Get the Hawk out of here.

Fri Jun 27 2025

Rocket Lab successfully launches 67th Electron Mission, schedules next launch in less than 48 hours. US NSF and Amazon’s Project Kuiper establish coordination agreement to prevent satellite interference. Sidus Space picks Atomic-6 for solar arrays in $120M cislunar data mission with Lonestar. And, more.

Summary

Podcast Summary: T-Minus Space Daily Episode: "Get the Hawk out of here." Release Date: June 27, 2025

Host: Maria Varmazis
Publisher: N2K Networks

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazis delivers a comprehensive update on the latest developments in the global space industry. Covering a range of topics from satellite deployments to international space collaborations, the episode provides listeners with in-depth analysis and expert insights.

2. Rocket Lab’s 67th Electron Mission and Hawkeye360 Partnership

Rocket Lab celebrated a significant milestone with the successful launch of its 67th Electron mission from Mahia, New Zealand. The mission, aptly named "Get the Hawk out of here," deployed four satellites for radio frequency analytics firm Hawkeye360. The payload included the Cluster 12 trio and the experimental Kestrel 0A satellites, all placed into a 520-kilometer orbit.

Maria Varmazis notes, “It launched them into a 520 kilometer orbit.” [00:52]

This mission marks the second of three dedicated launches for Hawkeye360 as the company expands its geolocation satellite constellation. Impressively, Rocket Lab is preparing for what could be their fastest turnaround yet, with the next mission, "Symphony in the Stars," scheduled to launch less than 48 hours later. This upcoming mission will be Rocket Lab’s 68th Electron launch and their 10th of the year from Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, carrying a single satellite for a confidential commercial customer to a 650-kilometer orbit.

3. Amazon’s Project Kuiper and NSF Collaboration

Amazon's Project Kuiper has entered a pivotal agreement with the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) aimed at mitigating the impact of its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband constellation on astronomical research. Maria Varmazis explains, “The agreement covers both optical and radio astronomy,” [00:52]

Key components of this collaboration include:

Optical Astronomy: Project Kuiper commits to international best practices such as satellite dimming and adhering to orbital limitations. They will also provide precise orbital data to astronomers to aid in observational planning.
Radio Astronomy: Efforts are focused on preventing signal interference with NSF's National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Although not mandated by its FCC license, Project Kuiper is proactively testing prototype satellites and dynamic beam-shaping techniques to minimize disruptions in protected radio frequency bands.

This partnership builds on previous collaborations with NSF's Noir Lab and the International Astronomical Union, highlighting a growing trend of public-private cooperation to preserve the integrity of space science research.

4. Citus Space’s Selection of Atomic 6 for Lunar Data Mission

Citus Space has selected Atomic 6’s Light Wing solar arrays to power its LISSISAT spacecraft, a move that is part of a substantial $120 million agreement with Lone Star Data Holdings. This partnership supports future lunar data centers, with Maria Varmazis highlighting, “The atomic 6 solar arrays are noted for their high power to mass ratio,” [00:52]

Key Points:

Technological Evaluation: Citus Space chose the Light Wing arrays after a thorough technical and commercial evaluation to meet the demanding requirements of cislunar missions.
LISSISAT’s Role: Designed to support Lone Star’s planned network for secure off-Earth data storage, the LISSISAT spacecraft underscores the adaptability required for operations beyond low Earth orbit, particularly in the harsher cislunar environment.
Strategic Importance: This deal is a critical step in Citus Space’s phased deployment strategy aimed at delivering resilient data infrastructure less susceptible to natural or geopolitical disruptions.

5. SpaceX’s Starship Debris Recovery Efforts in Mexico

SpaceX is currently facing legal challenges in Mexico following a recent Starship explosion that resulted in debris scattering across the border. The incident occurred in Tamaulipas, where unauthorized access to private land has complicated recovery efforts.

Maria Varmazis reports, “SpaceX says recovery efforts have been hampered by unauthorized access to private land in Tamaulipas,” [00:52]

Highlights:

Mexican Government’s Response: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that her administration is conducting a security and environmental review of the incident. She stated, “There is indeed contamination,” [00:52] and indicated that potential legal actions may follow based on the findings.
SpaceX’s Position: The company maintains that all debris remains on its property and has offered assistance in the cleanup process. This incident follows previous Starship anomalies in January and March, which also resulted in debris crossing international boundaries.

6. China’s Shenzhou 20 Mission Completes Spacewalk

China’s Shenzhou 20 mission crew, consisting of Commander Chen Dong and astronaut Chen Jianggri, successfully completed their second spacewalk aboard the Tiangong Space Station. The six-and-a-half-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) focused on installing debris shielding and upgrading extra-vehicular equipment.

Maria Varmazis states, “The crew installed debris shielding and they upgraded extra vehicular equipment, including foot restraint and interface adapters,” [00:52]

Key Achievements:

Equipment Upgrades: These enhancements are expected to reduce future EVA durations by approximately 40 minutes, increasing operational efficiency.
Maintenance Tasks: The crew also performed comprehensive maintenance and equipment inspections outside the Wentian module, ensuring the station’s integrity and readiness for future missions.

7. Weekly Space Traffic Report Highlights

The episode transitions into the Weekly Space Traffic Report, provided by Alicia Siegel from NSF, summarizing notable spaceflight events from the past week.

Key Highlights:

Parker Solar Probe’s 24th Perihelion: On June 19, the Parker Solar Probe made its closest approach to the Sun, coming within 6.2 million kilometers of the solar surface and traveling at speeds of up to 687,000 kilometers per hour. [09:48]
ChinaSat 9C Launch: China successfully launched the ChinaSat 9C communications satellite via Changzheng 3B from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on June 20, replacing the older ChinaSat 9.
SpaceX Starlink Missions: On June 23, SpaceX executed two Starlink launches from Florida:
- First Launch: Falcon 9 deployed 27 V2 mini satellites and successfully landed booster B1069.
- Second Launch: An Atlas V rocket delivered 27 Kuiper satellites after addressing a nitrogen purge line issue, nicknamed the “Bruiser,” and booster B1094 successfully landed.
- Transporter 14 Rideshare Mission: Launched 70 payloads, including two reentry capsules from Varda and Exploration Companies. While Varda’s Winnebago 4 remained intact, Exploration Company’s capsule lost communication before splashdown.
Axiom 4 Mission to ISS: Launched on June 25, this crewed mission included former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and international astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary. The crew docked with the ISS and is set to conduct nearly 60 experiments over 14 days.
Rocket Lab’s "Get the Hawk Outta Here" Mission: Successfully launched four satellites for Hawkeye360, with a record turnaround scheduled for the next mission, “Symphony in the Stars,” on June 28.
Other Notable Launches:
- Blue Origin’s New Shepard: A crewed mission was scrubbed due to weather but may reschedule.
- Japan’s H2A Rocket: Set to launch from Tanegashima with a greenhouse gas monitoring satellite.
- Gilmour Space’s ERIS Rocket: Preparing for its maiden flight on July 1 with a newly outfitted fairing.

8. Genesis SFL’s MyASAT1 Biological Payload Mission

In a unique scientific endeavor, biotech startup Genesis SFL launched MyASAT1, a satellite carrying nearly a thousand biological specimens, including algae, soil microbes, plant stems, and human DNA. The mission aimed to study the survivability of these specimens in space, effectively creating a “floating ark of biology.”

Maria Varmazis elaborates, “It was packed with not only algae and soil microbes and roots and stems. It even included human DNA.” [18:17]

Significant Aspects:

Diverse Payload: The inclusion of cannabis garnered particular interest, as researchers intended to observe its genetic responses to intense radiation and microgravity. This could provide insights into plant resilience and potential agricultural applications beyond Earth.
Mission Outcome: Unfortunately, the Mission Possible capsule, which carried MyASAT1, lost communication shortly before splashdown off the coast of Hawaii, likely due to parachute issues. As a result, the fate of MyASAT1 remains uncertain, leaving the mission’s scientific outcomes unknown.

Varmazis adds with a touch of humor, “It would be something if this space Noah's Ark ended up washing ashore on a tropical paradise, though, especially with certain seeds in there.”

9. Conclusion and Upcoming Features

Maria Varmazis wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to explore more detailed reports in the show notes and to tune in to the next episode, T Minus Deep Space. The upcoming show, hosted by the Aerospace Corporation, will focus on how experts are turning data into decisions within the space industry.

Notable Quotes:

Maria Varmazis:
- “It is set to carry a single satellite for a confidential commercial customer to a 650 kilometer orbit.” [00:52]
- “The agreement covers both optical and radio astronomy.” [00:52]
- “The atomic 6 solar arrays are noted for their high power to mass ratio.” [00:52]
- “SpaceX says recovery efforts have been hampered by unauthorized access to private land in Tamaulipas.” [00:52]
- “The crew installed debris shielding and they upgraded extra vehicular equipment, including foot restraint and interface adapters.” [00:52]
- “It was packed with not only algae and soil microbes and roots and stems. It even included human DNA.” [18:17]

Final Notes:

N2K CyberWire provides these insights as part of its mission to keep space and cybersecurity professionals informed. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to visit space.n2k.com and explore the show notes accompanying the podcast.

End of Summary