All change at the top for NASA. - T-Minus Space Daily

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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 (0:01)

You're listening to the N2K space network.

Dave (0:10)

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Maria Varmazes (0:54)

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.