T-Minus Space Daily – "Astroscale to provide In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Services"

Host: Maria Varmazas (N2K Networks)
Guest: Mark Lester (Head of Aerospace Strategy, Merrick)
Date: January 13, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode provides a critical round-up of current advancements in space infrastructure, satellite technology, and space-enabled services. The central theme spotlights Astroscale UK’s new contract to design an innovative In-Orbit Refurbishment and Upgrading Service mission (IRIS), aiming to extend satellite lifespans and reduce debris. The episode then transitions to an interview with Mark Lester of Merrick, who delves into the convergence of spaceport services with biotech and nuclear engineering, as well as broader trends in global spaceport development.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Astroscale UK's IRIS Contract and ESA Partnership

[01:38 - 03:50]

• Astroscale UK is awarded a €399,000, 8-month Phase A contract by the European Space Agency (ESA) to develop the IRIS mission concept.
• Mission: Enable in-orbit satellite upgrades, repairs, and lifespan extension, leveraging robotic and servicing technologies.
• Purpose:
  • Decrease frequency of satellite replacement launches
  • Mitigate orbital debris risk
  • Support ESA’s space safety program and reinforce Europe's leadership in sustainable orbital operations
• Scope of Study:
  • Assess technical feasibility and commercial viability
  • Focus on replacing degraded subsystems (batteries, solar panels, onboard computers)
  • Collaboration with BAE Systems (future servicing client and spacecraft operator)

Notable Quote:

“By enabling refurbishment and upgrades in orbit, IRIS aims to reduce the need for replacement launches and mitigates the risk of creating additional debris.” – Maria Varmazas [02:55]

2. Satellite Services & Space Industry Updates

[03:50 - 08:35]

• Planet Lab: Multi-year, low nine-figure contract with Swedish Armed Forces for satellite data and services (third satellite services contract in 12 months).
• Aerospace Labs & Zona Space Systems: Aerospace Labs to manufacture eight satellites for Zona’s Pulsar Constellation, emphasizing precision navigation from low Earth orbit, with deployments set for late 2026.
• SpaceX Starlink Expansion: FCC approves launch of an additional 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites (total 15,000), authorizing upgrades and overlapping coverage for next-gen mobile services and gigabit speeds. SpaceX requests 30,000 total, but 15,000 are currently approved.
• NASA Technology Prioritization: NASA lists 32 technology shortfalls for industry/public feedback to inform investment, policy, and new collaborations—input open until February 20, 2026.

Notable Moment:
Maria’s tongue-in-cheek response to the Starlink number:

“Only 15,000? Wow.” – Maria Varmazas [07:40]

3. Interview: Mark Lester – Spaceport Infrastructure, Biotech, and Nuclear Integration

[09:47 – 18:39]

Merrick’s Recent Activities

• Way Engineering Acquisition: Merrick’s expansion into Florida, bringing expertise in seaports, transportation, and NEPA compliance.

  “Merrick recently acquired Way Engineering, which is a Tampa-based firm... They also bring some NEPA compliance experience. So I think they're going to be a great addition to the firm, including for our aerospace industry in the state of Florida.” – Mark Lester [10:08]

Spaceport Evolution: Bridging Aerospace, Biotech, and Nuclear

• Traditional & New Sectors:

  • Historic focus: Federal projects, Artemis/NASA support, Missile Defense contracts.
  • Emerging intersection: Biotech/pharma and on-orbit manufacturing now linking with spaceport logistics.

• Return Missions & On-Site Biotech Facilities:

  • On-orbit biomanufacturing (e.g., pharmaceuticals) shifting from R&D to production.
  • Merrick’s experience with containment and high-security facilities is paving way for medical/biotech processing labs at spaceports.

  Notable Quote:

  “How do you do a medical facility or biotech facility at spaceport, so be able to then when material gets returned, to process it and get it into the logistics supply chain? Merrick in the past has supported NASA and some of these containment facilities as well.” – Mark Lester [12:11]

  • Unique challenge: Merging pharmaceutical and aerospace expertise.

  “Pharmaceuticals... typically don't know much about space and space doesn't know much about pharmaceuticals or biotech. Right. And so to see... that excitement in people's eyes and go, wow, we can do that. Yes, we do that here. Let's bring it here into a spaceport.” – Mark Lester [13:17]

Nuclear Technologies in Spaceport Operations

• Civil use of nuclear systems:

  • Nuclear propulsion for rockets and powering spacecraft (including on Mars and planned lunar reactors by 2030).
  • Applying Merrick’s nuclear expertise from DOE partnerships to safe handling and integration at spaceports and on the Moon.

  “When I think about space and spaceports, it's really about the civil use of nuclear, both from nuclear propulsion... also putting small reactors on the moon... pulling from Merrick's extensive experience... bringing that to a spaceport.” – Mark Lester [14:13]

Engineering for the Next Frontier: The Moon and Mars

• Balancing near-term contracts and preparing IP/processes for off-world operations.

• Emphasis on approaching every project as “engineering for all planets.”

  “Certainly the moon's next... but when you start to think about how do you operate and construct facilities and use infrastructure in gravity, that's a fraction of Earth's... a lot of it's just unknown. Right. So how do you extend in that engineering that we've done very well over several decades to then apply it to new worlds?” – Mark Lester [16:05]

• Excitement at Merrick about the problem-solving potential and the “why” behind a large team of motivated engineers.

Final Thoughts: Global Spaceport Expansion

• Interest in building spaceports is accelerating not just in the US, but worldwide—including Africa, Australia, and South America.
• Merrick is engaging in these international spaceport discussions.

  “We’re certainly continuing to see interest across the globe in building spaceports and Merrick's excited to be part of those discussions.” – Mark Lester [17:43]

4. Scientific Highlight – Astronaut Brain Changes in Microgravity

[18:39 – 20:15]

• In microgravity, astronauts’ brains shift physically within the skull, particularly in regions controlling movement, as per a study published in PNAS.
• After six months back on Earth, most brain changes reverse, but not entirely.
• Delivered in Maria’s signature “relatable science” commentary:

  “Brains shift to the back and up and also rotate towards the back of our skulls in space. Yes, really.” – Maria Varmazas [19:00]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:38] Astroscale UK’s IRIS in-orbit servicing contract
• [03:50] Planet Lab’s Swedish defense contract + satellite constellation news
• [07:20] SpaceX Starlink FCC approval (15,000 satellite cap)
• [09:47] Interview begins: Mark Lester on Merrick’s vision and capabilities
• [10:08] Merrick’s acquisition of Way Engineering
• [11:30] Biotech/pharmaceuticals and spaceport integration
• [14:13] Nuclear propulsion and lunar power infrastructure
• [16:05] Planning/engineering for Mars and Moon
• [17:43] Global growth in spaceport development
• [18:39] Astronaut brain shift science insight

Notable Quotes

• “By enabling refurbishment and upgrades in orbit, IRIS aims to reduce the need for replacement launches and mitigates the risk of creating additional debris.”
  — Maria Varmazas [02:55]
• “Merrick recently acquired Way Engineering, which is a Tampa-based firm... I think they're going to be a great addition to the firm, including for our aerospace industry in the state of Florida.”
  — Mark Lester [10:08]
• “How do you do a medical facility or biotech facility at spaceport… Merrick in the past has supported NASA and some of these containment facilities as well.”
  — Mark Lester [12:11]
• “Pharmaceuticals... typically don't know much about space and space doesn't know much about pharmaceuticals or biotech… Let’s bring it here into a spaceport.”
  — Mark Lester [13:17]
• “When I think about space and spaceports, it's really about the civil use of nuclear, both from nuclear propulsion... also putting small reactors on the moon.”
  — Mark Lester [14:13]
• “Brains shift to the back and up and also rotate towards the back of our skulls in space. Yes, really.”
  — Maria Varmazas [19:00]

Episode Tone

• Informed, energetic, and engaging. Maria injects curiosity and occasional humor, helping technical content feel accessible. Mark Lester brings a forward-thinking, collaborative spirit to the challenges and opportunities in spaceport and cross-industry innovation.

Summary prepared for listeners who want key developments, insight into infrastructure innovation, and a snapshot of what’s shaping the next era in satellite service and spaceport strategy.