Summary of N2K Networks' "T-Minus Space Daily" Episode: "FCC to Expand Satellite Spectrum Assets"

Release Date: May 23, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazas
Podcast: T-Minus Space Daily by N2K Networks

Introduction

In the May 23, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazas delivered a comprehensive intelligence briefing, highlighting significant developments in the global space industry. The episode primarily focused on the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) initiative to expand satellite spectrum assets but also covered updates from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), strategic partnerships within the space sector, and substantial grants awarded by the Texas Space Commission.

FCC's Initiative to Expand Satellite Spectrum Assets

A major highlight of the episode was the FCC's proposal to significantly expand satellite spectrum assets to enhance current and next-generation space-based broadband connectivity.

Maria Varmazas [01:29]:
“The Federal Communications Commission has voted to start proceedings that could significantly expand satellite spectrum assets across multiple bands for current and next generation space-based broadband connectivity.”

Key Points:

• Spectrum Expansion: The FCC aims to unlock over 20,000 MHz of spectrum dedicated to high-speed internet from space, surpassing the total spectrum currently available for satellite broadband.
• Targeted Bands: The proposal focuses on four underused spectrum bands, notably the 12.7 GHz, 42 GHz, and 52 GHz bands. These are adjacent to established satellite frequencies in the KU and V bands, making them ideal for modernization.
• Global Positioning: Leveraging international decisions from the World Radiocommunication Conference 2019 (WRC-19), the FCC seeks to provide a first-mover advantage for U.S. licensed operators in high band spectrum arenas.

Maria Varmazas [03:20]:
“They’re looking to unlock more than 20,000 MHz of spectrum for high speed Internet delivered from space. That amount is more than the sum total of all spectrum available for satellite broadband right now.”

The FCC's efforts are poised to foster innovation and enhance global connectivity through expanded satellite broadband services.

FAA Approves SpaceX Starship's Return to Flight

Another significant update was the FAA's authorization for SpaceX's Starship to resume flights following a thorough safety review.

Maria Varmazas [05:00]:
“The Federal Aviation Authority has completed the comprehensive safety review of the SpaceX Starship Flight 8 mishap. They've determined that the company has satisfactorily addressed the causes of the mishap and therefore, the Starship vehicle can return to flight.”

Key Details:

• Safety Enhancements: SpaceX was required to update its flight safety analysis, including outcomes from previous mishaps and establishing expanded hazard areas.
• Hazard Area Expansion: The new hazard area for Starship Flight 9 will cover approximately 1,600 nautical miles eastward from Starbase, up from 885 nautical miles for Flight 8.
• Scheduled Launch: SpaceX tentatively scheduled Test Flight 9 for Tuesday, May 27, at 6:30 PM Central Time from the newly designated Starbase, Texas.

These measures ensure enhanced safety protocols as SpaceX prepares to reinitiate its ambitious Starship missions.

Impulse Space and SES Sign Multi-Launch Agreement

Impulse Space and SES have entered into a strategic multi-launch agreement aimed at improving satellite deployment efficiency.

Maria Varmazas [06:15]:
“Impulse Space and SES have signed a multi-launch agreement. The companies plan to use Impulse's Helios kick stage to shorten the time required for the selected SES satellites to reach their final orbital position.”

Agreement Highlights:

• Helios Kick Stage: This technology enables rapid transfer of satellites from low Earth orbit (LEO) to higher orbits like geostationary orbit (GEO) within hours, significantly reducing transit time.
• First Mission: Slated for 2027, the initial mission will deploy a 4-ton payload directly from a medium lift launcher in LEO to GEO within 8 hours.
• Future Missions: The agreement allows SES to launch satellites on-demand, providing flexibility and responsiveness in satellite deployment.

This partnership underscores the industry's move towards more efficient and agile satellite deployment mechanisms.

ISCI and Japan's IHI Corporation Partner on SAR Constellation

Impulse Space Communication Inc. (ISCI) has teamed up with Japan's IHI Corporation to develop a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite constellation.

Maria Varmazas [07:45]:
“ISCI is partnering with Japan's IHI Corporation on the development of a SAR constellation of up to 24 satellites.”

Project Details:

• Purpose: The constellation will provide Earth observation data for military, civilian, and commercial applications.
• Manufacturing Facility: The partnership includes establishing a satellite manufacturing facility in Japan, with operations aimed at domestic satellite deployment.
• Strategic Objectives: This initiative supports Japan’s ambitions to bolster its space industry, enhance national security, and increase resilience through advanced satellite technology.

The collaboration highlights the growing international partnerships aimed at advancing space-based Earth observation capabilities.

Texas Space Commission Approves $20.7 Million in Grants

The Texas Space Commission Board of Directors approved grant applications totaling $20.7 million to support five space-related projects.

Maria Varmazas [07:05]:
“The Texas Space Commission Board of Directors has voted to approve grant applications that total $20.7 million.”

Grant Distribution:

• West Central Texas Council of Governments (Abilene): Up to $175,000.
• Fluxworks: Up to $347,000.
• Axiom Space (Houston-based): Up to $5.5 million.
• Astro: Up to $10 million.
• Aldrin Family Foundation of Texas: Up to $4.7 million.

Since its establishment in 2023, the Texas Space Commission has granted a total of $116 million across 19 projects, with an additional $34 million remaining in the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (CERF) for future initiatives. These grants are aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the growth of Texas's burgeoning space industry.

Additional Updates by Alice Cruz

N2K senior producer Alice Cruz provided supplementary updates, including:

1. China’s EVA to Add Debris Shields to Tiangong:
   Chinese astronauts conducted an extravehicular activity (EVA) to install debris shields on the Tiangong Space Station, enhancing its resilience against space debris.

2. NASA's Agreement with Argentina for Artemis 2 CubeSat:
   NASA partnered with Argentina to deploy a CubeSat as part of the Artemis 2 mission, highlighting international collaboration in lunar exploration.

3. Astrobotic's Lunar Wireless Charger Update:
   Astrobotic has developed a wireless charging system for lunar rovers, aiming to improve operational efficiency on the Moon’s surface.

Alice Cruz [08:45]:
“We have three additional links in there today covering China's EVA to add debris shields to Tiangong, NASA's agreement with Argentina for an Artemis 2 CubeSat, and an update on Astrobotic's Lunar Wireless Charger.”

These updates emphasize ongoing advancements and international collaborations in space technology and exploration.

Weekly Space Traffic Report

Ryan Caton from NASASpaceflight.com delivered an in-depth weekly space traffic report, covering launches and missions from May 17 to May 23, 2025.

Notable Launches and Events:

• Juche 2e Launch (May 17):
  Chinese company Landspace launched the Juche 2e rocket carrying six satellites into sun-synchronous orbit. This enhanced variant featured a mass-saving dome and a relight-capable engine.

• Rocket Lab's Sea God Seas Mission (May 17):
  An Electron rocket launched from New Zealand, deploying a radar imaging satellite named Wadatsumi for Japanese company IQPS. This marked Rocket Lab's third mission for IQPS.

• PSLV XL Failure (May 18):
  India's ISRO experienced a launch failure during the third stage of a PSLV XL mission intended for a radar reconnaissance satellite. The cause is under investigation, marking the third failure in PSLV's 63-mission history.

• G Ceres 1s Launch (May 19):
  A rocket launched four IoT communication satellites into LEO from offshore in the Yellow Sea, China.

• Cheongjuong 7A Launch (May 20):
  Another Chinese launch carrying a classified communications satellite to GEO.

• Falcon 9 Starlink Launch (May 21):
  SpaceX successfully launched 13 Starlink Directorcel satellites and 10 V2 mini satellites from Florida. The booster landed successfully on the drone ship.

• Lytian 6 Satellites Launch (May 21):
  Chinese mission deploying Kinetica 6 satellites into sun-synchronous orbit.

• China's Tiangong Space Station EVA (May 22):
  Astronauts Chen Dong and Chen Zhongri performed a spacewalk to install debris shields and manage equipment on Tiangong.

• Soyuz 2.1B Launch (May 23):
  Russia launched a satellite for the Ministry of Defense, with limited public information available.

• Dragon CRS-32 Undocking (May 23):
  SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft undocked from the ISS, set to splashdown on May 25 carrying supplies and research payloads.

Upcoming Launches:

• Rocket Lab’s Full Stream Ahead Mission:
  Deployment of Black Sky Generation 3 imaging satellites.

• Tienwind 2 Mission:
  China’s asteroid sample return mission targeting near-Earth asteroid Kam-Oyeva.

• Multiple Starlink Missions:
  Including the first Starlink Group 17 launch in over two years.

• Potential Starship Launch (May 27):
  SpaceX plans to launch Starship Test Flight 9 following FAA approval, scheduled for late evening May 27 from Starbase, Texas.

Ryan Caton [11:05]:
“That's spycloud.com cyberwire.”

Ryan’s report underscored the dynamic nature of space traffic, highlighting both successful missions and ongoing challenges such as the PSLV XL failure.

Model Rockets Buyer's Guide

In the closing segment, Maria introduced a comprehensive buyer's guide on model rockets curated by Space.com's team of writers, including Ian Stokes and Alexander Cox. This guide is particularly timely as the Northern Hemisphere enters a season favorable for outdoor activities.

Key Features:

• Categories: Best for kids, water-powered rockets, beginners, Saturn V replicas, and more.
• Safety: Most rockets project altitudes between 300 to 500 feet, with some approaching 1,000 feet, eliminating the need for FAA permissions.
• Recommendations: Esteemed brands like Estes feature prominently, offering a variety of options suitable for different age groups and skill levels.

Maria Varmazas [09:06]:
“... a number of picks for kids. So if you have a budding space nerd in your life, maybe save a few items on this list for when birthday or holiday season shopping time comes around.”

Maria encouraged listeners to consider these models not just as toys but as potential sparks for future aerospace enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Maria Varmazas wrapped up the episode by encouraging listener engagement and promoting additional resources available on the N2K Networks website.

Maria Varmazas [19:04]:
“... and when you do, take a moment to just visualize how nice it'll feel when, I don't know, a decade or so from now. That kid is now an adult saying your name with a big smile on their face thanking you during their aerospace thesis defense for being the one who sparked it all.”

The episode provided a thorough overview of pivotal developments in the space industry, emphasizing regulatory changes, strategic partnerships, and technological advancements poised to shape the future of space exploration and connectivity.

For more detailed insights and additional resources, listeners are encouraged to visit the N2K Networks website at https://space.n2k.com.