
Blue Origin’s New Glenn lifts off to orbit for its inaugural flight. ISRO completes its in-space docking mission. RFA gets a UK launch license. And more.
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Maria Varmazas
You're listening to the N2K space network.
Dave Lamp
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Maria Varmazas
Today is January 16th, 2025. I'm Maria Varmazas and this is T minus.
Dr. Harold Hess
T Min.
Maria Varmazas
20 seconds to Los D Drift. NASDAQ gives momentous space until April 15th to comply with its listing rules. Stokespace raises $260 million in a series C funding round. Rocket factory Augsburg has received a UK launch license. India completes its SPADEX in space docking mission Blue Origin's New Glenn lifts off to orbit for its inaugural flight and our guest today is Dr. Harold Hess, CEO and co founder of Endurolock. Dr. Hess has an incredible story about how he started his company going from his job as a neurosurgeon to finding an application for the space industry. It's really fascinating, so stay with us to find out more. If you stayed up into the wee hours of the night here in the United States last night, then we sure it was a treat to watch the inaugural flight of Blue Origin's New Glenn spacecraft. And wow, cheers to you that you stayed up that late. The NG1 mission accomplished the primary objective of reaching orbit during its first test flight at 2:03am Eastern Standard Time. New Glenn's seven BE4 engines ignited, lifting the rocket from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The second stage made it to its final orbit following two successful burns of the BE3U engines. The Blue Ring Pathfinder received data and Blue Origin says it's performing well. Now to the less positive news. Understandably, not everything went as planned and Blue lost the booster during descent. Certainly it is not the worst thing that can happen during the first flight, but something that Blue Origin needs to work on for future launches. Blue Origin CEO Dave Lamp said, I'm incredibly proud that New Glenn achieved orbit on its first attempt. We knew landing our booster so you're telling me there's a chance on the first try was an ambitious goal. We'll learn a lot from today and try again at our next launch this spring. Love that booster name. Congrats to all involved. We are expecting big things for New Glenn this year, along with the customers that have already secured payload contracts including NASA, Amazon's Project Kuiper, ast, Space Mobile and several telecommunications providers. Blue Origin is also working to certify New Glenn with the U.S. space Force for the National Security Space Launch Program to meet emerging national security objectives. We'll be talking more to their team about that in the coming weeks. And another big congratulations are in order today and these congrats go to India as they successfully executed their Spadex mission earlier today. ISRO's in space docking mission saw two spacecraft, Target and Chaser, finally come together in space after two postponements to the docking. PM Modi expressed his pride in the accomplishment sharing on X Congratulations to our scientists at ISRO and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India's ambitious space missions in the years to come. And India joins the United States, Russia and China who have all successfully demonstrated in orbit docking. ISRO says the two satellites participating in spadex will now be controlled as a single object with power transfer checks made in the next few days. Rocket Factory Augsburg, also known as rfa, has officially received its Space Flight Operator license from the UK Civil Aviation Authority with the Spaceport license and the Range control license from Saxevoord Airport, all three critical regulatory licenses required for a test flight in 2025. Requests from Scotland are now granted, so this is our third congratulations of the show. RFA is the first company in Europe to receive such a license for vertical launches of a privately developed orbital rocket. The license is not limited in time and covers a wide range of orbits and trajectory. RFA is now shifting its focus to the final technical preparations for their first test flight. Stoke Space has raised $260 million in a new Series C investment round. This investment more than doubles the company's total funding, bringing it to $480 million. Stoke is building the world's first 100% reusable medium lift rocket. The new funding round comes just weeks after the company's successful vertical test firing of its first stage Zenith engine on its new test stand in Moses Lake, Washington. With Zenith, Stoke became one of only two entities globally to successfully develop and test a full flow staged combustion engine. Stokes says it intends to use the new funding to complete construction at the historic launch complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, which has been allocated by the United States Space Force for dedicated use by Stokes Nova Launch Vehicle. The NASDAQ has given momentous a lifeline to help the space company sort out its financial situation. A hearings panel issued a letter granting Momentous request to continue its listing on the Nasdaq capital market until April 15th of this year while the company executes its plan to regain compliance with the requirements of the Nasdaq listing rule that requires it to maintain a minimum bid price of a dollar per share for its continued listing on the Nasdaq. Momentous announced a reverse Stock split on December 12, 2024, which did pull the stock price under the minimum requirement. Momentous Chief Executive Officer John Rood added to the press release that with our exciting technology and capabilities to meet the growing needs of the space economy, we are optimistic about our ability to raise capital and grow the business. And we here at T Minus, we wish them the best of luck. And at the time that we are publishing today, SpaceX's Starship is expected to lift off for its seventh test flight. So if it is 5pm Eastern time when you're listening to this, pause us right now. Go and check out that live stream. We will bring you more on that flight. Fingers crossed on tomorrow's show. And this concludes our very busy intel briefing for today. We've got several additional stories linked for you in our show notes for you to read, including K2 Space appointing John Plum as their new head of strategy, Voyager Space's rebranding, the UK and Ukraine's new community partnership, Sierra Space's latest GPS satellite milestone and Xplor's hyperspectral satellite launch details. All those links can also be found on our website space.n2k.com hey t/ Crew, if your business is looking to grow your voice in the industry, expand the reach of your thought leadership or recruit talent, Team Minus can help. We'd love to hear from you. Send us an email@space2k.com or send us a note through our website so we can connect about building a program to meet your goals.
Dave Lamp
And now a word from our sponsor, the University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Business. The Business of Space Conference is your chance to connect with leaders shaping the new space economy. Held February 23rd through the 25th at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, this year's theme, Creating Solutions with Partnerships, highlights the power of collaboration to address challenges and unlock opportunities. Don't miss this opportunity to drive innovation and shape policies. Early bird rates end January 24th. Learn more at opce uah.edu businessofspace Foreign.
Maria Varmazas
Guest is Dr. Harold Hess, CEO and co founder of Endurolock. Harold has an incredible story about how he started his company, which he Started off sharing with me.
Dr. Harold Hess
My background is actually I'm a neurosurgeon by training. And so I invented a spinal implant. FDA required that it survive 5 million cycles of compression and 5 million of torque without loosening. So I had to come up with a lock. I realized however, that this locking technology, and this was months later, could have many industrial applications. So I kept the IP separate, licensed it back to the spine company at a one time nominal rate, and then put the IP into this company and started this company and then over a number of years developed the technology and also developed numerous other technologies after hiring a team of engineers.
Maria Varmazas
Wow. So the company's name is Enduralock and it is a really fascinating story how you got to where you are today. This is not your typical space story and I love that because this is exactly the kind of innovation that I think the space sector is really looking for. And you all are a shining example of that. Can you tell me a bit more about enduralock and what you all are developing?
Dr. Harold Hess
I mean, at its core we are fasteners and connectors. Now what that means is on the one hand we have actual fasteners, meaning mechanically locking, high vibration resistant bolts or nuts that are reversible and reusable with a standard hex socket. Unique thing about them is that they remain locked even with loss of preload or clamping force. So that ladder attribute actually makes them ideal for a space environment where you can have cyclical thermal extremes that cause bolt elongation or bolt contraction and that causes loss of preload. And most joints will therefore fall apart. And for that reason, most fasteners going into space are safety wired, which is very labor intensive mechanic. Typically safety wires, 10 to 15 fasteners per hour. What we have done is to make it simplified so that you just have to apply a socket to put it on or take it off. And in that same hour we could put in over 300 fasteners. So dramatic time savings and therefore cost savings. Then another technology we developed is the only self aligning nut plate. But think of it like the female end of the assembly. And with current nut plates, the nut element cannot tip. So if the bolt is coming in a little bit from an angle, it'll cross thread with ours. You can be 20 to 30 degrees off angle and it will engage and then it tends to self align during typhoon. Again it can result in a dramatic time savings for aircraft maintenance and assembly. If you think leading edge of the wing, trailing edge of the wing, you're going to have curved Structures with hull mismatch, you might have 100 bolts to apply. Get up to number 60, cross thread. Now you got to take the whole panel off and start over. But it also has a lot of applications for space. When we start looking at robotic assembly with current technology, the bolt might not come in perfectly in line with the nut element. So if it's off a few degrees with current technology or cross thread with our nut plates, however, it will engage and therefore it allows for robotic assembly in space. We're also working on a satellite docking connector. We developed a nut plate that allows for non parallel surfaces to be clamped up and have full bearing surface. In other words, full strength. We developed the first mechanically locking nut plate. Every nut plate relies on friction of the threads. This nut plate actually has teeth that engage teeth so that it mechanically locks. So it would be for extreme vibration environments such as hypersonic applications, as well as re entry vehicles. And then most recently, we also applied the technology to a mechanically locking, high vibration resistant electrical connector that's easily reversible and reusable and is toolless as well as we have a project going on right now for a mechanically locking, high vibration resistant fluid connector. So a number of different technologies that we have developed or are working on currently.
Maria Varmazas
My goodness. Yeah, those are a lot of fascinating technologies. And I'm wondering, especially in the realm of space application, when did it become apparent to you that many of the things that you were developing would be useful in a space context?
Dr. Harold Hess
We've been very successful with obtaining SBIRS contracts since 21. We've gotten five phase ones, five phase twos, and we currently have a Tac Phi one. One of those was to miniaturize the fastener down to a number four, which is three millimeters in diameter. And we were awarded that with our teapot being under AFRL rb, so in other words, the Space Vehicle Directorate of afrl. And that's where we started getting more interest for developing these technologies specifically for space use. And then in a phase two, we developed a prototype for an end effector for robotic assembly of structures in space using our fasteners and nut plates. And we currently have a Tacfi under Delta 45 Space Force, as well as AFRLRV, where we are developing a magazine to store the fasteners prior to actual deployment in space. And again, our fasteners are reversible and reusable. So the magazine can also function to store the fasteners after removal if you're going to repurpose a structure in space.
Maria Varmazas
Wow. Okay. So There's a fascinating sort of alignment where your company and spacecom had sort of right time, right place situation. Can you tell me a little bit about that? About how I've been using the word alignment a lot. It sort of feels like it makes sense when we're talking about fasteners. But tell me about alignment.
Dr. Harold Hess
Yeah, so a few years ago we were informed about spacecom and at the time it was a much smaller show and they had a special area for startups so you had a reduced cost and you know, a little bit smaller booth. And I remember representatives of various Primes over to the startup section so that they could see what, you know, what startups are trying to do, we being one of them. If I recall correctly, it was also around that time, I remember it was 2018, that we won a NASA competition so that, you know, we were able to promote that as well.
Maria Varmazas
So tell me a bit about maybe how the last few years have gone for you all. Maybe a look ahead at what's coming next for you, because I imagine you were. Do you still consider yourselves a startup or are you beyond that point?
Dr. Harold Hess
I guess in a sense we're a startup or we're early stage would be another way of looking at it as far as where we want to go. I mean, obviously we have a lot of products that could be used for aircraft and we are going to be on a new helicopter platform when it comes out. We're waiting for a commercial aerospace aircraft platform to come out. We've had interest from the Primes for use of our product, but I think a big focus of our company is going to be in space. If you look at robotic assembly of structures in space right now, there's not a whole lot being done. But if you look five to ten years from now, I think it's going to be a huge field to be able to assemble structures in space robotically. And when I say robotically, yes, we have the technology for being able to do that. But what I would like to do as the next step is adapt our system to an intelligent vision based system so we can make the entire process autonomous so that you can send basically a robotic vehicle out in space somewhere and have it assemble structures without any human intervention in preparation for humans arriving at a future point. You know, if you look at, you know, not only at the moon, but you look at Mars, I mean, I think that's, that's where this is going to really become essential. And if you look at fasteners, currently we are the only fastener or have the only fastener that is ideal for a space environment and have and can be inserted robotically in space. You know, most things going into space, they're all safety wired. You cannot safety wire in space. A robot can't do it. So we have a unique position, I believe, for our company. The other focus is we're developing a satellite docking connector. And I know there are a few companies out there that have or are developing satellite docking connectors, but I think ours is unique in the sense that it offers a mechanical linkage sufficient for in space transport, data and power connections and refueling all in one connector. So not only can we eventually refuel a satellite, but we can also upgrade the satellite. If you have a satellite that incorporates our technology on orbit, then we could incorporate the other half of our connector on an ESPA or Espagrande class, incorporate new sensors, new electronics, fly it up there. Not only do you refuel the existing satellite, but you refresh the satellite at a much reduced cost than sending a whole another large satellite up into space.
Maria Varmazas
Yeah, and what's so fascinating about what you're talking to me about is that this is the technology that when we talk about the future tech, and also as you said, the next five to 10 years of ISAM and the like, this is the kind of technology that really will enable a lot of that. And I don't think it gets its time in the sun that it should. It's so cool to hear about these innovations and also what your company is doing. And again, your, your origin story is really fascinating too. So it's just really very, very interesting.
Dr. Harold Hess
Well, thank you. Thank you. Yeah, I mean, you know, and the other thing too is not only you're talking with ISIM as far as servicing of satellites, but you can get to the point where you can build satellites on orbit or build space vehicles on orbit using our faster technology as well as our connector technology.
Maria Varmazas
We'll be right back.
Dave Lamp
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Maria Varmazas
Welcome back. The Waru Waru agricultural fields of Peru, the water reservoirs of the Tunas Medina, the Buj historic water systems of India, the historic lighthouses of Maine. What do they all have in common with the Moon? They're all extremely photogenic. Yes, they all have made the 2025 World Monuments Watch, which is a biennial advocacy program that lists historic places facing major challenges including climate change, tourism, conflict and natural disaster. So wait, the Moon? Yes indeed. As we have covered here on T Minus a number of times, there is currently no agreed up protection for all the incredible history literally just sitting there on the moon. There's nothing stopping someone. Not going to name names, but someone from running over Neil Armstrong's first footsteps on the moon. Or someone just up and removing the US Flag that he and Buzz Aldrin deployed during the Apollo 11 mission. To say nothing of all of the other Apollo era landing sites. The landers, the commemorative plaques, the art. All sitting there on the regolith. The World Monuments Fund hopes that by adding the Moon to their list, they'll help add to the ongoing conversation and urgency to create international norms where everyone can agree that these sites are all important to all of humanity and they should be left alone for posterity. And it's also time for the World Monuments Fund to change its name, by the way, as they've announced 25 new sites on the World Monument Watch, 29.
Dr. Harold Hess
Countries and five continents, and we're gonna fade this out.
Maria Varmazas
That's it for T minus for January 16, 2025, brought to you by N2K Cyberwire for additional resources from today's report, check out our show notes@space.n2k.com we're privileged that NZUK and podcasts like T Minus are part of the daily routine of many of the most influential leaders and operators in the public and private sector, from the Fortune 500 to many of the world's preeminent intelligence and law enforcement agencies. This episode was produced by Alice Carruth. Our Associate producer is Liz Stokes. We are mixed by Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester, with original music by Elliot Peltzman. Our Executive producer is Jennifer Ibin. Our Executive editor is Brandon Karp Simone Petrella is our president. Peter Kilby is our publisher, and I am your host, Maria Varmazes. Thank you for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.
Dr. Harold Hess
T minus.
Dave Lamp
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T-Minus Space Daily: "New Glenn Reaches Orbit on Its First Attempt" – January 16, 2025
N2K Networks’ "T-Minus Space Daily" delivers an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in the global space industry. In this episode, host Maria Varmazas covers significant milestones, including Blue Origin’s New Glenn mission, India’s successful SPADEX docking, regulatory advancements in Europe, substantial funding for Stoke Space, and a compelling interview with Dr. Harold Hess of Endurolock. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode’s key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions.
At 2:03 AM EST, Blue Origin launched its highly anticipated New Glenn rocket from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The mission marked a significant milestone as New Glenn successfully reached orbit on its maiden flight, despite some setbacks during the descent phase.
Key Details:
Notable Quote: Dave Lamp, CEO of Blue Origin, expressed his pride and cautious optimism:
“I'm incredibly proud that New Glenn achieved orbit on its first attempt. We knew landing our booster on the first try was an ambitious goal. We'll learn a lot from today and try again at our next launch this spring.” [05:30]
Outcome and Future Plans:
India’s space agency, ISRO, achieved a significant milestone with the successful execution of the SPADEX mission, demonstrating the capability to dock two satellites in orbit after two previous postponements.
Highlights:
“Congratulations to our scientists at ISRO and the entire space fraternity for the successful demonstration of space docking of satellites. It is a significant stepping stone for India's ambitious space missions in the years to come.” [12:15]
Global Standing:
Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) made headlines by obtaining essential regulatory licenses from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, positioning itself as a pioneering player in European space launches.
Key Achievements:
Future Plans:
Stoke Space announced a substantial $260 million Series C funding round, more than doubling its total capital to $480 million, underscoring investor confidence in the company’s vision of creating the world’s first 100% reusable medium-lift rocket.
Funding Utilization:
Strategic Outlook: The infusion of capital will accelerate Stoke Space’s efforts to finalize their reusable rocket technology, positioning the company as a formidable competitor in the medium-lift launch market.
Momentous received a critical extension from NASDAQ, allowing the company until April 15th to comply with listing requirements—a crucial period for the space technology firm to stabilize its financial standing.
Context:
CEO’s Statement: John Rood expressed optimism regarding the company’s future:
“With our exciting technology and capabilities to meet the growing needs of the space economy, we are optimistic about our ability to raise capital and grow the business.” [22:10]
In a standout segment, host Maria Varmazas interviews Dr. Harold Hess, whose transition from neurosurgery to pioneering space industry solutions exemplifies interdisciplinary innovation.
Background and Company Genesis: Dr. Hess shared his journey from designing spinal implants to founding Endurolock, a company specializing in advanced fasteners and connectors for extreme environments.
“I realized that this locking technology could have many industrial applications... I put the IP into this company and started developing numerous other technologies.” [09:37]
Innovative Products:
Applications and Impact: Dr. Hess emphasized the potential of Endurolock’s technologies in enabling robotic assembly and satellite servicing, which are critical for future in-space operations such as lunar and Martian construction projects.
“If you have a satellite that incorporates our technology on orbit, then we could incorporate new sensors, new electronics, fly it up there... refresh the satellite at a much reduced cost.” [19:25]
Future Vision: Endurolock aims to integrate intelligent, vision-based systems to achieve autonomous robotic assembly in space, paving the way for sustainable human presence beyond Earth.
Significance: Dr. Hess’s innovations address the complexities of space engineering, reducing labor-intensive processes and enhancing the reliability and scalability of space infrastructure projects.
Highlighting an often-overlooked aspect of space exploration, the episode touches on the World Monuments Watch’s inclusion of lunar sites to advocate for the protection of historical landmarks on the Moon.
Key Points:
Implications for the Space Community: This initiative underscores the need for establishing international norms and agreements to protect humanity’s extraterrestrial heritage, aligning with broader efforts to promote sustainable and responsible space exploration.
The episode of "T-Minus Space Daily" presents a comprehensive overview of pivotal events shaping the space industry in early 2025. From Blue Origin’s ambitious New Glenn mission and India’s advancements in satellite docking to regulatory breakthroughs in Europe and significant funding milestones, the landscape is rapidly evolving. The insightful interview with Dr. Harold Hess highlights the crucial role of engineering innovations in facilitating the next frontiers of space exploration.
As the industry progresses, the focus shifts towards sustainable practices, technological autonomy, and the preservation of space heritage, setting the stage for transformative developments in the years to come.
For more detailed stories and additional resources discussed in this episode, visit space.n2k.com.