T-Minus Space Daily Episode Summary: "DEIA Dropped from NASA"

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazas, N2K Networks

1. NASA's Leadership Overhaul and DEIA Policy Removal

The episode opens with a significant update on NASA's internal restructuring. Maria Varmazas reports that Janet Petro, the newly appointed interim administrator of NASA, has initiated a controversial policy shift by eliminating DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) programs within the agency.

• Petro's Directive: In an internal email to NASA employees, Petro stated, “[We] are taking steps to close all agency DEIA offices and end all DEIA related contracts in accordance with President Trump's executive orders” (02:45). She further criticized these programs, claiming they “divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars and resulted in shameful discrimination” (03:10).

• Impact on Contracts and Positions: Petro also instructed NASA employees to “report any change in contract description or personnel Position description Since November 5, 2024, to obscure the connection between the contract and the EIA or similar ideologies” (03:50).

• Wider Implications: This move is not isolated to NASA; several other U.S. agencies received similar directives, indicating a broader governmental shift away from DEIA initiatives. Additionally, a hiring freeze has been implemented across NASA and all federal agencies until Jared Isaacman is confirmed as the permanent administrator by the U.S. Congress (04:30).

2. International Collaborations and Space Initiatives

a. UK's Blue Abyss and NASA Partnership

Maria Varmazas discusses a newly signed Space Act agreement between Blue Abyss, a UK-based commercial space company, and NASA's Glenn Research Center.

• Scope of Collaboration: The partnership aims to “accelerate advancements in commercial space training, research and infrastructure development” (05:15). Key focus areas include:

  • Innovative Training Methods: Developing innovative methods for preparing the next generation of space travelers.

  • Human Factors in Space: Studying the effects of extreme gravity conditions on humans.

  • Advanced Facilities: Planning and mapping advanced facilities like underwater laboratories, parabolic flights, and augmented reality training tools (05:45).

• Mutual Benefits: NASA will provide technical expertise, while Blue Abyss will conduct a market study to define infrastructure requirements for the next decade, aiding NASA’s future mission planning (06:10).

b. Eutelsat and NigComSat Partnership

Eutelsat has entered into a multimillion-dollar, multi-year partnership with Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat) to enhance satellite services in Nigeria.

• Service Provision: Utilizing the OneWeb Leo network, NigComSat aims to deliver “high speed, low latency connectivity” across Nigeria (07:00). Target sectors include government enterprises, underserved rural areas, remote communications, mobile connectivity, and offshore operations.

c. Italian Space Agency’s Collaboration with Thales Alenia Space

The Italian Space Agency (ASI) has selected Thales Alenia Space to contribute to NASA's Surface Biology and Geology Thermal Infrared Earth Observation Mission (SBG TIR).

• Mission Objectives: The collaboration focuses on collecting radiometric and multispectral data of land and water emissions to support climate, ecological, and geological analyses, as well as applications in food security and water management (08:00).

• Technological Integration: The mission will integrate NASA's thermal infrared radiometer with ASI's VIS near-infrared camera to deliver high-resolution observations of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, monitoring phenomena like wildfires and volcanic activity (08:30).

d. Rocket Lab and Aurora Technologies Wildfire Monitoring

Rocket Lab has secured a contract with Germany's Aurora Technologies to deploy a constellation of satellites aimed at monitoring wildfires.

• Mission Details: The contract involves launching eight satellites via Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand within the next four months. This rapid deployment is crucial for meeting the seasonal demands of wildfire detection (09:00).

• Future Expansion: Aurora Technologies plans to expand their constellation to up to 100 satellites by 2028, enhancing their capacity to alert first responders to wildfire dangers (09:30).

3. In-Depth Interview: Giovanni D'Antonio on Cryptalier Spaceport

A significant portion of the episode features an interview with Giovanni D'Antonio, Director of Technological Innovation at ENAC (Italian Civil Aviation Authority), discussing the development and strategic vision of the Cryptalier Spaceport in the Puglia region of Italy.

a. Development and Infrastructure

• Historical Context: The journey began in 2014 when ENAC designated the Cryptalier Spaceport as suitable for aeronautical industrial and research activities. A memorandum of cooperation with the FAA was signed to promote commercial suborbital operations in Italy (10:36).

• Spaceport Features: Cryptalier is designed for horizontal operations with a 3km runway, accommodating takeoff for orbital and suborbital missions. The spaceport aims to become a reference point for suborbital activities within the European Union and the Mediterranean basin (11:00).

b. Collaboration with Virgin Galactic

• Feasibility Studies: Cryptalier Spaceport has partnered with Virgin Galactic to conduct a two-phase feasibility study for suborbital operations.

  • Phase One: Focuses on technical feasibility, assessing ground and day risks, airspace management, and environmental impacts such as emissions and noise, including sonic booms (13:00).

  • Phase Two: Evaluates how the Italian industry can support and benefit from these operations through partnerships (14:15).

• Safety and Regulation: A key aspect of the collaboration is ensuring that Virgin Galactic’s vehicle designs comply with Italy’s stringent safety regulations, which emphasize high-level performance-based requirements for occupant safety (14:45).

c. Global Spaceport Alliance Membership

• Strategic Partnerships: Giovanni highlights the importance of Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA) membership for strengthening international relationships and facilitating point-to-point suborbital transportation (18:00).

• European Commercial Spaceport Forum: Italy also participates in the European Commercial Spaceport Forum, fostering collaboration between European spaceports and aligning with U.S. counterparts (19:30).

4. NASA’s Day of Remembrance

The episode commemorates NASA’s Day of Remembrance, observed annually on the fourth Thursday of January. This day honors NASA personnel who lost their lives in the pursuit of space exploration, including the Apollo 1 crew and the Challenger and Columbia shuttle disasters.

• Memorial Activities: Individuals and NASA staff lay wreaths and place flowers at various memorials, including Arlington National Cemetery and Kennedy Space Center (21:00).

• Legacy and Future Exploration: The segment underscores the importance of remembering past sacrifices as humanity continues its quest to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond, encapsulated by the motto “Per Aspera Ad Astra” (22:00).

Conclusion

The January 23, 2025, episode of T-Minus Space Daily provided a comprehensive overview of significant developments in the global space industry. From NASA's controversial policy changes to international collaborations enhancing space exploration and infrastructure, the episode highlighted the dynamic and interconnected nature of modern space endeavors. The in-depth interview with Giovanni D'Antonio offered valuable insights into Italy's emerging role in suborbital operations and the strategic importance of international alliances in advancing space technology and infrastructure.

For more detailed information on the stories discussed, listeners are encouraged to visit the show notes at space.n2k.com.

Produced by Alice Carou, Associate Producer Liz Stokes, Mixed by Elliott Peltzman and Trey Hester, Original Music by Elliott Peltzman, Executive Producer Jennifer Ibin, Executive Editor Brandon Karpf, President Simone Petrella, Publisher Peter Kilpe. Host: Maria Varmazas.