T-Minus Space Daily: JAXA’s Strategic Space Fund Phase 2 – Detailed Summary

Date: April 25, 2025
Host: N2K Networks
Podcast: T-Minus Space Daily
Episode Title: JAXA’s Strategic Space Fund Phase 2

1. Introduction

In the April 25, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Alice Carruth and producer Liz Stokes delve into significant developments within the global space industry. The episode primarily focuses on the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) strategic initiatives but also covers a range of other noteworthy advancements and collaborations in the space sector.

2. JAXA’s Strategic Space Fund Phase 2

Alice Carruth opens the intel briefing by highlighting a major update from Japan’s national space agency, JAXA.

"The Japanese space agency JAXA has released phase two of its 1,000,000 Japanese yen 10-year strategic space fund. For those wanting to keep up with the currency exchange, 1,000,000 Japanese yen is approximately US$6.5 billion." ([04:20])

Key Highlights:

• Funding and Objectives: Phase two allocates approximately US$6.5 billion over ten years to enhance Japan’s space capabilities. This substantial investment aims to advance critical technologies and support projects that bolster Japan’s prominence in space exploration and innovation.
• Expansion of Funded Projects: The number of funded initiatives will increase to around 140, broadening the scope to include both established sectors and emerging space services. This diversification ensures a comprehensive strengthening of Japan’s strategic objectives in space.
• Strategic Emphasis: Building on the groundwork of the initial phase, phase two places a strong emphasis on technological advancements aligned with Japan's long-term goals in the space industry.

Alice Carruth emphasizes that this strategic fund is part of Japan’s broader effort to secure technological leadership and foster innovation within the global space community.

"The initiative is part of Japan's broader effort to strengthen its space sector and establish long-term technological leadership in the industry." ([04:25])

3. Industry Partnerships and Developments

Beyond JAXA’s strategic fund, the episode covers several impactful partnerships and expansions within the space industry.

a. Planet Labs and eMDin Partnership

Alice Carruth announces a significant collaboration between Planet Labs and European geospatial intelligence platform eMDin.

"Planet Labs has signed a multi-year contract with eMDin. Through this relationship, eMDin will use Planet's global satellite imagery SkySat satellites to monitor activity across large geographical regions." ([04:45])

Details:

• Purpose: The partnership aims to leverage Planet’s high-resolution Earth observation capabilities alongside eMDin’s analytics platform to deliver timely and precise intelligence solutions.
• Applications: Monitoring border movements, infrastructure development, maritime patterns, and capturing real-time images of unfolding events are primary applications of this collaboration.

b. Myerspace and Lucas Savage Research Network Collaboration

Alice Carruth reports on French launch company Myerspace’s strategic selection of Lucas Savage Research Network's Institute of Aviation.

"French launch company Myerspace has selected the Lucas Savage Research Network's Institute of Aviation to develop the engine that will power its Kolibri kick stage." ([05:05])

Key Points:

• Project Maya: Maya Space, a subsidiary of Ariane Group, is developing the two-stage Maya rocket. The first launch is anticipated in 2026 from the former Soyuz site at the Guyana Space Center.
• Engine Development: The collaboration focuses on advancing the propulsion technology critical for Maya's kick stage, enhancing the rocket's performance and reliability.

c. Aurora Tech's Expansion into the US

Alice Carruth highlights Aurora Tech’s strategic expansion with a new headquarters in Denver, Colorado.

"Aurora Tech has opened a new US Headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The German wildfire monitoring company says its expansion to the US marks an important milestone in its mission to support wildfire resilience in America." ([05:15])

Highlights:

• Operational Hub: The Denver office will serve as a central hub connecting U.S. wildfire emergency services, utility providers, and government agencies with Aurora Tech’s advanced satellite technology.
• Satellite Network: Aurora Tech operates over 40 satellites in low Earth and geostationary orbits, capable of detecting heat anomalies and mapping wildfire locations, severity, and spread in real-time.
• Customer Engagement: Lamia County, Colorado, has joined Aurora Tech USA’s Wildfire Solution Co-Op program, highlighting the immediate impact and demand for their services.

d. Firefly Aerospace and Lockheed Martin Launch

Alice Carruth provides details on the upcoming launch involving Firefly Aerospace.

"Firefly Aerospace is scheduled to launch the Alpha FLTA 006 mission for Lockheed Martin as early as April 27th." ([05:35])

Mission Overview:

• Contract Details: This launch marks the first of a multi-launch agreement between Firefly Aerospace and Lockheed Martin, encompassing up to 25 missions over the next five years.
• Objective: The mission will carry Lockheed Martin’s LM400 tech demo, aimed at validating risk reduction and pathfinding efforts for their multi-mission satellite bus.
• Rocket Validation: FLTA 006 will demonstrate Alpha’s capability to deliver payloads directly to preferred orbits, reinforcing its position as the only operational 1 metric test ton rocket.

4. Space Traffic Report Highlights

Producer Liz Stokes transitions to the weekly Space Traffic Report, presented by Christopher Ferguson and Victor Spatell, detailing recent and upcoming space missions.

a. Chang Zheng 6A Launch from China

"Starting off the week on April 18, a Changzheng 6A launched from China, lifting off from a foggy Taiyuan Satellite launch center at 2251 UTC, the rocket carried six satellites into a sun synchronous orbit." ([08:49])

Mission Details:

• Payload Purpose: The satellites are designated for monitoring the space environment and conducting related tests, although specific details remain limited.

b. Soyuz MS-26 Mission Undocking

"On April 19, the Soyuz MS.26 spacecraft undocked from the Rassvet module on the Russian side of the International Space Station with crew members Alexei Ovchinin, Ivan Wagner, and NASA astronaut Don Pettit." ([09:05])

Crew Updates:

• Don Pettit’s Milestone: Celebrated his 70th birthday during return, though experienced some discomfort during descent.
• Mission Duration: The trio added 220 days to their space missions, with Ovchinin and Pettit accumulating over 590 days each in orbit.

c. India’s SPAdEx Docking Success

Christopher Ferguson details ISRO’s successful maneuvers with the Space Docking Experiment (SPAdEx).

"India's SPAdEx satellites successfully docked again on April 20, this time fully automated without the manual hold point at 3 meters used during the first docking in January." ([09:30])

Significance:

• Technological Milestone: Demonstrates ISRO’s advancing capabilities in satellite rendezvous and docking, crucial for future missions like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan 4.
• Power Transfer Experiment: Successful electricity transfer between the satellites, rectifying previous misalignments and validating the experiment's objectives.

d. SpaceX Falcon 9 Missions

Multiple Falcon 9 launches were discussed, showcasing SpaceX's ongoing contributions to space operations.

• Mission Highlights:
  • Starshield Launch: A Falcon 9 booster (B1082) launched ten spy satellites for the US National Reconnaissance Office, successfully landing on the drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You."
  • Lucy Spacecraft Flyby: NASA’s Lucy mission conducted a close flyby of asteroid Donald Johanson, capturing detailed images and advancing our understanding of asteroid morphology.
  • CRS-32 Resupply Mission: Delivered over 3,000 kg of supplies to the ISS, though NASA had to adjust cargo due to previous shipment issues.
  • Bandwagon 3 Rideshare: Carried three payloads, including South Korean radar satellites and a German experimental reentry capsule, successfully landing boosters back on Earth.

Notable Quotes:

"The mission was flown by Booster B1082. On its 12th flight, it successfully landed on the deck of SpaceX's drone ship 'Of Course I Still Love You'.” ([09:55])

"NASA's Lucy spacecraft... sent back highly detailed images as it approached." ([10:20])

e. Upcoming Missions and Expectations

Christopher Ferguson outlines the upcoming week’s busy schedule, including launches from ULA for Amazon’s Project Kuiper and additional SpaceX missions.

"Next week promises to be a busy one with launches around the world and a spacewalk... NASA astronauts Anne McLean and Nicole Ayers are set to step outside of the ISS for their spacewalk." ([10:55])

5. ISPACE’s Resilience Lunar Lander Mission Update

Towards the episode's conclusion, Liz Stokes provides an update on ISPACE’s lunar lander mission, a significant step in Japan’s lunar exploration endeavors.

"We were excited to receive the news late yesterday that Resilience has successfully completed all deep space orbital maneuvers." ([21:35])

Mission Progress:

• Mission 2 Milestone: Completion of deep space orbital maneuvers marks the sixth milestone, with Resilience now stabilizing in its planned orbit.
• Upcoming Objectives: The lander is set to enter lunar orbit on May 7th, progressing towards its primary mission of lunar touchdown.

Alice Carruth adds a touch of humor while summarizing the mission's next steps.

"Is that a saying in American football or did I just make it up? I'm actually more of an actual touchdown as in try gal myself." ([21:45])

6. Conclusion and Community Engagement

The episode wraps up with host Liz Stokes encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through ratings, reviews, and feedback.

"Your feedback ensures that we deliver the insights that keep you a step ahead in the rapidly changing space industry." ([22:00])

Listeners are also invited to tune in the following day for T-Miners Deep Space, featuring interviews with former NASA astronaut Christopher Ferguson and his mentee Victor Spatell discussing the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's mentorship program.

Notable Quotes

• Alice Carruth:
  "The initiative is part of Japan's broader effort to strengthen its space sector and establish long-term technological leadership in the industry." ([04:25])

• Christopher Ferguson:
  "Now, that doesn't sound like the best way to celebrate your 70th birthday, but he's a pro at this and he knows best." ([10:29])

• Alicia Siegel:
  "Links to further reading on all of the stories mentioned throughout the show can be found in the selected readings section of our show notes and on our website, space.n2k.com." ([06:58])

Conclusion

This episode of T-Minus Space Daily provided a comprehensive overview of pivotal developments in the space industry, with a particular emphasis on JAXA’s strategic investments aimed at securing Japan’s leadership in space exploration. Additionally, the episode shed light on significant partnerships, mission updates, and forthcoming projects that collectively shape the future landscape of global space endeavors.

For more detailed information and to listen to the episode, visit T-Minus Space Daily.