T-Minus Space Daily: "Buckle up, Boca Chica" - November 20, 2024

Host: Maria Varmazas
Guest: Agnello Violetti, Space Attaché for the Italian Embassy
Publication: N2K Networks
Podcast: T-Minus Space Daily

1. Introduction and Overview

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazas delves into the latest developments in the global space industry. The episode, titled "Buckle up, Boca Chica," focuses on SpaceX's Starship progress, NASA's lunar missions, the European space sector's strategic moves, and a special interview with Agnello Violetti, highlighting Italy's burgeoning role in space exploration.

2. SpaceX Starship's Continued Ascent

Maria opens the episode with an update on SpaceX's Starship program, emphasizing its increasing launch frequency and recent successes.

• Successful Test Flight:
  "The sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship, Super Heavy, was no less a spectacle than its predecessors," Maria notes ([00:47]). The latest launch from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, saw the Starship reigniting one of its Raptor engines in the vacuum of space—a significant milestone.

• Booster Recovery Attempt:
  While the Starship itself achieved its goals by "softly splashing down in the Indian Ocean as planned," the attempt to catch the booster on the launch tower was aborted, resulting in a "soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico."

• Future Launch Plans:
  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released new environmental guidance indicating an expected increase from six launches this year to 25 next year. Maria quotes the FAA's stance:

  "Yeah, there were six this year, but next year we're expecting 25." ([00:47])

• Environmental Impact Assessment:
  The FAA’s draft Environmental Impact Report opens for public comment until January 17, with five public meetings scheduled in early January. Maria directs listeners to the show notes for more details.

3. NASA's Ambitious Lunar Missions

Shifting focus to NASA, Maria discusses the agency's strategic assignments to SpaceX and Blue Origin aimed at advancing sustained lunar exploration.

• Cargo Lander Missions:
  NASA is assigning new cargo lander missions to deliver critical infrastructure to the Moon.

  "The plan is for SpaceX's Starship to land a pressurized rover in the early 2020-30s, followed by a Blue Origin lander delivering a lunar habitat shortly after." ([02:30])

• Artemis Campaign Alignment:
  These missions align with NASA’s Artemis campaign goals, which seek to expand lunar exploration and pave the way for future Mars missions. Initial proposals for these demonstration missions are anticipated in early 2025, strengthening NASA’s collaborative efforts with industry and international partners.

4. European Space Industry's Strategic Moves

Maria provides an insightful analysis of the European space sector's current landscape, highlighting the need for consolidation and increased governmental support.

• Space Tech Expo Europe:
  Highlighting events from the ongoing Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, Germany, Maria reports significant updates, including new funding initiatives to ensure Europe's sovereign access to space.

• Call for Industry Consolidation:
  Airbus CEO Guillaume Fori warns against Europe's fragmented approach:

  "Europe's fragmented approach hampers its ability to compete globally." ([05:15])

• Geopolitical Concerns:
  The episode touches on concerns regarding US trade policies and NATO defense spending, especially under a second Trump administration, emphasizing the urgency for Europe to bolster its defense and space industries to maintain strategic and economic autonomy.

5. Innovations and Collaborations in the Global Space Arena

Maria covers several noteworthy innovations and collaborations shaping the future of space exploration:

• ExoLaunch's ExoTube Adapter:
  At Space Tech Expo Europe, ExoLaunch unveiled the ExoTube adapter—a modular system designed to streamline satellite launches and deployments. Compatible with CubeSats and satellites up to 500 kilograms, ExoTube is set to debut in 2026 aboard a US medium or heavy-lift rocket.

  "ExoTube enhances flexibility for satellite operators by making it easier to access launch opportunities across multiple vehicles." ([06:45])

• China's Long March 10 Rocket:
  China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) successfully tested the payload fairing of its Long March 10 rocket. This rocket is pivotal for China's upcoming manned lunar mission, slated to land astronauts on the Moon by or before 2030.

  "This test marks an important milestone in China's plan to land astronauts on the moon by or before 2030." ([07:30])

• Elyria and ISEE Partnership:
  Elyria, a networking and laser communications technology company, partnered with ISEE to integrate space surveillance capabilities with AI-driven network routing. This collaboration aims to enhance space traffic management and operational optimization for satellite operators.

  "The solution will use AI for enhanced decision making, allowing operators to better respond to potential threats and optimize service availability." ([08:15])

• Australia's Space Metri Mission:
  Space Machines has partnered with LeoLabs for the upcoming Space Metri mission, scheduled for early 2026. This joint Australian-Indian mission focuses on space debris management and sustainable space practices, utilizing satellite servicing vehicles to inspect and track debris in low Earth orbit.

  "SpaceMetri will demonstrate a variety of space sustainability technologies using space machines." ([09:00])

• Orion Space Solutions and the US Space Force:
  Orion Space Solutions secured additional work for its Tetra 6 mission from the US Space Force's Space Systems Command. Building on the Tetra 5 contract, Tetra 6 will focus on advancing space refueling capabilities, aiming to demonstrate refueling technology in geostationary orbit by 2027.

  "With these missions, Orion aims to be the first company to demonstrate refueling capabilities in Geo." ([09:45])

6. Special Interview: Agnello Violetti on Italy's Space Endeavors

The second half of the episode features an engaging interview with Agnello Violetti, Space Attaché for the Italian Embassy. Violetti shares insights into Italy's significant contributions to space exploration and its collaborative efforts on the international stage.

• Background and Role:
  Violetti recounts his transition from a test pilot to the space sector:

  "Before that, I've been a professional experimental test pilot. In 2017, someone in Italy decided to put me in the space sector..." ([11:37])

• Italy's Contributions to the ISS:
  "Everyone knows or should know that we have built more than 50% of the International Space Station," Violetti proudly states ([14:26]). This legacy underscores Italy's pivotal role in space manufacturing.

• Current Projects and Collaborations:
  Italy is actively involved in building habitation modules for the Moon with NASA, leveraging its expertise in pressurized models.

  "We are working with NASA to build the first habitation module on the moon." ([14:26])

• Future Missions to Mars:
  Looking ahead, Italy is developing drilling technology for Mars missions slated for 2028, demonstrating its commitment to deep space exploration.

• Facilitating International Partnerships:
  Violetti emphasizes the importance of fostering collaborations between Italian and US companies:

  "It's all about letting people know and companies know what you could offer. And this will speed up the collaboration." ([16:17])

• Showcasing Italian Capabilities:
  Highlighting Italy's strengths, Violetti mentions expertise in satellite communication, Earth observation, hyperspectral imaging, and advanced manufacturing.

  "We have some peculiar capabilities like hyperspectral that we are developing." ([17:36])

• Encouraging International Cooperation:
  Violetti concludes with a strong call for international collaboration:

  "International cooperation is a must. We can go there only together. There is no way that a single nation could be there." ([19:49])

7. Tribute to Edwin Hubble

As the episode wraps up, Maria honors the legacy of Edwin Hubble on his birthday, reflecting on his monumental contributions to astronomy and the enduring impact of the Hubble Space Telescope.

"Hubble's discoveries, particularly his observation that the universe is expanding, changed the course of astronomy. His work laid the groundwork for the Big Bang theory and reshaped our understanding of the cosmos." ([20:29])

Maria celebrates both Hubble's scientific achievements and the ongoing success of the Hubble Space Telescope, which continues to inspire and expand our knowledge of the universe.

Conclusion

"Buckle up, Boca Chica" offers a comprehensive look at the dynamic and evolving landscape of the global space industry. From SpaceX's ambitious Starship endeavors and NASA's lunar missions to Europe's strategic realignments and Italy's growing influence, the episode underscores the collaborative spirit driving humanity's next giant leaps in space exploration.

For more detailed insights and resources mentioned in this episode, visit the show notes at space.n2k.com.

Notable Quotes:

• FAA on Starship Launches:

  "Yeah, there were six this year, but next year we're expecting 25." — Maria Varmazas ([00:47])

• Airbus CEO Guillaume Fori on European Collaboration:

  "Europe's fragmented approach hampers its ability to compete globally." — Guillaume Fori ([05:15])

• ExoLaunch on ExoTube's Flexibility:

  "ExoTube enhances flexibility for satellite operators by making it easier to access launch opportunities across multiple vehicles." ([06:45])

• Orion Space Solutions on Refueling Capabilities:

  "With these missions, Orion aims to be the first company to demonstrate refueling capabilities in Geo." ([09:45])

• Agnello Violetti on International Cooperation:

  "International cooperation is a must. We can go there only together. There is no way that a single nation could be there." ([19:49])

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Buckle up, Boca Chica" episode of T-Minus Space Daily. For the full experience and additional details, listening to the original episode is highly recommended.