T-Minus Space Daily: Episode Summary - "Not All Space Jokes Are Terrible"
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Host: Maria Varmazas, N2K Networks
1. Introduction & Main News
a. Delay of Vulcan Launches for the Space Force
Maria Varmazas opens the episode by addressing the delay of United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan rocket missions intended for the U.S. Space Force. She states:
"[00:47] ...the Space Force and ULA are still reviewing data from Vulcan's second test flight in October, which, despite a nominal October test, did encounter a solid rocket booster anomaly, and that of course prompts an investigation."
Two specific missions, USSF106 carrying the NTS3 (Navigation Technology Satellite 3) and the classified USSF87, have been rescheduled to early 2025 as Space Systems Command anticipates certification in the upcoming weeks.
b. China's Successful Inflatable Capsule Test
China has made significant strides in space technology by successfully testing an inflatable capsule aboard the Xijian 19 satellite, as reported by Maria:
"China has successfully tested an inflatable capsule in orbit... All performance indicators such as airtightness and temperature regulation met expectations."
These lightweight inflatables offer a high-efficiency alternative to traditional metal structures, enhancing space construction capabilities.
c. New Shepard 28 and the 100th Woman in Space
Blue Origin's recent New Shepard 28 (NS28) mission marked a historic milestone by incorporating Emily Calandrelli into the crew, making her the 100th woman to fly to space. Maria highlights:
"It also made Emily Calandrelli, aka the Space Gal and Emily of Emily's Wonder Lab, officially the 100th woman to fly to space."
The mission successfully returned the crew—Emily Calandrelli, Sharon and Mark Hagel, Austin Litterall, J.D. Russell, and Hank Wolfond—to Earth, with the booster performing a flawless vertical landing.
d. VIPs Attend SpaceX Starship Launch
The sixth SpaceX Starship launch from Texas attracted high-profile attendees, including former President Donald Trump and Space Force officials. Lieutenant General Philip Garant emphasized Starship's potential:
"[...] the Space Force sees Starship's unmatched payload capacity as a potential game changer for global military logistics through the Point to Point Delivery Program."
Although Starship is not yet certified for national security missions, its ability to deploy large satellite constellations in low Earth orbit remains of keen interest to the Space Force.
e. Space Force’s Civilian Talent Program (DCTC)
The Space Force is piloting the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) to attract civilian expertise. Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital Katherine Kelly explains:
"The program's goal is to introduce students to Space Force projects during summer breaks, offering guaranteed civilian jobs upon graduation."
This initiative aims to bridge the gap in civilian opportunities within the military, enhancing skills in research, problem-solving, and critical space technologies.
f. Revolve Space’s Solar Array Rotating Assembly (SARA) Demo
European startup Revolve Space announced an upcoming in-orbit demonstration of its flagship product, SARA (Solar Array Rotating Assembly). Maria notes:
"SARA is an autonomous fail-safe solar array drive assembly designed to enhance the performance of small satellites by optimizing solar panel orientation for maximum energy efficiency."
Following a successful €2.6 million investment round, Revolve Space is poised to scale production to meet the growing demand for advanced satellite components.
g. European Space Agency (ESA) Contracts Himeria for Swing Nanosatellite
ESA awarded Himeria, a French aerospace and defense company, a €9.8 million contract to develop the Swing (Space Weather Ionosphere Nanosat Generation) nanosatellite, scheduled for launch in 2026. Maria explains:
"Swing will monitor Earth's ionosphere, significantly impacting communication and navigation systems, and will enhance space weather models with real-time ionospheric forecasts."
h. ESA's Proba 3 Mission for Precision Flying
The Proba 3 mission by ESA, set to launch on December 4th, aims to demonstrate millimeter-scale precision formation flying between two satellites. Maria details:
"This alignment is achieved through a laser metrology system... facilitating extended observations of the Sun's corona."
Led by Spain's SENAI, the mission involves collaboration with over 29 companies from 14 countries, highlighting the intricate coordination required for such a high-precision endeavor.
2. Space Traffic Report
Presented by Elysia Siegel from NASASpaceflight.com
Elysia Siegel offers a comprehensive overview of the week's space launches, focusing primarily on SpaceX's activities:
- Five Launches by SpaceX:
- Four Falcon 9 Missions: Including launches carrying Secretive Payload TD-7 (Optus X), Starlink satellite batches, and the Indian GSAT-20 satellite.
- One Starship Mission: The sixth Starship flight successfully demonstrated an in-flight relight of its Raptor engine in microgravity but ended with a booster landing offshore due to communication loss.
Notable Details:
- Falcon 9 Booster Reusability: Multiple boosters reached significant flight milestones, with Booster B1071 flying for the 20th time.
"[11:18] ...Booster B1071... successfully returned back to Earth, landing on SpaceX's drone ship."
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Progress Ms. 29 by Roscosmos: Launched on November 21st, this cargo resupply mission is en route to the International Space Station.
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Starship's Performance: While the Starship vehicle performed critical maneuvers and survived reentry, the booster did not achieve a successful catch landing, ultimately dumping into the Indian Ocean.
Elysia concludes with anticipation for the next week's launch schedule, including upcoming missions from Falcon 9 and Rocket Labs' Electron rocket.
3. New Shepard Update
Presented by Ryan Caton
Ryan Caton provides a status update on Blue Origin's New Shepard 28 (NS28) mission:
- Successful Launch and Landing: Liftoff occurred on November 22nd at 15:31 UTC from West Texas, carrying a six-person crew. The mission concluded with a flawless booster landing and capsule descent.
"[17:31] ...Everything went off without a hitch and the booster successfully returned back to the ground performing its classic vertical landing."
- Crew Composition: Emily Calandrelli, Sharon and Mark Hagel (both on their second flight), Austin Littoral, James Russell, and Henry Wolfond.
This mission bolsters Blue Origin's reputation for reliable suborbital flights and contributes to the growing number of individuals experiencing space travel.
4. Closing Story: Fu Orionis (Fu Ori)
Maria Varmazas wraps up the episode with an intriguing astronomical phenomenon:
"Fu Ori has been surprising astronomers since 1936 when it suddenly flared up 100 times brighter than our Sun."
Fu Orionis, often referred to as Fu Ori, exhibited unexpected brilliance due to a super-hot accretion disk reaching temperatures of 16,000 kelvins, as observed by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. This extreme outburst challenges existing models of star and planet formation, raising questions about the environmental impacts of young, active stars on their surrounding planetary systems.
"Scientists weren't exactly prepared for its level of Fu energy. The star's extreme outbursts have challenged previous models of star and planet formation..."
Maria humorously notes:
"For any planet forming a bit too close to Fu Ori, well, they might just get fried. Literally. Fu planets living up to its name there."
Conclusion
Maria Varmazas effectively navigates through a spectrum of space-related topics, from launch delays and technological advancements to historic missions and intriguing astronomical events. The episode balances technical insights with engaging narratives, making it accessible and informative for both enthusiasts and professionals in the space industry.
"Not all space jokes are terrible. You just have to plan it better. Otherwise, it mars the punchline."
This closing remark encapsulates the episode's blend of lightheartedness and in-depth analysis, leaving listeners informed and entertained as they head into the Thanksgiving weekend.
Notable Quotes:
- Maria Varmazas ([00:47]): "Not all space jokes are terrible. You just have to plan it better."
- Lieutenant General Philip Garant: "Starship's unmatched payload capacity is a potential game changer for global military logistics."
- Elysia Siegel ([11:09]): "This mission marked the fastest turnaround time from SpaceX's West coast launch pad."
For more detailed insights and updates, visit N2K Networks.