T-Minus Space Daily: Redwire to Design a Spacecraft for Mars
Episode Release Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazas
Guest: Gareth Rogers, CEO at Farnborough International
Podcast: T-Minus Space Daily by N2K Networks
Introduction
In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazas delivers a comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in the global space industry. The episode covers significant contracts, financial results, upcoming missions, and features an insightful interview with Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, discussing the upcoming Farnborough International Space Show.
European Space Agency Selects Redwire for Mars Spacecraft Design
Timestamp: 01:00
Maria Varmazas announces that the European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded Redwire a study contract to conceptualize a spacecraft platform destined for Mars as part of the ESA Lightship Initiative.
- Key Details:
- Redwire's Role: Redwire’s Belgian subsidiary, Redwire Space NV, is one of four companies selected to conduct independent industry studies. Their task is to define the parameters for an interplanetary spacecraft that can be delivered to Mars.
- Project Focus: The project aims to evaluate viable smallsat platform solutions for future Mars missions. These spacecraft will be transported by the Lightship, an electric propulsive tug that also provides navigation and communication services.
- Technological Foundation: Redwire plans to adapt its proven small satellite platform, Hammerhead, incorporating its avionics capabilities as demonstrated in ESA's HERA mission.
Notable Quote:
“Redwire's solution is built around an adapted version of its small satellite platform called Hammerhead and its proven avionics capabilities,” Maria Varmazas explains at [02:07].
BAE Systems Secures $151 Million US Space Force Contract
Timestamp: 02:35
BAE Systems has been awarded a $151 million contract by the US Space Force's Space Systems Command to advance the Forge Command and Control Ground System.
- Contract Purpose: The funding will support the development of a prototype for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) system, enhancing the US’s ground-based missile warning and tracking capabilities.
- Project Progress: Building on the critical milestones achieved in Phase One of the Forge C2 prototyping effort, BAE Systems aims to deliver a resilient ground evolution system.
AST Space Mobile Reports Strong Financial Results
Timestamp: 04:10
AST Space Mobile has released its Q4 and 2024 financial results, highlighting a successful fiscal year.
- CEO Insights: Abel Avellin, founder, chairman, and CEO of AST Space Mobile, noted significant advancements in their customer ecosystem, commercial agreements, and US government capabilities.
- Satellite Operations: The company’s first Bluebird satellites are fully operational in low Earth orbit, with production of an additional 40 Bluebirds underway in Midland, Texas.
- Financial Health: AST reported nearly $1 billion with a B in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash as of the end of 2024.
Rocket Lab Announces Dedicated Electron Missions for Japan's IQPS
Timestamp: 05:15
Rocket Lab has unveiled a launch window for the first of eight planned dedicated Electron missions for its Japanese customer, the Institute for Kyushu Pioneers of Space (IQPS).
- Mission Details: The mission, named Lightning God Reigns, will launch a single synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging satellite, QPS SAR9, into a 575-kilometer circular Earth orbit.
- Launch Schedule: Set to occur on March 10, the satellite will augment IQPS’s Earth imaging constellation, providing high-resolution monitoring with updates every 10 minutes.
ISPACE Announces Landing Date for Resilience Lunar Lander
Timestamp: 07:00
Japanese commercial space company ISPACE has announced a landing date for its Resilience Lunar Lander, aiming to touch down on the Mare Frigoris region of the Moon.
- Mission Timeline: Launched in January alongside Firefly's Blue Ghost, the lander is scheduled to land between June 6th and June 8th, 2025. The final decision on the specific landing time and site will depend on real-time conditions.
- Mission Status: As of now, ISPACE reports that the lander remains in excellent health and anticipates sending lunar orbit selfies before the attempted landing on March 6th.
Interview with Gareth Rogers: Farnborough International Space Show
Timestamp: 08:26 - 18:42
The episode features an in-depth interview with Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, discussing the upcoming Farnborough International Space Show (FISS).
Origin and Purpose of FISS
Gareth explains that the space sector's increasing importance within the aerospace and defense domains necessitated a dedicated platform separate from traditional air shows, which primarily focus on aircraft and military hardware. The FISS aims to pioneer the commercial space age by providing a stage for space industry stakeholders to connect and collaborate.
Notable Quote:
“Space cannot be as prominent as it needs to be. It needs its own stage,” Gareth Rogers states at [08:43].
Event Details and Expectations
- Date and Location: March 19-20, 2025, at the Farnborough International Conference and Exhibition Center.
- Attendance: Over 1,200 organizations from 50 countries are expected, totaling several thousand attendees.
- Cost: The event is free to attend.
- Highlights:
- Exhibition Hall: Showcasing businesses and exhibitors from around the world.
- Conference Program: Featuring over 180 experts including leaders from Rolls Royce, NASA, ESA, and the UK Space Agency.
- Government Hub: A dedicated space for the UK government to engage with industry, academia, and defense sectors, fostering international business opportunities.
Notable Quote:
“It’s about putting buy side and sell side together as well as the ability to speak to government,” Gareth Rogers emphasizes at [16:20].
Parallel Event: International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (i40)
Coinciding with FISS, the i40 Symposium focuses on remote sensing and environmental observation.
- Focus Areas: Technology advancements, space-based Earth observation, and environmental monitoring.
- Notable Speakers:
- Lord Willett, Chairman of the UK Space Agency.
- Representatives from NOAA, NASA, DLR, and the Egyptian Space Agency.
Integration of Events: Gareth highlights the synergy between FISS and i40, aiming to link industry and academia to advance Earth observation technologies pivotal for future space exploration and environmental stewardship.
Recent Mission Updates and Commercial Lunar Landings
Timestamp: 20:08
Maria Varmazas provides updates on recent and upcoming space missions, celebrating commercial successes and upcoming lunar landings.
- Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost: Achieved a perfect touchdown on the lunar surface.
- Intuitive Machines' Im2 Mission: Awaiting to join the Blue Ghost with the Athena lander.
- Athena Lander Status: Launched on February 27, Athena entered lunar orbit and is set to attempt landing on March 6th. Flight controllers are analyzing data to confirm the lander's orbit and landing parameters.
- Significance: This week marks the second commercial lunar landing attempt, reflecting the growing role of private companies in lunar exploration.
Notable Quote:
“We are going to see a second commercial lunar landing just this week. What a time to be a space nerd, huh?” Maria Varmazas remarks at [20:08].
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to N2K Networks' team, sponsors, and a reminder to listeners to visit space.n2k.com for additional resources and updates. The host encourages the audience to share the podcast to grow the community of space industry professionals.
Final Notes:
This episode of T-Minus Space Daily provides a rich and engaging overview of pivotal developments in the space sector, from significant contracts and financial milestones to groundbreaking missions and major industry events. The in-depth interview with Gareth Rogers offers valuable insights into the strategic planning and collaborative efforts shaping the future of space exploration and commercialization.