T-Minus Space Daily: "Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it’s Kosmos 482"

Release Date: May 12, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, hosted by Maria Varmazis from N2K Networks, listeners are treated to a comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in the space industry. The episode delves into significant events such as the re-entry of the Soviet-era Kosmos 482 satellite, financial updates from Redwire Corporation, advancements in satellite technology by ViaSat, innovative lunar exploration plans by ispace and Takasago Thermal Engineering, and the potential revival of the U.S. National Space Council. Additionally, the episode features an insightful interview with Patrick O'Neill from the ISS National Laboratory, shedding light on current research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and upcoming missions by Axiom Space.

Kosmos 482 Re-entry

The episode opens with a detailed account of the re-entry of the Soviet Venus lander Kosmos 482, marking its end after 53 years in orbit.

"The failed Soviet Venus lander reportedly re-entered over the Indian Ocean west of Jakarta, Indonesia, a little after 2:30 am Eastern time on Saturday. According to Russia's space agency Roscosmos, Kosmos 482 appears to have fallen harmlessly into the sea." ([05:15])

Despite differing predictions from various space agencies and tracking companies regarding its landing zone, there were no reports of injuries from the debris, which was expected to impact at speeds of approximately 150 miles per hour. The uncertainty surrounding its final descent highlights the complexities involved in tracking long-orbiting objects.

Redwire Corporation Financial Report

Maria then transitions to financial news impacting the space sector, focusing on Redwire Corporation's first-quarter performance.

“The company's revenues for the first quarter of 2025 decreased 30.1% to $61.4 million as compared to $87.8 million for the first quarter of 2024. However, net losses were down by $5.1 million to $2.9 million as compared to $8.1 million for the first quarter of 2024.” ([07:00])

Despite a significant drop in revenues, Redwire Corporation has managed to reduce its net losses, positioning itself to continue growth and acquisitions in the coming quarters.

ViaSat's New Satellite Payloads

Next, the episode highlights ViaSat's advancements in satellite technology tailored for government applications.

“ViaSat has confirmed that its GX10A and GX10B satellite payloads are now available to deliver services for government customers. Commercial maritime and aviation services are anticipated to follow throughout fiscal year 2026.” ([07:45])

These payloads, housed on Space Norway's Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission spacecraft (ASBM1 and ASBM2), aim to provide robust broadband coverage over the Arctic region, enhancing communication capabilities for both government and commercial entities.

ispace and Takasago's Lunar Water Extraction Plans

The collaboration between ispace and Takasago Thermal Engineering marks a significant step toward sustainable lunar exploration.

“The MOU aims to conduct a feasibility study for joint technology development with the goal of demonstrating the extraction of water on the moon.” ([08:30])

Their partnership focuses on developing thermal mining technology to extract water from the lunar surface, a critical resource for future missions. The ultimate goal is to integrate Takasago’s technology into a lunar rover, facilitating extended exploration and resource utilization.

Revival of the National Space Council

A noteworthy development discussed is the U.S. administration's move to revive the National Space Council, an initiative previously undertaken by former President Trump in 2017.

“The administration was staffing the council despite opposition by SpaceX's CEO and Trump advisor, Elon Musk.” ([09:15])

Led by the Vice President, as mandated by law, the reactivation of the council signifies a renewed focus on national space policy and coordination amidst evolving industry dynamics.

Interview with Patrick O'Neill from ISS National Laboratory

The heart of the episode features an engaging conversation between Maria Varmazis and Patrick O'Neill, providing an insider's perspective on ongoing research and future projects aboard the ISS.

Johnny Kim Interview Insights

Patrick shares his experience interviewing astronaut Johnny Kim, highlighting the astronaut's humility and focus on the scientific and human aspects of space exploration.

"One of the things that the NASA team was talking with me about was let's not focus on, you know, the meme of Johnny Kim. Let's maybe focus a little bit because everyone wants to go out there and tell, oh my gosh, your background." ([10:15])

Current ISS Projects and Collaboration with Axiom Space

Patrick elaborates on the current projects aboard the ISS, emphasizing biomedical and plant biology research. He also discusses the upcoming AX4 mission by Axiom Space, which will introduce four new private astronauts.

"Most of them are biomedical and nature or plant biology. So you know, those are kind of the main activities for them." ([14:10])

He highlights innovative technologies being tested, such as glucose monitors and Aura Rings, which aim to enhance health monitoring for astronauts and potentially expand the pool of individuals qualified for extended space missions.

“If you can have a ring or something like that, that is a much less invasive way of being able to evaluate your body effectively in space.” ([16:20])

Future Missions and the Space Economy

Patrick also touches upon the broader space economy, mentioning the Orbital Edge Accelerator program in collaboration with investment teams to foster space startups.

"We were talking just the space economy in general, how it's evolved, but then also where we're going, and then how opportunities like this could set the pathway for additional startups to create things in space." ([18:00])

Jupiter's Auroras as Observed by JWST

In a captivating segment, Maria discusses the latest findings on Jupiter’s auroras captured by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

"Using its near-infrared camera, Webb observed that emissions from the trihydrogen cation are far more variable than previously thought. These rapid fluctuations suggest a dynamic and complex interaction between Jupiter's magnetic field and its atmosphere." ([20:15])

The observations reveal that Jupiter's auroras are not only driven by solar wind but also significantly influenced by particles ejected from its volcanic moon, Io. Interestingly, discrepancies between JWST and Hubble Space Telescope observations hint at previously unknown processes, potentially involving low-energy particles that remain a mystery to scientists.

Conclusion

Maria wraps up the episode by directing listeners to additional resources and encouraging engagement through social media platforms. She emphasizes the importance of staying informed and connected within the rapidly evolving space industry.

"Your feedback ensures we deliver the insights that keep you a step ahead in the rapidly changing space industry." ([21:30])

The episode underscores the dynamic interplay between technological advancements, financial landscapes, and collaborative efforts shaping the future of space exploration.

Notable Quotes:

• “The failed Soviet Venus lander reportedly re-entered over the Indian Ocean west of Jakarta, Indonesia, a little after 2:30 am Eastern time on Saturday.” — Maria Varmazis ([05:15])

• “Despite facing very dynamic macroeconomic conditions, Redwire enters the second quarter ready to close on our acquisition of Edge Autonomy and to capitalize on market trends in space and defense technology.” — Jonathan Bailiff, CFO of Redwire ([06:50])

• “If you can have a ring or something like that, that is a much less invasive way of being able to evaluate your body effectively in space.” — Patrick O'Neill ([16:20])

Further Listening

For those interested in exploring more about the business side of space and the Orbital Edge Accelerator program, be sure to check out episode three of the T-Minus Space Daily podcast, featuring CNN's Jackie Wattles and Rafael Rutkin from E2MC.

Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis on the latest happenings in the space industry with T-Minus Space Daily.