T-Minus Space Daily: Mass Layoff to Hit Boeing
Release Date: November 14, 2024
Host: Maria Varmazas
Guest: Brent Fisher, Grammy Award-Winning Composer and Producer

Introduction

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazas delves into significant developments within the space industry, focusing primarily on Boeing's impending mass layoffs. The episode also highlights notable funding rounds within the sector and features an insightful conversation with Brent Fisher, a Grammy Award-winning composer and producer, who discusses bridging the gap between space professionals and public perception.

Intelligence Briefing

1. Boeing's Global Workforce Reduction

• Overview:
  Boeing is set to implement layoffs affecting 17,000 employees worldwide, a move that extends beyond the aerospace and space sectors to include executives and managers. Notably, workers involved in aircraft manufacturing will remain unaffected.

• Context:
  These layoffs are a consequence of billions in lost revenue over the past five years and a series of crises within Boeing's aerospace and space divisions. Employees scheduled for departure are expected to leave by January 17, 2025.

• Maria Varmazas' Commentary:
  "Our sympathies to all who are affected."
  (Timestamp: 04:10)

2. Starfish Space Secures $29 Million in Funding

• Details:
  Washington-based startup Starfish Space has raised $29 million to develop its first three Otter Orbiting Servicing Vehicles. These vehicles will support missions for the US Space Force, NASA, and Intelsat.

• Impact:
  This funding brings Starfish's total capital to over $50 million, facilitating team expansion to 70 employees. The initial OTTER missions are slated for launch to geostationary orbit in 2026.

3. Lunar Outpost Closes Series A Funding Round

• Highlights:
  Lunar Outpost, a company focused on lunar exploration, has successfully closed its Series A funding round. The specifics of the funding amount were not disclosed.

• Upcoming Missions:
  The company is preparing multiple moon missions, including the Im2 mission by Intuitive Machines, targeting the Lunar South Pole with launches scheduled in the coming months.

4. U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) Tranche 3 RFP

• Announcement:
  The SDA has released a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for Tranche 3 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). This initiative seeks industry input on systems engineering and integration for the T3 tracking, transport, and custody layers.

• Deadline:
  Responses are due by noon Eastern Time on November 25, 2024.

5. International Developments

• China:
  Launched Ocean 401, a satellite aimed at enhancing ocean salinity detection capabilities, supporting various applications from marine forecasting to climate change research.

• India:
  ISRO partners with ProtoPlanet for habitat design and space analog studies, including the Spaceward Bound India 2025 expedition to Ladakh.

• NASA's Expansion:
  NASA Administrator Bill Nelson signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Peru's Konida to enhance space cooperation, including safety training and potential sounding rocket campaigns.

• Crossbow Systems and Texas State University Partnership:
  A cooperative agreement to test and validate solid rocket motor technology, supporting the US Navy and Army's advanced weapons systems.

6. SpaceX's Upcoming Starship Test Flight

• Update:
  SpaceX has rolled out its Super Heavy rocket to the Boca Chica pad, featuring a new bright yellow banana for scale—a nod to ongoing meme culture. The Starship is targeted for launch on November 18.

• Maria Varmazas' Note:
  "The memes continue."
  (Timestamp: 07:50)

Interview with Brent Fisher

Guest Profile:
Brent Fisher is a Grammy Award-winning composer and producer with a profound interest in space. Recently nominated again for co-producing "Al Que Balan 2" by Matt B. in the Best Global Music Album category, Brent brings a unique perspective that intersects science, art, math, and music.

Bridging the Gap Between Space Professionals and the Public

• Brent's Insight:
  "I exist at the intersection of science, art, math, and music."
  (Timestamp: 10:26)

• Key Points Discussed:

  • Immediate Relevance:
    Brent emphasizes the importance of communicating the immediate relevance of space endeavors to the public. He suggests that highlighting "why it's important" and "how it benefits people on Earth" can enhance public engagement.
    "If there were a way to really cut through to immediate relevance to the average person... that would trickle on up."
    (Timestamp: 13:20)

  • Emotional Connection:
    Brent advocates for incorporating emotional narratives into space communication to make it more relatable. He believes that appealing to emotion can transform space topics from being perceived as robotic to being genuinely exciting for a broader audience.
    "I like to help people in the space industry to, for lack of better term, market the great work that they're doing."
    (Timestamp: 12:37)

  • STEAM over STEM:
    Highlighting the synergy between arts and sciences, Brent supports the STEAM approach (including Arts) over the traditional STEM, arguing that it fosters creativity and helps individuals navigate complex, gray areas.
    "I've always been an advocate for STEAM rather than STEM."
    (Timestamp: 16:37)

  • Inspiration from Space:
    Brent shares how space has been a constant inspiration in his music, drawing parallels between the complexity of orchestral compositions and the intricacies of the universe. He integrates ideas from various genres to create a universal and recognizable musical style.
    "I have never stuck to just one style or another... creativity can manifest itself in any form."
    (Timestamp: 17:04)

• Maria's Inquiry:
  Maria probes deeper into how to make emotion a cornerstone of space communication, noting that without it, public excitement remains limited to space enthusiasts.
  "How do we make emotion cool from the space world?"
  (Timestamp: 15:10)

• Brent's Response:
  Brent acknowledges ongoing efforts but emphasizes the need for increasing participation and engaging storytelling to foster emotional connections with the broader public.

Conclusion and Additional Segments

Booker Prize Announcement

• Winner:
  Novelist Samantha Harvey wins the Booker Prize for her novel "Orbital", the first-ever winning work set in space.

• Synopsis:
  "Orbital" explores the lives of six astronauts aboard the International Space Station, delving into their reflections on Earth, humanity, and the fragility of life.

• Notable Fact:
  "This is only the fifth time since the Booker Prize's inception in 1969 that a woman has won this award."
  (Timestamp: 21:29)

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Closing Remarks

Maria Varmazas wraps up the episode by acknowledging the contributions of the production team and encouraging listeners to explore additional resources available in the show notes. The episode underscores the interconnectedness of industry challenges, technological advancements, and the human element within the space sector.

“For additional resources from today's report, check out our show notes@space.n2k.com.”
(Timestamp: 21:29)

Produced by: Ellis Carruth
Associate Producer: Liz Stokes
Mixed by: Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester
Original Music: Elliot Peltzman
Executive Producer: Jennifer Iban
Executive Editor: Brandon Karpf
President: Simone Petrella
Publisher: Peter Kilpie
Host: Maria Varmazas

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