T-Minus Space Daily — “ISS demonstration: A tow truck for space”

Podcast: T-Minus Space Daily by N2K Networks
Episode Date: February 28, 2026
Host: Maria Varmazes
Featured Guest: Troy Morris, CEO & Co-founder, KMI (Cal Morris Inc.)
Theme: In-space robotics and the future of space tow-truck technology — a recap of KMI’s landmark ISS demonstration and a look ahead to operational and business growth.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on KMI’s breakthrough demonstration of their articulated “tow truck for space” arms aboard the International Space Station, with an in-depth interview featuring company CEO Troy Morris. The conversation explores the technical and operational success of the demonstration, its implications for orbital servicing and space debris management, and KMI's strategy for scaling impact—from future government contracts to STEM education outreach. The episode also opens with major NASA Artemis program news, setting the broader space innovation context.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

NASA Artemis Program Shake-Up

• Artemis 3 Mission Update:
  • Artemis 3 will no longer aim for a lunar landing in its 2027 mission; instead, its focus shifts to a “test mission in low Earth orbit” to validate future lunar landing systems. (00:58)
  • Artemis 4, now aiming for 2028 or later, is expected to resume the actual lunar landing goal.
  • NASA’s new direction places a renewed emphasis on standardization (SLS/Orion configuration) and in-house technical expertise, reminiscent of the Apollo/Saturn V era.
  • Quote:

    “A lot of us had been wondering when someone was going to step up and be the adult in the room and say that the Artemis plan previously announced was not really realistic… a lot of people, myself included, are impressed and relieved, and of course this all sounds great... it needs to be funded.” — Maria Varmazes (02:00)

KMI ISS Demonstration — The “Tow Truck for Space” (03:08–08:20)

Achievements in 2025

• Over 200 days of testing inside the ISS: Four large articulated arms were used by astronaut Suni Williams and crew to capture “unprepared objects” — effectively showcasing a practical space tow truck.
• Hands-on involvement: Suni Williams, after her mission, also visited KMI in Michigan and engaged with local schoolchildren.
• Memorable moment:

  “We went cliff jumping together into Lake Superior… In her flight suit, Suni Williams, who recently just retired, went swimming with us and then went to an event still that night. That’s amazing. Awesome human through and through.” — Troy Morris (04:52)

Technical Takeaways

• “It works.” KMI’s REACH arms on Astro Bee were able “to successfully capture unprepared objects” of various sizes, rotation rates, and surfaces—including with one arm intentionally disabled, proving system redundancy. (05:29–06:21)
• Extensive testing:
  • Six test sessions led to 172 unique test scenarios (vs. planned four sessions and 10 use cases).
  • Testing edge cases: sensor changes, varied speeds, partial system failures.
  • Engineered confidence for future operational missions.
• Quote:

  “Mobility in space, maneuvering in space, and being the tow truck for space — that is the key message.” — Troy Morris (07:23)

Data and Scientific Value

• KMI generated massive sensor and video datasets, with a public summary and more detailed proprietary reports for customers.
• Quote:

  “We learned so many different things that I honestly wish we had a dedicated team or university to go through it...” — Troy Morris (05:29)

Future Plans & Government Engagement (07:34–08:20, 12:13–13:24)

• KMI is in the final stages of securing a “very significant funding contract with the US government,” with details to be publicized in Q2 2026.
• Goal: Become the “offering for everyone,” across national security, civilian, and commercial space segments.
• Business expansion: Building teams, closing out funding, growing in Michigan (“the Forge”), Los Angeles (“the Bridge”), and establishing a D.C. presence.

Educational Outreach & Community Impact (09:39–11:46)

• KMI team roots: Unlike most aerospace startups, founders did not originate from SpaceX, Blue Origin, or military backgrounds; strong academic roots and first-principles problem solving.
• Passionate about paying forward opportunities:
  • Hosting Suni Williams and Anna Fisher for local school and university events, media interviews, and hands-on STEM engagement.
  • Bringing rare, tactile knowledge to students (even “what it smells like when our machine operates in space”).
  • Mentoring and connecting directly with “the next Suni Williams or Walter Cronkite.”
• Quote:

  “Anytime we can extend that one or more steps beyond us. Absolutely. Easy done.” — Troy Morris (10:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On ISS demo outcomes:

  “When you plan for four test sessions, hope to get 10 units of testing, and you end up with 172... our team was really scratching at the edge cases...” — Troy Morris (06:22)

• On astronaut Suni Williams’s unique contributions:

  “When most companies do a space test, you don’t have an attending astronaut standing by. So Suni was able to share those intimate details — what it smells like. Like power tools.” — Troy Morris (10:40)

• On company ethos:

  “We came from first principles… from the moment we could hold our head up and look at the stars, how the heck do we get to do this?” — Troy Morris (10:01)

Timestamps — Key Segments

• 00:58–03:08 — NASA Artemis update: Re-tooling and new focus on sustainable lunar cadence
• 03:08–04:52 — Introduction to KMI/ISS demo, astronaut Suni Williams’s community involvement
• 04:52–07:23 — Technical demonstration details: redundancy, edge cases, test results
• 07:23–08:20 — Future contracts and business expansion
• 09:39–11:46 — KMI’s educational outreach and giving back to the space community
• 12:13–13:24 — Wrapping up: business milestones, expansion, and future announcements

Conclusion

This episode paints an energizing picture of a new era in space robotics: with KMI successfully proving in-orbit capture technology, the dream of an orbital tow truck is moving from science fiction to operational reality. The company’s emphasis on both technical rigor and inclusive, educational culture stands out, as does their ambition to serve the entire space ecosystem. NASA’s Artemis refocus and KMI’s homegrown progress both point to a “back to fundamentals” era — aspiring to reliability, repeatability, and an engaged next generation for space.