T-Minus Space Daily: More Vendors for US National Security Space Launch
Hosted by N2K Networks
Release Date: March 28, 2025

Introduction

In the March 28, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Vermazes delivers a comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in the space industry, with a particular focus on the expansion of vendors involved in the US National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. The episode delves into significant contract awards, mission delays, international collaborations, and upcoming crew assignments for the International Space Station (ISS).

US Space Force Expands NSSL Vendors

The U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command has made pivotal moves to diversify and enhance its roster of launch providers for national security missions.

• On-Ramping Rocket Lab and Stoke Space: Both companies have been awarded firm fixed-price, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts under the NSSL Phase Three, Lane One category. Each will receive a $5 million task order to perform initial capabilities assessments and develop tailored mission assurance strategies.

  "Rocket Lab and Stoke Space will each receive a $5 million firm fixed price task order to conduct an initial capabilities assessment and develop their approach to Tailored Mission assurance."
  — Maria Vermazes [00:43]

• Contextual Expansion: Previously, Rocket Lab and Stoke Space joined established players such as Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA in Lane One, signaling a strategic initiative to incorporate more diverse and innovative providers into the national security launch framework.

• Future Opportunities: The next opportunity for emerging systems to join the Lane One IDIQ contract is slated for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, highlighting the ongoing efforts to broaden the competitive landscape.

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus NG22 Mission Delayed

Northrop Grumman faces an indefinite postponement of its Cygnus NG22 mission to the ISS due to unforeseen damage to the pressurized cargo module.

• Cause of Delay: Engineers identified damage likely caused by heavy equipment striking the shipping container during transit.

  "The resupply and trash removal mission has been delayed indefinitely after engineers confirmed that the pressurized cargo module had sustained damage during shipping."
  — Maria Vermazes [00:43]

• Implications: NASA has been informed, and SpaceX is set to assume the next resupply mission in April. Northrop Grumman's subsequent attempt, CRS-23, is now targeted for launch no earlier than fall 2025.

• Human Element: Vermazes adds a light-hearted remark addressing the potential inconvenience for ISS crew members awaiting supplies.

Urgent Call to Protect Radio Navigation Satellite Service (RNSS)

United Nations agencies spanning Telecommunications, Aviation, and Maritime Shipping sectors have issued a joint statement emphasizing the critical need to safeguard the Radio Navigation Satellite Service (RNSS) from malicious interference.

• Nature of Threats: Increasing incidents of jamming and spoofing are disrupting RNSS, which is essential for global navigation, timekeeping, and the operation of various transportation and communication systems.

  "The agencies noted with grave concern the increasing number of cases of harmful interference in the form of jamming and spoofing affecting the radio navigation satellite service."
  — Maria Vermazes [00:43]

• Recommendations: Member states are urged to implement measures to prevent interference and enhance the resilience of systems dependent on RNSS for navigation, positioning, and timing.

ISI Partners with NATO for Enhanced Satellite Data Integration

The Intelligence Support International (ISI) has announced a strategic collaboration with NATO's Situation Center at NATO Headquarters (SITSEN), aiming to bolster data-driven decision-making capabilities.

• Data Provision: ISI will supply satellite data, including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery, to NATO allies and partners, enhancing NATO's capacity for rapid and informed assessments.

  "ISI says this announcement deepens the collaboration with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization."
  — Maria Vermazes [00:43]

• Impact: This partnership underscores the increasing reliance on advanced satellite analytics within military and strategic operations, fostering improved situational awareness and response times.

Assignments Announced for NASA SpaceX Crew-11 Mission

The NASA SpaceX Crew-11 mission to the ISS has finalized its crew assignments, marking the 11th crew rotation under NASA's Commercial Crew Program.

• Crew Composition:

  • Commander Zena Cardman (NASA): Executing her first spaceflight after previously being part of Crew-9.
  • Pilot Mike Fink (NASA):
  • Mission Specialist Kimi A Huey (JAXA):
  • Cosmonaut Oleg Platanov (Roscosmos):

  "Zena Cardman will finally get her first spaceflight after being dropped from the Crew 9 team due to the decision to keep Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on station for a longer rotation."
  — Maria Vermazes [00:43]

• Mission Objectives: Beyond crew rotation, the mission is expected to advance scientific research aboard the ISS, with forthcoming details on specific experiments and projects.

Additional Updates and Space Traffic Overview

The episode continues with updates on various space missions and industry movements, including:

• China's Upcoming Planetary Missions: Details outlined by TechCrunch regarding scheduled launches.
• Vandenberg Space Force Base Enhancements: Introduction of an advanced Vehicle Operations Room to support increased launch activities.
• U.S. Air Force and Space Development Agency (SDA) Shift: Potential cancellation of future Transport Layer satellites in favor of leveraging SpaceX's capabilities.
• Isar Aerospace's Delayed Launch: Postponement of their inaugural flight from Norway to no earlier than March 29.
• Saxavord Space Force Partnership: New R&D agreement with the West of Scotland Space Cluster.

These updates are briefly covered by N2K's senior producer Alice Carruth, providing listeners with a broad view of the dynamic shifts within the global space sector.

Space Traffic Report Highlights

A significant segment of the episode, delivered by Alicia Siegel, provides an extensive overview of recent and upcoming space missions:

• NASA's Parker Solar Probe Close Approach:

  • Achieved its 23rd closest approach to the Sun, gathering vital data on the solar corona and solar wind.
  • Maintains operational health, with successful communications confirmed on March 25.

• SpaceX's Falcon 9 Launches:

  • NROL-69 Mission: Launched on March 24 from Cape Canaveral, carrying a Naval Ocean Surveillance System satellite.
  • Starlink Missions: Multiple launches, including a batch of 27 Starlink V2 mini satellites from Vandenberg, contributing to SpaceX's total fleet of 8,144 satellites.

• Rocket Lab's Electron Launch:

  • Deployed eight Aurora Tech satellites aimed at enhancing wildfire monitoring capabilities through thermal infrared imaging.

• China's Cheongjiang 3BE and Tianlian 2 Satellites:

  • Launched communication relay satellites to support extended coverage for ground and orbital communications systems.

• Upcoming Launches:

  • Isar Aerospace's Spectrum rocket and Firefly's Alpha Rocket missions scheduled for late March and early April.
  • Special mention of the potential overlap between rocket launches and a partial solar eclipse observable from multiple regions, emphasizing the rare conjunction of these events.

Alicia Siegel emphasizes the importance of these missions in advancing both national security interests and scientific knowledge, while also highlighting the collaborative efforts of various international and private entities in space operations.

Conclusion

The March 28 episode of T-Minus Space Daily provides an insightful look into the expanding landscape of national security space launches, highlighting the inclusion of Rocket Lab and Stoke Space as key vendors. The episode underscores the intricate interplay between government contracts, private sector innovation, and international collaborations shaping the future of space exploration and security. Additionally, the comprehensive Space Traffic Report offers listeners a detailed account of ongoing and upcoming missions, reflecting the vibrant and ever-evolving nature of the space industry.

Notable Quotes:

• Maria Vermazes [00:43]:
  "Rocket Lab and Stoke Space will each receive a $5 million firm fixed price task order to conduct an initial capabilities assessment and develop their approach to Tailored Mission assurance."

• Maria Vermazes [00:43]:
  "The resupply and trash removal mission has been delayed indefinitely after engineers confirmed that the pressurized cargo module had sustained damage during shipping."

• Maria Vermazes [00:43]:
  "The agencies noted with grave concern the increasing number of cases of harmful interference in the form of jamming and spoofing affecting the radio navigation satellite service."

• Maria Vermazes [00:43]:
  "Zena Cardman will finally get her first spaceflight after being dropped from the Crew 9 team due to the decision to keep Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on station for a longer rotation."

This summary aims to provide a thorough overview of the episode's key points, discussions, and insights, ensuring that even those who haven't listened can grasp the critical developments in the space sector as presented by T-Minus Space Daily.