T-Minus Space Daily: "Launch, Demo, Launch, Repeat." – February 11, 2025

Host: Maria Varmazes
Publisher: N2K Networks
Description: Daily space intelligence and analysis trusted by global space industry leaders and experts. Includes interviews with a diverse range of professionals from industry, academia, and research organizations worldwide.

Introduction

In today's episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazes delves into a spectrum of groundbreaking developments within the global space industry. From significant grant awards and international collaborations to pioneering technological advancements and inspirational stories celebrating women in science, this episode encapsulates the dynamic and evolving landscape of space exploration and technology.

Top Headlines

1. Texas Space Commission Awards $47 Million in Grants

The Texas Space Commission has made a substantial investment in the state's burgeoning space sector by awarding over $47 million in grants to five prominent space companies. The recipients include:

• Blue Origin
• Firefly Aerospace
• Intuitive Machines
• Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX)
• Star Lab Space

These grants, ranging from $5 to $7 million, are part of the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SURF) and aim to bolster commercial, military, and civil aerospace activities across Texas. Maria highlights the significance of this investment, noting, "The grants will support Texas companies as they grow commercial milit civil aerospace activity across the state" (01:12).

2. Germany Invests €870,000 in Offshore Launch Platform

Germany has pledged an additional €870,000 to advance the development of an offshore launch platform situated in the North Sea. This initiative is spearheaded by the German Offshore Spaceport Alliance (GOSA), a collaboration between Tractobel Doc Offshore Media Mobile, OHB, and Harran Shipping Services. The platform, built on the Combi DOC1 vessel, is designed to accommodate launchers with masses between 36 and 52 tons, enhancing the adaptability and capacity for large-scale satellite deployments.

3. China's Maiden Launch of Long March 8A Rocket

China successfully conducted the inaugural flight of the Long March 8A rocket from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center. This mission deployed a constellation of communication satellites for the National Guo Wang Constellation project. Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the Long March 8A boasts increased payload capacity and enhanced mission flexibility, crucial for supporting extensive satellite networks. Maria notes, "The company says it boasts an increased payload capacity and enhanced mission adaptability" (05:50).

4. DARPA Selects Universities for Space Structure Technology

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected two universities to advance novel technologies for constructing large structures in space. As part of the final phase of its Nomad program, Caltech and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will collaborate with space launch companies to test innovative assembly processes and materials in orbit. Caltech will partner with Momentous for a demonstration aboard the Momentus Vigoride Orbital Services vehicle, while the University of Illinois will work with Voyager Space for deployment on NASA's Commercial Resupply Mission NG24 (03:40).

5. NASA Selects SpaceX for Pandora Mission

NASA has awarded SpaceX the contract to provide launch services for the highly anticipated Pandora mission. This mission, a collaboration between NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, aims to study at least 20 known exoplanets and their host stars. Utilizing a 17-inch all-aluminum telescope, Pandora will observe each exoplanet ten times over a year, capturing vital data during stellar transits to analyze atmospheric compositions and stellar influences on planetary environments. The mission is slated for launch later this year, with the contract falling under NASA's Vader class acquisition for dedicated and rideshare launch services (02:12).

Additional Stories

Norway Contracts Thales Alenia Space for Thor 8 Telecom Satellite

In the telecommunications sector, Norway has entered into a contract with Thales Alenia Space for the development and deployment of the Thor 8 telecom satellite. This partnership underscores Norway's commitment to enhancing its satellite communication infrastructure, ensuring robust and reliable connectivity solutions.

Departure of Space Journalist Michael Sheetz from CNBC

Space journalist Michael Sheetz has announced his departure from CNBC, prompting curiosity about his future endeavors. While details on his next move remain undisclosed, the community eagerly awaits further information on his upcoming projects and contributions to the field.

Featured Interview: Madison Feehan, Founder and CEO of Space Copy

Introduction

Today's featured guest is Madison Feehan, the visionary founder and CEO of Space Copy, a pioneering company in the realm of in situ 3D printing for space applications. Madison shares insights into her company's innovative approaches to utilizing available materials for additive manufacturing in extraterrestrial environments.

In Situ 3D Printing Technology

Madison elaborates on Space Copy's mission:

"We are an in situ logistics and additive manufacturing company focused on building 3D printing technology to power the next generation of space flight."
— Madison Feehan at 10:35

Space Copy's technology uniquely harnesses regolith (lunar soil) or analogous materials on Earth to create infrastructure in space. The process involves breaking down raw materials into fine powders, analyzing their chemical composition, and utilizing both laser-based and extrusion-based 3D printing systems to fabricate structures ranging from precision tools to large-scale infrastructure like bricks and launch pads.

Four Stages of the 3D Printing Process

Madison outlines the four-stage process integral to Space Copy's operations:

1. Beneficiation (Mixing):

   • Raw materials are crushed and sieved to achieve a fine particle size distribution.
   • "We break it down through a jaw crushing dual centrifuge... to take your biggest rocks and chunks and break it down into a fine powder like material." (12:06)

2. Raman Spectral Scanning:

   • Utilizes laser beams to scan and analyze the chemical composition of the feedstock.
   • "Raman spectral scanning... scanning the chemical composition of that feedstock." (12:37)

3. 3D Printing:

   • Employs laser-based systems for complex parts and extrusion-based systems for larger structures.
   • "We have a laser-based system for really complex parts like precision tools, and we have an extrusion-based system for the larger scale infrastructure." (12:43)

4. AI and Autonomy:

   • Fully autonomous operations with robotic arms handling printed parts for easy access.
   • "Everything that I just explained, it's 100% autonomous... a five-axis robotic arm... to lift those 3D printed parts off of that build plate." (12:42 - 13:11)

Applications and Milestones

Space Copy is poised to deploy its technology across various extreme environments on Earth and in space:

• Terrestrial Applications:

  • Natural Disaster Zones: Rapid infrastructure deployment where traditional logistics are challenging.
  • Arctic and Desert Regions: Testing resilience in extreme thermal conditions.
  • Underwater Environments: Simulating microgravity conditions for space analog research.

• Space Applications:

  • Lunar Missions: Ambitious plans to land a 3D printer on the Moon by 2031.
  • Cislunar Flight Test: A preliminary mission scheduled for the end of the current year to test basic 3D printing capabilities with regolith simulant.

Madison shares, "If successful, we would be the first folks to ever do so." (13:11)

Long-Term Vision

Madison envisions Space Copy playing a pivotal role in making humanity an interplanetary species, addressing the exorbitant costs of space travel by enabling on-site manufacturing. By reducing reliance on Earth-based infrastructure shipments, Space Copy aims to foster sustainable and scalable space exploration initiatives.

"We look towards the future of science as being proactive... having the benefit of changing the way that humanity looks at infrastructure development."
— Madison Feehan at 15:05

Celebrating International Day for Women and Girls in Science

On February 11th, marking the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, Maria Varmazes shares a heartfelt reflection on her personal experiences and the broader challenges faced by women in STEM fields. She underscores the importance of representation, retention, and fostering supportive environments to ensure that women not only enter but thrive in scientific and engineering careers.

Maria poignantly states:

"In science and engineering, who belongs? Well, women do. ... Our world needs your perspective and your expertise more than ever."
— Maria Varmazes at 20:09

Her message serves as a rallying call for continued advocacy, encouragement, and acknowledgment of the invaluable contributions women make to science and technology.

Conclusion

Today's episode of T-Minus Space Daily traversed significant developments in space funding, international collaborations, innovative technological strides, and inspiring narratives celebrating women in science. From Texas's strategic investments and Germany's ambitious offshore launch platform to SpaceX's pivotal role in the Pandora mission and Space Copy's revolutionary 3D printing technology, the space industry is undeniably on a trajectory of rapid advancement and diversification.

As the episode wraps up, Maria encourages listeners to follow the podcast, share it within their networks, and remain engaged with the latest in space intelligence and analysis.

Notable Quotes

• Madison Feehan on Space Copy's Mission:
  "We are an in situ logistics and additive manufacturing company focused on building 3D printing technology to power the next generation of space flight." (10:35)

• DARPA on University Selections:
  "Caltech and the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign demonstrated tremendous advances in the first two phases." (05:00)

• Maria Varmazes on Women in Science:
  "In science and engineering, who belongs? Well, women do. ... Our world needs your perspective and your expertise more than ever." (20:09)

Further Resources

For more detailed information on the stories discussed today, visit the Show Notes or follow T-Minus Space Daily on your preferred podcast platform.

This detailed summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the "Launch, Demo, Launch, Repeat." episode of T-Minus Space Daily, ensuring that even those who haven't tuned in can grasp the essential discussions and insights shared.