming how people stay connected in remote or underserved regions.

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3. Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability Partnership (DAQ) Completes First Facility

The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability Partnership (DAQ), a collaboration between the US, UK, and Australia, announced the completion of its first facility, ahead of schedule, in Western Australia.

Maria Varmazes [04:30]: "With mission system integration and test activities now underway, the site is expected to become fully operational in 2027."

DAQ aims to establish a global network of advanced ground-based sensors to track very small objects in geosynchronous orbit, thereby safeguarding critical satellite infrastructure. Northrop Grumman has been contracted to develop a second site, potentially located at a UK Ministry of Defence facility in Wales, with the entire system slated for completion by 2032.

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4. Blue Origin's Successful Space Tourism Flight

Blue Origin celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of its New Shepard vehicle carrying six passengers on the tenth space tourism flight from Texas. The mission, delayed briefly at T-minus 10 seconds, successfully crossed the Kármán Line, marking a triumphant return after initial hold patterns.

Maria Varmazes [05:50]: "The suborbital flight with six passengers lifted off at around 9:51 AM Central Time, carrying the crew to the Karman Line and back to Earth."

This successful launch underscores Blue Origin's commitment to making space tourism more accessible and paves the way for future commercial spaceflights, potentially expanding the market for civilian space travel.

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5. KBR's Financial Performance and Strategic Acquisitions

KBR released its financial updates for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024, showcasing robust growth and strategic expansions.

Maria Varmazes [06:45]: "They closed out 2024 with revenues of $7.7 billion, up 11% on the previous year."

A notable acquisition was Linquest, a provider of advanced engineering data analytics and digital capabilities tailored for national security and military space missions, enhancing KBR's portfolio in the space sector. Detailed financial insights can be accessed through the episode's show notes.

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6. Interview with Kalia Padilla: Quantum Physics Meets Space Venture Capitalism

The episode features an in-depth conversation with Kalia Padilla, a quantum physicist and space venture capitalist, who discusses her unique intersection of quantum technology and space investment.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Quantum Interests

Kalia Padilla [09:56]: "I started my career in the technology sector at 19 years old. I founded my first startup, a virtual reality multicellular e-commerce platform. My journey evolved into developing AI, e-commerce solutions, and now, quantum physics."

Padilla emphasizes her dual passion for technology and science, highlighting her current work on a unified theory of quantum physics alongside her entrepreneurial ventures.

Space Commerce Infrastructure Accelerator

Padilla founded Factory Hub, an accelerator dedicated to supporting deep tech startups focused on space commerce infrastructure. Her vision includes fostering innovation in spaceports, ground stations, telecommunications, satellites, antennas, photonics, and quantum technologies.

Kalia Padilla [12:03]: "Space is the last frontier of technology. We need physics, science, and innovation to bring new solutions to the space industry."

Promoting Diversity and Economic Development

A significant focus of Factory Hub is to bridge the gap between research and commercial sectors, particularly by encouraging participation from underrepresented groups. Padilla aims to support female entrepreneurs, minorities, and companies with unique solutions for climate and energy challenges.

Kalia Padilla [17:31]: "I want to see more companies in the space industry, especially those with unique solutions for climate or energy, and more female and minority entrepreneurs."

Support Mechanisms for Startups

Factory Hub provides comprehensive support, including mentorship, access to laboratories, office spaces, and preparation for venture capital investment. The program assists startups in developing business plans, pitching to investors, and connecting with potential clients.

Kalia Padilla [16:06]: "We assemble teams of advisors and mentors, help build MVPs for software or satellites, and prepare companies for venture capital investors."

Vision for the Future

Padilla envisions a future where space commerce becomes as integral as terrestrial trade, with spaceports facilitating global exchanges of goods and services. She highlights Latin America and Japan as key regions for developing space infrastructure.

Kalia Padilla [14:13]: "Latin America is one of our focuses for spaceports. We are looking to strengthen the relationship between South America and the US to support spaceport projects and infrastructure."

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7. Additional Updates and Announcements

Launch Updates:

• Three upcoming launches were briefly mentioned, including the IM2 launch scheduled for the next day, the Progress 91 cargo resupply mission, and the next Starship test flight, potentially launching as early as Friday.

Space-Themed Pop Culture Crossover:

• Columbia Sportswear unveiled a limited-edition apparel line inspired by lunar aesthetics, celebrating its second moon mission in collaboration with NASA's Artemis program. The collection blends futuristic designs with performance materials suitable for outdoor adventures.

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Conclusion

The February 25 episode of "T-Minus Space Daily" provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of significant shifts within NASA's leadership, advancements in satellite communication, progress in space radar capabilities, successful commercial spaceflights, and strategic financial moves within the space sector. The insightful interview with Kalia Padilla offered a deep dive into the convergence of quantum physics and space venture capitalism, underscoring the importance of fostering innovation and diversity in the next era of space exploration and commerce.

For more detailed information and resources discussed in this episode, visit space.n2k.com.

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This summary is based on the transcript provided and structures the key discussions and insights from the "T-Minus Space Daily" episode, ensuring clarity and comprehensive coverage for those who have not listened to the original podcast.

Transcript

[Alice Carruth]

You're listening to the N2K space network.

[Dave]

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[Maria Varmazes]

Today is February 25, 2025. I'm Alice Carruth and this is T min T20. KBR released financial updates from the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024. Results 4 Blue Origin's New Shepard launched six passengers to space on the tenth space tourism flight from Texas. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability Partnership has completed facilities construction at the first of three sites that host a global network of advanced ground based sensors. Verizon and AST Space Mobile have conducted the first live video call between two mobile devices, with one connected via satellite and the other connected via Verizon's terrestrial network. Vanessa Weich has been appointed as the acting Associate Administrator for nas, and our guest today is Kalia Padilla, quantum physicist and space venture capitalist. She spoke with Maria Varmazes at spacecom in Orlando about how her interest in quantum influences her interest in space investment. That chat is coming up after today's head headlines. Happy Tuesday, everyone. Let's dive into today's intelligence briefing, shall we? We're kicking off this show with some leadership changes at the US Space Agency. Last week it was announced that Associate Administrator Jim Free was retiring. Now Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro has announced that Vanessa Weich will serve as the acting Associate Administrator for the agency. Wych, who you'll know in her previous role as the director of NASA's Johnson Space center in Houston, is detailed as Petro's senior advisor, leading the agency's center directors and Mission Directorate associate administrators. She will act as the agency's chief operating officer for about 18,000 civil servant employees and manage an annual budget of more than $25 billion. The space agency also made further leadership appointments, which will not be confirmed until the new administrator is in place. Stephen Kerner will become the acting Center Director of NASA Johnson. Jackie Jester has been named as Associate Administrator for the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. Katherine Kerner, Associate Administrator for the agency's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate will retire at the end of this week and Laurie Glaze, currently the Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development, will become the Admission Directorate, Acting Associate Administrator Verizon and AST Space Mobile have conducted the first live video call between two mobile devices with one connected via satellite and the other connected via Verizon's terrestrial network. This first video call demonstration is a result of the recent approval from the FCC to AST Space Mobile authorizing testing using Verizon spectrum in the us. The approval enables AST Space Mobile's first five commercial Bluebird satellites operating in LEO to test satellite connections with smartphones supporting voice, full data and video applications. Hans Wasberg, Chairman and CEO of Verizon, is calling the event a breakthrough. That quote marks a new era in cellular to satellite connectivity in the US that enables seamless data transmissions, not just text. In the rare instance a terrestrial cellular network is not available. I really think we're going to see huge leaps forward in this area in the coming year. The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability Partnership, known as daq, has completed facilities construction at the first of three sites that will host a global network of advanced ground based sensors. DAQ is a partnership between the us, UK and Australia designed to create an all weather global system to track very small objects in geosynchronous orbit to protect critical satellite services. Construction of the first site in Western Australia was completed in December 2024, three months ahead of schedule. With mission system integration and test activities now underway, the site is expected to become fully operational in 2027. Space Systems Command in the US recently awarded Northrop Grumman a contract for the second site which is currently proposed to be located at a UK Ministry of Defence site in Wales. Environmental assessments and town planning processes are underway for this site which are required for the final siting approval. A third site will be located in the continental US at a to be determined location pending the completion of environmental and airspace studies. The entire DARC system is currently expected to be completed by 2032. It was launch day this morning down the road from me in Van Horn, Texas. The countdown got to T minus 10 and Blue Origin went into a hold pattern ahead of the 30th liftoff of their space tourism vehicle at 9:41 Central. Eleven minutes after it was due to launch, the New Shepard mission was given the green call to go ahead for launch again. The suborbital flight with six passengers lifted off at around 9:51am Central Time carrying the crew to the Karman Line and back to Earth Science Technology and engineering company KBR released financial updates from their fourth quarter of 2024 and fiscal year 2024 results. The company acquired Linquest, a provider of advanced engineering data analytics and digital capabilities for national security and military space missions, in September last year, furthering their space offerings. They closed out 2024 with revenues of $7.7 billion, up 11% on the previous year, and you can read the full financial update by following the link in our show Notes. Our Director of Audio, Elliot Peltzman, has the other stories that didn't make the top.

[Elliot Peltzman]

Elliot thanks Alice. We've also included three launch updates for you today. One is on tomorrow's IM2 launch, another is on the Progress 91 cargo resupply mission, which is scheduled for Thursday, and the final is an update on the next starship test flight, which could take off as early as Friday.

[Maria Varmazes]

And where can we find those links?

[Elliot Peltzman]

Elliot Great question. Links to all these stories we mentioned throughout the show can always be found in the podcast show notes [e-mail] just make sure to click on this episode title.

[Maria Varmazes]

Hey T Minus Crew. If you're just joining us, be sure to follow T minus Space daily in your favorite podcast app. And also do us a favor. Share the intel with your friends and co workers. Here's a little challenge for you. By Friday, please show three friends or co workers this podcast. A growing audience is the most important thing for us and we'd love your help as part of the T Minus crew. If you find T minus useful, please share so that other professionals like you can find the show. Thanks. It means a lot to me.

[Dave]

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[Maria Varmazes]

Our guest today is Kalia Padilla, quantum physicist and space venture capitalist. She spoke with Maria Valmas is at spacecom about how she became interested in space investment.

[Kalia Padilla]

I always tell this to people. I'm a born entrepreneur. My parents were entrepreneurs, so they inspired me to be an entrepreneur since very early stage of my life. I started my career in the technology sector at 19 years old.

[Alice Carruth]

Wow.

[Kalia Padilla]

Yes. I founded my first startup which is, was a virtual reality multicellular E commerce in virtual reality. So from that experience it evolved into more on the technology development sector, developing AI, developing e commerce solutions, virtual. Virtual reality solutions, virtual production. So that's like more of my background. I also have a scientific interest. That's why I jump into quantum physics. Along with my partner, we are working on a unified theory of, of quantum physics. So that's our full time, let's say focus.

[Maria Varmazes]

Wow.

[Alice Carruth]

E commerce to quantum. I'm sorry, that's just a. That's incredible. Sorry, I just wanted to say that's. Wow. Okay.

[Kalia Padilla]

Yeah, yeah. So. Well, quantum physicists basically one of the most important topics nobody talks about but it's about natural behavior. So it applies to every industry or day to life. So it was really interesting for us to understand this mechanical behavior of nature for us to also create more technologies that are more suitable for our day to day lives. So quantum physics is about the story of the fundamental behaviors of the nature.

[Alice Carruth]

Right.

[Kalia Padilla]

So that's like let's say my scientific background and I have also the technology background that we mix it to better create solutions on the technology sector. Now I just founded the startup Factory Hub which is an accelerator to support deep tech startups that they are on the need to break the wall between research and development and the commercial. And the commercial sector.

[Alice Carruth]

Wow. Okay. There's a lot there. So yes, I'm, I'm so curious how space fits into your vision, especially with within the deep tech accelerator that you have. I mean space is certainly a sector I know a lot of accelerators are interested in, although some, some aren't. Some they don't want it, but you're interested in it. So tell me a bit about that.

[Kalia Padilla]

Yes. So space, it was like the last frontier of technology. So we need physics, we need a lot of science, we need a lot of innovation. So. And we need to bring people that is not related to the space industry to create solutions for the space industry. So I found myself women, entrepreneur, mom, Latino and into this industry. And I said, okay, this is like a perfect place to teach or show people that a regular person just like me that comes from very human backgrounds and weird backgrounds can also be part of the space industry.

[Alice Carruth]

Absolutely. Yeah. Yes. So, so tell me what kind of companies that you're looking to support through the accelerator.

[Kalia Padilla]

Yes. So our vision on the accelerator is to support space commerce infrastructure so we're all about space commerce. So we're looking to support spaceports, ground stations, telecommunications, satellites, antennas startups, also photonics startups and quantum tech startups.

[Alice Carruth]

I was going to say, I imagine quantum, quantum and space, there's a lot of, there's. There's quite some overlap there. I've had some very interesting chats with people who are doing quantum communications or using quantum cryptography. Always hard for me to.

[Kalia Padilla]

Yeah.

[Alice Carruth]

At the end of a long day. Quantum cryptography. Yeah. And. And that's, that's big in space. Right. Understand it's going to be big in space for some time. But you mentioned spaceports. I'm curious, does that sort of fit in a little bit with your vision, with the type of businesses you're looking to support there?

[Kalia Padilla]

Yes, for sure. So we see space force as the new customs. So eventually we're going to see that countries are starting to exchange goods and services from A to point B. So Florida to maybe Uruguay, Florida to Japan. So that is coming on the next years is the next industrial revolution. As well as before we didn't have airplanes and airports. Now we're going to have space force and spaceships just going one place to another with cargo, commercial cargo. So that's something that we want to support and it's going to bring a lot of economic development to the countries and a lot of job opportunities as well.

[Alice Carruth]

Are there specific countries that you're looking at specifically for development?

[Kalia Padilla]

Yes, of course. So Latin America is one of our focus for spaceports. We want to get strong the relation between South America and the US in order for this to happen. So we are looking to Latin America to support port spaceware projects and other infrastructure projects. Also Japan, they just announced their spaceport project. So that's another location that is promising for this kind of branded.

[Alice Carruth]

Yes, I didn't. I missed that news. That's interesting.

[Kalia Padilla]

Yes, they have a spaceport in Hokkaido. So yes, it's a new initiative. So we also want to support those. Those areas of development as well.

[Alice Carruth]

Given your. You've got an incredible view across a number of really fascinating areas. Again, Quantum alone on its own would be a chat that we could have on its own. But with that intersection with space, with infrastructure development, with entrepreneurship, it feels almost hard to ask you what specifically are you especially interested in? Because I think all of that sounds very interesting. But personally what are you interested in?

[Kalia Padilla]

Just technology itself, applying all industries is very interesting to me and of course entrepreneurship. So I started my career really early being an entrepreneur on the technology sector. So I think that's my passion is about building technologies that could empower us. It could empower people, could empower companies. So that's like my passion. It's just building more technologies and also helping other entrepreneurs that face the same. That I did that with my partner, I went through with just trying to find those resources. So it's a mix of, between developing technologies, empowering people, and also supporting other entrepreneurs on their journeys.

[Maria Varmazes]

Yeah.

[Alice Carruth]

Tell me a bit about that support. So I mean, obviously financial, but some mentorship, like what else kind of support?

[Kalia Padilla]

Yeah, yeah. So a startup factory hub, which is our accelerator program, it's an instructor algorithm to create and support a startup. So we give them many resources. We assemble them team advisors, mentors, we help them build their MVPs for software or satellites. We give them access to laboratories from universities, we give them office spaces and we prepare them for venture capital investors. We put them front venture capital investors, or we could invest ourselves.

[Alice Carruth]

So they learn how to pitch, they learn how to make that business case.

[Kalia Padilla]

Yes, correct. They go through the program and learn how to build their business plans there, how to build a sustainable business. But we also help them to find potential clients and give them corporate infrastructure for them just to focus on the innovation. On the, on the technology development side.

[Alice Carruth]

That'S, that's incredibly important development. I feel like good accelerators, they do that and that, that's so crucial because I think sometimes, especially really, really early stage companies, they've got that great idea, but they don't know how to make that case. And it could be the best idea in the world, but you don't know how to make that case. Well then it doesn't always go the way you think. So that's wonderful to hear that you're also providing that kind of support. That's so important.

[Kalia Padilla]

Thank you.

[Alice Carruth]

Yeah, yeah. So I guess any message to companies that are thinking of trying to be a part of your accelerator, what do you want to see from them?

[Kalia Padilla]

Yes, well, support companies in any size. So it could be idea or it could be income. Grow. Grow a stage. So I want to see more companies, of course, on the space industry, which is, I'm really interested in pushing on just creating those commercial access to a space, but also companies in that have unique solutions either for climate or energy. I want to see more of that. I want to see also more female entrepreneurs in any area. More minorities as well.

[Alice Carruth]

Absolutely.

[Kalia Padilla]

And I wanted to support that. So that's what I want to see and that's what I'm focusing on. The accelerator.

[Maria Varmazes]

We'll be right back.

[Dave]

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[Maria Varmazes]

Welcome back for today's space themed pop culture crossover, Columbia Sportswear is adding some lunar flair to their latest collection. The iconic outdoor apparel brand is celebrating its second moon mission, which is scheduled for liftoff tomorrow by offering limited edition gear that's perfect for both adventure seekers and space enthusiasts. Columbia has teamed up with the Artemis program for the special apparel line with designs that echo the aesthetics of the lunar landscape. Think futuristic, functional, and of course, out of this world. From jackets to hats, these limited edition pieces are more than just stylish. Each item celebrates the company's connection to NASA's Artemis missions. It's not just about looks, though. The collection features performance materials that could even withstand the rugged conditions of the lunar surface. Well, maybe not quite the lunar surface, but they're certainly built for your next hiking trip or outdoor adventure. So if you're ready to take your wardrobe to the moon, Columbia's got you covered, quite literally. That's it for T minus for February 2025, 2025, brought to you by N2K Cyberwire. For additional resources from today's report, check out our show [e-mail] we're privileged that N2K and podcasts like T Minus are part of the daily routine of many of the most influential leaders and operators in the public and private sector, from the Fortune 500 to many of the world's preeminent intelligence and law enforcement agencies. N2K's producer is Liz Stokes. We're mixed by Elliot Peltzman and Tre Hester with original music by Elliot Peltzman. Our executive producer is Jennifer Iban. Peter Kilby is our publisher and I'm your senior producer, Alice Carus. Hopefully, Maria Varmazes will be back on the mic tomorrow. Thanks for listening, T Minus.

[Dave]

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