T-Minus Space Daily — "From Mishaps to Moonshots"

Podcast: T-Minus Space Daily
Host: Maria Varmazis, Alice Carruth
Date: February 20, 2026
Episode Theme: From Mishaps to Moonshots

Episode Overview

This landmark episode of T-Minus Space Daily covers a packed news day for the global space industry while marking a bittersweet transition for the podcast itself. Co-host Alice Carruth celebrates her last day with N2K, reflecting on her impactful tenure as the show moves from a daily to a weekly format. Major topics include a candid NASA report on the Boeing Starliner mishap, up-to-the-minute NASA Artemis 2 preparations, new developments in Canadian and Japanese space defense, and a SpaceX landing milestone. Emphasis is placed on transparency, accountability, and the evolving nature of space leadership and education.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Boeing CST-100 Starliner Mishap: NASA’s Scathing Report

[02:35–06:39]

• NASA released findings from the Program Investigation Team on the CST-100 Starliner’s crewed flight test, classifying its issues as a "Type A mishap" — the highest level, comparable to the shuttle disasters.
• Notable administrative reaction: In a letter, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman bluntly criticized both Boeing’s hardware deficiencies and NASA’s own oversight and decision-making failures.
• The report outlined multi-level responsibility, not just with Boeing but within NASA’s program leadership, acquisition practices, and a drive to maintain competition in crewed flight systems.
• Despite the severity, Starliner is not being scrapped. NASA and Boeing reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the issues and maintaining two commercial crew providers.

Notable Quotes:

• [03:53] Jared Isaacman:
  "Let me begin with the most important point. Starliner has design and engineering deficiencies that must be corrected. But the most troubling failure revealed by this investigation is not hardware. It's decision making and leadership that if left unchecked, could create a culture incompatible with human spaceflight. Ouch."
• [04:21] Jared Isaacman:
  "Boeing built the spacecraft and from the onset NASA approved variances and we agreed to fly it... A considerable portion of the responsibility and accountability rests here [at NASA]."
• [04:52] Jared Isaacman:
  "NASA's Limited Touch acquisition and management posture left the agency without the systems knowledge and development insight required to confidently certify a human rated spacecraft."

2. NASA Artemis 2 SLS Wet Dress Rehearsal Success

[06:39–07:42]

• While the Starliner report was released, NASA pulled off a successful wet dress rehearsal for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for the Artemis 2 mission.
  • Over 700,000 gallons of propellant were loaded into the rocket.
  • Terminal count was executed twice without hydrogen leaks—a notable achievement given previous setbacks.
  • The Artemis II crew observed from launch control before their pre-mission quarantine.
  • NASA is targeting March 6th for launch.

Memorable Moment:

• [07:42] Maria Varmazis:
  "I'm so excited for that."

3. MDA Space Launches Canadian Defense Subsidiary, "49 North"

[07:42–08:23]

• MDA Space announced a new subsidiary, 49 North, focused on delivering mission-critical capabilities for Canada’s national defense.
  • Based in Ottawa.
  • Leverages decades of Canadian defense mission experience.
  • Focus: reliability and program execution for large defense programs.

4. Japan’s Defense Satellite Constellation — Industry Consortium Chosen

[08:23–09:04]

• The Japanese Ministry of Defense selected a consortium for its private finance initiative to build an imagery intelligence satellite constellation.
  • Companies: Mitsubishi Electric, Sky Perfect JSAT, Mitsui, Synspective, and others.
  • Aim: Enhance standoff defense capabilities through reliable, private-sector information infrastructure.

5. SpaceX Achieves Landmark Booster Landing

[09:04–09:59]

• SpaceX landed a Falcon 9 booster off the Bahamas — only its second landing in the Caribbean.
  • Mission: Deployed 29 Starlink satellites.
  • Booster B1077 landed on “Just Read the Instructions” drone ship.
  • Marks the vessel’s 150th and SpaceX's 573rd overall booster landing.

Highlight:

• [09:04] Maria Varmazis:
  "That's kind of nuts when you think about that. Crazy, yeah... 573rd booster landing for SpaceX to date."

6. Podcast Milestone and Farewell Reflections

[12:47–22:03]
(Following the news segment, Maria and Alice focus on transition and legacy.)

• Alice Carruth announces her departure from N2K and shares her new role as COO of Higher Orbits, a non-profit focusing on STEM outreach and space education for students. She details her personal journey in space journalism, her passion for outreach, and the transformative impact of STEM programs.

Notable Quotes:

• [12:58] Alice Carruth:
  "It's really tough, isn't it, when you're leaving your baby behind. But I'm taking on somebody else's baby... STEM has been a passion project of mine for years."
• [14:49] Alice Carruth:
  "If you'd asked me what a Leo was in my 20s, I probably would have said a star sign. So the fact that I've got to this point in just a few years is really being around a lot of these education outreach programs."
• [15:44] Maria Varmazis:
  "We need communicators too."
• [15:54] Maria Varmazis:
  "Especially in this moment in time. I think that is so crucial."
• [16:42] Alice Carruth:
  "You can check out higherorbits.org—that's the organization that I'm going to be working with as the COO... if you have any ideas about where I can bring it to, please reach out."

7. T-Minus Podcast Format Change & Listener Outreach

[18:09–22:03]

• The podcast transitions from daily to weekly, with new interviews and content every Sunday.
• Relaunch of the Signals in Space newsletter.
• Hosts encourage listener feedback and ideas for the next direction of the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• [18:09] Maria Varmazis:
  "The Daily show is winding down today as our last daily show, but emphasis on daily. We are going to be going weekly from this point on, so we will be releasing new episodes every Sunday."

Memorable Moments

• The heartfelt mutual gratitude and light banter between Alice and Maria as they reflect on three years' partnership and the future of both the show and the industry.
  • [19:49] Alice Carruth:
    "I'm trying my best to stay upbeat. And I'm smiling away at you, but equally, I'm like, oh, gosh, she's gonna make me cry."
  • [20:56] Maria Varmazis:
    "Split custody now." (on co-parenting the podcast after Alice's departure)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Boeing Starliner / NASA Report: 02:35–06:39
• Artemis II SLS Wet Dress Rehearsal: 06:39–07:42
• MDA/Canada Announcements: 07:42–08:23
• Japan Defense Satellite Consortium: 08:23–09:04
• SpaceX Landing Milestone: 09:04–09:59
• Farewell & Transition/Podcast Future: 12:47–22:03

Conclusion

This episode serves as an inflection point, both in the space industry—marked by critical introspection and new frontiers—and for the podcast itself, signaling change, renewal, and community outreach. The hosts exemplify the communication and candor needed to bridge space technology, education, and public accountability, closing with encouragement for continued listener engagement as the show pivots formats.