T-Minus Space Daily – “Building the next space network”

Host: Maria Varmazes (N2K Networks)
Date: November 12, 2025
Theme: Critical intelligence on key developments powering, protecting, and connecting the future of space networks and infrastructure.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Maria Varmazes walks through the latest intelligence from across the global space industry, emphasizing the construction of next-generation space networks. The episode covers Intuitive Machines’ ambitious data network, collaborations driving 5G non-terrestrial networks, European and French space strategy, funding developments in small satellites, the political fight over NASA’s facilities, and the impacts of severe space weather on operations and launches.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Intuitive Machines’ Space Data Network Plans

[01:53–03:18]

• Intuitive Machines is positioning itself as a prime player in space, with a plan to build a robust data network extending from Earth’s vicinity to 2 million kilometers out—including Earth proximity, cislunar, and extended cislunar regions.
  • The network aims to serve a range of customers: commercial operators, national agencies, national security, and scientific institutions.
  • Production is already underway, with D3 chosen to provide the initial spacecraft’s solar array subsystem.
    • D3’s technology is described as a “compact, rigid, deployable array engineered for reliable performance in harsh space environments.”
    • Each spacecraft will include two deployable solar wings rated for 2 kW end-of-life power.
    • The first of six satellites could be deployed as early as next year.

Notable Quote:

“Big plans to become a prime in space. ...The network is being designed to support activity from the surface of the moon to 2 million kilometers from Earth.”
—Maria Varmazes [02:00]

2. XRCOM & SpinLaunch: 5G Non-Terrestrial Network Collaboration

[03:19–04:01]

• XRCOM and SpinLaunch announced a partnership to enhance testing, analytics, and system readiness for the 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) ecosystem.
  • XRCOM’s AI-native testing and measurement will be combined with SpinLaunch’s Meridium system architecture.
  • Goals: earlier and more intelligent system validation, faster issue detection, and improved real-time analytics for global NTN performance.

Notable Quote:

“Working with an innovator like XRCOM allows us to test and validate our systems earlier and more intelligently, helping us anticipate customer needs, identify and resolve network issues faster, and ultimately strengthen the broader 5G NTN ecosystem.”
—Massey Lativaz, SpinLaunch CEO [03:34]

3. France's New National Space Strategy

[04:01–05:10]

• President Emmanuel Macron has announced a more defensive French space strategy, emphasizing the growing geopolitical risks in orbit.
  • Macron: “Space is a place of conflict, increasingly intense conflict, which follows the increase in the number of satellites in orbit and is also the subject of extremely aggressive challenges from our competitors and including Russia.” [04:30]
  • The strategy includes investing in military space assets—lasers and electromagnetic jammers to counter hostile satellites.
  • Details on a broader European approach are expected soon.

4. USpace: Major Funding Round for Smallsats

[05:11–06:03]

• French Smallsat manufacturer USpace closed a €24 million Series A round, following a previous €7 million round in 2022.
  • USpace already has three satellites in orbit, ten more in production, and aims to produce one satellite per week by 2027.
  • They hold contracts with entities like CNES and Safran and are targeting global expansion.

Insight:
This positions USpace as a rising contender for rapid-response small satellite production amid growing European and worldwide demand.

5. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Closures Under Scrutiny

[06:04–08:10]

• Congressional pushback arises over NASA’s plan to close and consolidate facilities at Goddard.
  • Rep. Zoe Lofgren sent a letter to NASA’s acting administrator, demanding an immediate halt and congressional oversight before further closures.
    • Lofgren: “NASA must stop what it is doing at Goddard and submit to oversight by Congress and the OIG before it inflicts permanent damage on agency scientific capabilities with severe and lasting consequences.” [07:10]
  • Thirteen major Goddard facilities are marked for closure by March 2026.
  • NASA has been given 24 hours to comply and seven days to provide an accounting of impacts.

Notable Quote:

“NASA must stop what it is doing at Goddard and submit to oversight by Congress and the OIG before it inflicts permanent damage on agency scientific capabilities with severe and lasting consequences.”
—Rep. Zoe Lofgren [07:10]

6. Space Weather Disrupts Operations

[11:06–12:52]

• A severe geomagnetic storm (G4, potentially G5) is affecting the planet, triggering auroras and operational challenges.
  • Blue Origin has postponed its New Glenn launch due to risk to the EscaPADE spacecraft from heightened solar activity.
    • Blue Origin statement: “Due to highly elevated solar activity and its potential effects on the EscaPADE spacecraft, NASA is postponing launch until space weather conditions improve.” [12:25]

Memorable Moment:

“Hmm, space weather affecting a rocket launch. It is a shame, but also kind of awesome too.”
—Maria Varmazes [12:35]

7. Cape Canaveral Breaks Launch Records

[12:53–13:40]

• Florida’s Space Coast has hit 94 launches in 2025, shattering previous records, with expectations of hitting or surpassing 100 launches by year’s end.
  • Maria: “Truly, when you think about it, the dream born of the Space Shuttle program was brought to life by the private space sector, especially the SpaceX Falcon 9. Pretty darn remarkable.” [13:38]

Notable Quotes

• “Big plans to become a prime in space... The network is being designed to support activity from the surface of the moon to 2 million kilometers from Earth.” —Maria Varmazes [02:00]
• “Working with an innovator like XRCOM allows us to test and validate our systems earlier and more intelligently...” —Massey Lativaz, SpinLaunch CEO [03:34]
• “Space is a place of conflict, increasingly intense conflict...subject of extremely aggressive challenges from our competitors and including Russia.” —President Emmanuel Macron [04:30]
• “NASA must stop what it is doing at Goddard and submit to oversight...” —Rep. Zoe Lofgren [07:10]
• “Hmm, space weather affecting a rocket launch. It is a shame, but also kind of awesome too.” —Maria Varmazes [12:35]
• “Truly, when you think about it, the dream born of the Space Shuttle program was brought to life by the private space sector, especially the SpaceX Falcon 9. Pretty darn remarkable.” —Maria Varmazes [13:38]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:53 – Intuitive Machines space data network overview
• 03:19 – XRCOM and SpinLaunch partnership
• 04:01 – Macron unveils France’s national space strategy
• 05:11 – USpace funding news and expansion targets
• 06:04 – Congressional opposition to NASA Goddard closures
• 11:06 – Severe geomagnetic storm and its industry impacts
• 12:53 – Cape Canaveral’s launch record

Summary Tone:
Straightforward, informative, with an appreciation for the rapid development and challenges in the space industry. The host, Maria Varmazes, brings energy and context, highlighting both technical achievements and sector challenges.