T-Minus Space Daily: Forging Ahead with Testbeds and Proving Grounds

Release Date: January 31, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazes | Produced by N2K Networks

Introduction

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazes delves into the latest advancements and collaborations shaping the global space industry. From groundbreaking initiatives in space security to ambitious asteroid mining missions, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of space exploration and commercialization.

1. Space ISAC Introduces International Testbeds and Proving Grounds

Key Points:

• Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) has launched a new program granting its members access to the Accelerating Space Capabilities 100 (ASC 100) test beds and proving grounds.
• These facilities offer both physical and digital environments that simulate space operating conditions, essential for R&D validation and the operational deployment of space technologies.
• The initiative is in partnership with the Aerospace Corporation, aiming to enhance collaboration across the global space industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Liz Stokes ([04:31]):
  “It’s not just a security focus, it’s also an operational focus so that we can solve this flight proven paradox because the faster we can get to flight proven then the faster we’re going to get ahead of our adversaries.”

• Alicia Miller ([05:34]):
  “Broadly we are about security and national security. So this new program is completely in alignment with our initial intent of the Space ISAC.”

Discussion Highlights: Maria converses with Ron Burke, Principal Director of the Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate at the Aerospace Corporation, and Aaron Miller, Executive Director at Space ISAC. They discuss the strategic importance of the new test beds in fostering innovation and ensuring the resilience of space infrastructure against emerging threats.

2. Astroforge Commences Asteroid Mining Mission on 2022 OB5

Key Points:

• Astroforge has selected the M-type asteroid 2022 OB5 for its inaugural mining mission.
• The asteroid, approximately a few dozen meters across, is rich in metals and will approach within 404,000 miles of Earth in January 2026.
• The mission involves Astroforge's spacecraft Odin, which will separate from The Intuitive Machines IM2 mission aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, departing no earlier than February 26, 2025.
• The objective is to image the asteroid and assess its metallic content, paving the way for future mining endeavors.

Additional Developments: Astroforge has also secured a multi-launch agreement with Stokespace for subsequent mining missions, signaling a robust plan for scaling asteroid mining operations.

3. ISRO Celebrates 100th Launch Milestone

Key Points:

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked its 100th launch with the successful deployment of the GSLV F15 rocket carrying the NVS02 satellite.
• This milestone underscores India's growing prowess in space technology and its commitment to advancing global navigation systems.
• The NVS02 satellite is part of the NavIC constellation, enhancing terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation, alongside precision agriculture applications.

Notable Quotes:

• Maria Varmazes ([05:34]):
  “The launch was hailed as a very significant milestone for India, but by the newly appointed chief V. Narayanan.”

4. AST Space Mobile Receives FCC Approval for U.S. Testing

Key Points:

• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted AST Space Mobile special temporary authority to test its mobile satellite service within the United States.
• The approval permits AST Space Mobile's initial five Bluebird satellites in low Earth orbit to connect with standard smartphones without needing specialized software or hardware.
• Collaborations with AT&T and Verizon will facilitate voice, data, video applications, and native cellular broadband capabilities during testing.

5. Virgin Galactic Partners with Redwire for Enhanced Research Capabilities

Key Points:

• Virgin Galactic has announced a partnership with Redwire to manufacture research payload lockers for their upcoming Delta-class spaceships.
• These lockers are designed to elevate microgravity research by offering customizable, plug-and-play solutions that provide real-time data throughout spaceflight missions.
• The collaboration aims to lower costs and risks for researchers transitioning experiments to the International Space Station (ISS).
• Delta-class spaceships are slated for rollout in 2026, marking a significant upgrade in Virgin Galactic's research infrastructure.

Notable Features:

• The lockers are optimized for both autonomous and human-tended research, ensuring flexibility and scalability for diverse scientific endeavors.

6. Weekly Space Traffic Report

Hosted by Alicia Siegel, the weekly Space Traffic Report covers recent and upcoming missions globally:

• Recent Launches:

  • Starlink Mission (January 27): Deployed 21 Starlink V2 mini satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capability. Booster B1076 successfully landed on SpaceX's Dr. Droneship after its 20th flight.
  • ISRO's GSLV F15 Launch (January 29): Deployed a regional navigation satellite into geostationary transfer orbit.

• Upcoming Launches:

  • Starlink Launch (February 1): From Vandenberg, California, deploying 22 satellites.
  • Japan's H3 Rocket Launch (February 2): From Tanegashima Space Center, delivering the Michibiki 6 satellite.
  • Rocket Lab's Electron Launch (February 3): Delivering five IoT satellites for Cannase.
  • Blue Origin's New Shepard Flight (February 4): Featuring 30 payloads, including 29 science and technology experiments, with a special simulation of lunar gravity.

Spacewalk Highlight:

• NASA Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore completed a spacewalk, with Williams setting a new record for cumulative spacewalking time.

7. Farewell to Brandon: A Heartfelt Goodbye

Key Points: The episode features an emotional farewell to Brandon, a valued colleague departing for new ventures. Team members express their gratitude and best wishes, highlighting Brandon's impact on the organization.

Notable Quotes:

• Liz Stokes ([17:20]):
  “Brandon, you definitely left your mark on the company in the time that you were here. But remember that goodbyes are not forever. They're just a pause in our shared journey.”

• Alicia Siegel ([18:07]):
  “I personally appreciated all your encouragement and support of my ideas here at N2K and Certbyte would have not launched had it not been for your support. So thank you for everything. We will miss you. Keep in touch.”

• Maria Varmazes ([18:52]):
  “Brandon, I will always remember that you set up your own recording booth in your own home so that you can have better audio quality on our shows. And if that isn't the way to an audio engineer's heart, then I don't know, try lunch or something. Really gonna miss you, ma'am.”

The heartfelt tributes underscore Brandon's role as a problem-solver, leader, and mentor within the team, leaving a lasting legacy as he embarks on his next adventure.

8. Space History: Celebrating Ham the Chimpanzee's 64th Anniversary

Key Points: On January 31, 1961, Ham the chimpanzee became a pioneer in spaceflight as part of Project Mercury. This anniversary marks 64 years since Ham's historic suborbital mission, which provided critical data for human space exploration.

Highlights:

• Ham was one of six chimpanzees selected for the mission after rigorous evaluations at the Holloman Aerospace Medical Center in New Mexico.
• The mission achieved vital milestones, including surviving 17 Gs of acceleration, which informed subsequent human spaceflights.
• After retirement, Ham lived at the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., until his passing in 1983, and was interred near Holloman Air Force Base at the New Mexico Space Museum.

Looking Ahead: Maria teases an upcoming interview with James Draper, curator of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Museum, who will delve deeper into Ham's mission and its legacy in space history.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a reminder to listeners to check out additional resources and engage with the podcast through ratings and reviews. Host Maria Varmazes extends gratitude to team members and acknowledges key contributors, including a special farewell to departing President Simone Petrella.

Additional Resources

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

Stay Connected:
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Produced by Alice Carouse | Associate Producer: Liz Stokes | Executive Producer: Jennifer Ibin | Executive Editor: Brandon Karpf | Publisher: Peter Kilpe