T-Minus Space Daily: ESA BOOST! for Launch
Hosted by Maria Varmazas, N2K Networks
Release Date: November 19, 2024

1. Introduction and Overview

In the November 19, 2024 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazas delivers a comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in the global space industry. The episode, titled "ESA BOOST! for Launch," focuses primarily on the European Space Agency's (ESA) recent support extensions to key European launch companies, along with significant contracts and achievements within the space sector.

2. ESA Extends BOOST Program Support

The episode opens with exciting news from Europe’s leading space conference in Bremen, Germany. The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced an extension of its BOOST program, allocating an additional €44.2 million to four European launch companies. These companies—High Impulse, Isar Aerospace, Orbex, and Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA)—are set to benefit from this funding, which aims to alleviate financial pressures ahead of their inaugural flights.

Key Details:

• High Impulse and Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) each receive €11.8 million.
• Isar Aerospace is awarded €15 million.
• Orbex secures an additional €5.6 million, building on its earlier support from March 2021.

Maria Varmazas summarizes:

"The €44.2 million in funding extensions are aimed at alleviating the pressure in the months before an inaugural flight, when costs are high and the potential to generate revenue is limited." ([02:30])

This strategic financial support underscores ESA's commitment to fostering a robust and competitive European launch sector, ensuring these companies can navigate the challenging pre-launch phase effectively.

3. New Multi-Launch Agreements and Contracts

Varmazas proceeds to highlight several significant new contracts announced in Bremen:

• Latitude and Atmos Partnership:

  • Latitude, a French launch company, has signed a multi-launch agreement with German space logistics firm Atmos.
  • Atmos will utilize Latitude's Zephyr Rocket for at least five dedicated launches per year from 2028 to 2032.
  • The maiden flight of the Zephyr Rocket is slated for late 2025, with the first commercial launch following in 2026, featuring the French space agency CNES as the inaugural customer.

• Impulso Space USA and Deorbit Collaboration:

  • Impulso Space USA has secured a multi-mission launch services contract with Deorbit.
  • This agreement encompasses multiple satellite launches as part of upcoming SpaceX Transporter rideshare missions.
  • Impulso Space will manage mission logistics and technical support from their Florida facility.
  • Additionally, Morpheus Space is partnering with Deorbit to conduct an in-orbit demonstration mission using Deorbit's Ion Satellite Carrier Orbital Transfer Vehicle, scheduled for early 2025.

• Arianespace and ExoTrail Agreement:

  • Arianespace has entered into a launch contract with ExoTrail for the maiden GEO mission of ExoTrail's Space Van vehicle.
  • The Space Van will reach Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) in the latter half of 2026, showcasing enhanced capabilities for small satellites.

Notable Quote:

"The collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for advancing our presence in space," Varmazas explains ([05:10]).

These partnerships reflect a dynamic and collaborative European space industry, poised to deliver innovative launch solutions and bolster satellite deployment capabilities.

4. Dawn Aerospace's Supersonic Flight Milestone

A highlight of the episode is the groundbreaking achievement by Dawn Aerospace. On November 12th, the company successfully conducted a supersonic flight of its Mark 2 Aurora rocket-powered aircraft. This flight marked the first time a civil aircraft has broken the sound barrier since the Concorde.

Achievements:

• Reached Mach 1.1.
• Ascended to an altitude of 82,500 feet.
• Exceeded test targets of Mach 1.05 and 75,000 feet.

Maria Varmazas conveys her awe:

"Wow. Really wow. Dang." ([06:15])

Dawn Aerospace views this milestone as a pivotal step toward operational hypersonic travel and daily space access, positioning rocket-powered aircraft as a new category of ultra-high-performance vehicles.

5. Major Acquisitions and Financial Updates

The episode covers significant corporate movements and financial results within the space and defense sectors:

• Aerovironment Acquires BlueHalo:

  • Aerovironment (AV) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire BlueHalo in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $4.1 billion.
  • The merger aims to create a more diversified global leader in all-domain defense technologies, combining complementary capabilities to address critical needs of the US and its allies.

• Jacobs Reports Financial Results:

  • Jacobs released their fiscal fourth-quarter and annual results, reporting $3 billion in revenue for the year—a 4.4% year-over-year increase.
  • The company has spun off its critical mission solutions and cyber and intelligence businesses into a new entity named Momentum Holdings.

Key Insight:

"The merger will make AV a more diversified global leader in all-domain defense technologies," announces the Aerovironment and BlueHalo agreement ([07:45]).

These developments indicate a trend of consolidation and strategic expansion within the aerospace and defense industries, aiming to enhance capabilities and market positioning.

6. Anticipated SpaceX Starship Test Flight

Anecdotal excitement is shared as Starship's sixth test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, is on the horizon. Scheduled for 4 PM Central Time on the day of the episode, the launch is highly anticipated by space enthusiasts worldwide.

Maria Varmazas encourages listeners:

"Go and find a screen to stream it right now and we'll be bringing you updates about the launch on tomorrow's show." ([08:30])

This event underscores the ongoing advancements and public interest in private space exploration endeavors.

7. NASA's New Leadership Appointment

In broader space governance news, NASA has appointed Clayton P. Turner as the new Associate Administrator of the Space Technology Mission Directorate. This role places Turner at the helm of NASA's efforts to develop innovative technologies for future space missions.

Maria Varmazas remarks:

"You can read about that appointment and find out more about all of the other stories I've mentioned by following the links in our show notes." ([09:00])

This leadership change is poised to influence NASA's strategic direction in space technology development.

8. Interview with Lauren Andrade of Beyond Earth Institute

A significant portion of the episode features an in-depth interview with Lauren Andrade, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Beyond Earth Institute. The conversation delves into the institute's latest initiatives, particularly the Leadership Council and their research on the cislunar economy.

Highlights of the Discussion:

• Beyond Earth Leadership Council:

  • Comprises public and private sector experts organized into specialized working groups.
  • Current focus areas include:
    • Cislunar Economy
    • Commercial Space Stations
    • Reliability, Health, and Safety (emphasizing the human aspect of space travel)
    • Large-Scale Habitats
    • Advanced Financing and Economics

• Key Recommendations:

  • Foster a symbiotic relationship between public and private sectors in space activities.
  • Implement regulatory flexibility to support private sector growth and commercialization.
  • Develop a regulatory framework that includes indemnification and liability mitigation to ensure fiscal feasibility.

Lauren Andrade emphasizes:

"There needs to be a really symbiotic relationship between the public and private sector when it comes to space activity." ([13:00])

• Government and Commercial Collaboration:
  • Beyond Earth Institute advocates for a “whole of government” and “whole of commercial sector” approach.
  • Encourages stakeholders to collaborate, leveraging each other’s strengths to advance the collective space enterprise.

Future Outlook:

• Potential impacts of the incoming US administration on space policy.
• The necessity for the space industry to garner more public interest and support, highlighting the tangible benefits of space endeavors beyond the excitement of rocketry.

Maria Varmazas concludes the interview by praising Andrade's contributions and highlighting the comprehensive nature of their latest compendium, urging listeners to engage with the full report for detailed insights.

9. Takeaways from the Beyond Earth Symposium

Maria Varmazas shares her personal reflections from attending the Beyond Earth Symposium held in Washington D.C. the previous week. The event, themed "At the Crossroads," tackled pivotal issues intersecting space policy and the recent US election.

Key Takeaways:

• Budget Insights:

  • Notably, the US Space Force has a larger budget than NASA, indicating a strategic emphasis on defense-related space investments.
  • The allocation underscores the significant financial commitment towards satellite technology and cutting-edge defense applications.

• Launch vs. Satellite Investments:

  • While launch capabilities receive ample attention, satellites and defense technologies represent a substantial portion of space-related investments.

• Public Engagement:

  • Emphasis on inspiring public interest in space beyond the allure of rockets, highlighting the broader impacts on everyday technologies and security.

Maria Varmazas reflects:

"It's a lot easier to think about that in a really like theoretical way but to kind of forget that like this is real and space is real and these have impacts that far expand beyond." ([15:00])

Additionally, Maria highlights her upcoming full interview with sci-fi legend Rondi Moore, who shares insights on the interplay between real-space advancements and creative storytelling in science fiction.

10. Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

Maria Varmazas wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to listeners and contributors, including the Beyond Earth Institute for the symposium invitation. She encourages the audience to engage with the show by sharing it with friends and colleagues, emphasizing the importance of growing their listener base.

Final Note:

"We'll see you tomorrow." ([18:00])

Production Credits

• Producer: Alice Carruth
• Associate Producer: Liz Stokes
• Mixing: Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester
• Original Music: Elliot Peltzman
• Executive Producer: Jennifer Eiben
• Executive Editor: Brandon Karpf
• President: Simone Petrella
• Publisher: Peter Kilby
• Host: Maria Varmazas

Conclusion

The November 19, 2024 episode of T-Minus Space Daily provides listeners with a thorough update on significant developments within the European space sector, corporate mergers impacting the defense industry, and advancements in aerospace technology. The insightful interview with Lauren Andrade of the Beyond Earth Institute offers a strategic perspective on fostering public and private sector collaboration to advance the space economy. Additionally, Maria Varmazas’s personal anecdotes from the Beyond Earth Symposium add a reflective dimension to the episode, underscoring the intricate interplay between space policy, defense investment, and public engagement.

For more detailed information and access to referenced materials, listeners are encouraged to visit space.n2k.com and explore the show notes linked within the episode.