T-Minus Space Daily: Episode Summary – "Scrubs for New Glenn and SpaDeX"

Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction

In the January 13, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, hosted by Maria Varmazas of N2K Networks, a wide array of current events and developments in the global space industry are discussed. The episode covers significant updates on Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch, India’s Spatix mission setbacks, major contracts awarded to Modern Technology Solutions Incorporated (MTSI), NASA’s Advanced Concepts program selections, and initiatives by the Egyptian Space Agency to bolster satellite capabilities across Africa. Additionally, the episode features an insightful interview with Dr. George Neild, Chair of the Global Spaceport Alliance (GSA), regarding the upcoming GSA Spaceport Summit during Commercial Space Week in Florida. The episode concludes with a fascinating study on Venus's atmospheric evolution.

Blue Origin’s New Glenn Launch Scrub

Key Points:

• Debut Launch Failure: Blue Origin's highly anticipated New Glenn super-heavy rocket experienced a last-minute scrub during its debut launch attempt.
• Technical Issues: The scrub was attributed to a vehicle subsystem issue that required troubleshooting beyond the scheduled launch window.
• Future Launch Attempts: Blue Origin’s Vice President of Inspace Systems, Ariane Cornell, stated that the company is reviewing opportunities for the next launch attempt, though no specific timeline was provided due to Cape Canaveral’s busy launch schedule.

Notable Quote:

"We were standing down today's launch attempt to troubleshoot a vehicle subsystem issue that'll take us beyond our launch window." – Ariane Cornell, Blue Origin (Timestamp: 04:45)

Discussion: Maria Varmazas recounted the disappointment of space enthusiasts who traveled to Florida and stayed up late to witness the inaugural liftoff of New Glenn, only to have their hopes dashed by the unexpected technical glitch. The company has not disclosed the specific nature of the problems but remains optimistic about a swift resolution to proceed with the next launch attempt.

India’s Spatix Mission Abort

Key Points:

• Third Attempt Failure: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) aborted its Spatix mission for the third time.
• Mission Objective: Spatix aimed to demonstrate in-space docking between two small spacecraft, Chaser and Target.
• Technical Challenges: Despite initial success with the satellites approaching within 3 meters, a delay in signals from a critical proximity and docking sensor triggered the onboard systems to move the satellites to safe distances.

Notable Quote:

"The satellites were then moved apart to safer distances as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential mishaps." – ISRO (Timestamp: 05:30)

Discussion: Maria detailed how ISRO is currently conducting a thorough assessment to identify and rectify the sensor delay issue before reattempting the docking mission. This persistent challenge highlights the complexities involved in small spacecraft operations and in-space maneuvers.

MTSI’s Department of Defense Contract

Key Points:

• Contract Awarded: Modern Technology Solutions Incorporated (MTSI) secured an additional Department of Defense contract valued at nearly $100 million.
• Scope of Work: The contract involves prototyping, work, and delivery processes for Space Command and Control under the third phase of the Small Business Innovation Research Program.
• Program Details: This award is part of the SolSource cost-plus fixed fee contract, emphasizing MTSI’s growing role in defense-related space operations.

Notable Quote:

"MTSI has been selected for another US Department of Defense contract worth up to $100 million." – Maria Varmazas (Timestamp: 06:40)

Discussion: Maria highlighted MTSI’s expanding involvement in defense projects, reinforcing its position as a key player in space command and control technologies. This contract signifies continued trust and reliance on MTSI’s expertise by the U.S. Air Force.

NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) Program

Key Points:

• Program Selections: NASA selected 15 innovative ideas for its Advanced Concepts program, collectively supported by up to $2.6 million in grants.
• Focus Areas: The selected concepts aim to transform future aerospace missions, including studies on the Sun’s influence on the solar system, sustainable lunar habitats made from glass, and exploration of Saturn’s icy moon.
• Objective: NIAC seeks to evaluate and develop groundbreaking technologies that could enable next-generation missions benefiting the broader space community.

Notable Quote:

"The selected concepts include feasibility studies to explore the Sun's influence on our solar system, build sustainable lunar habitats from glass, explore Saturn's icy moon and more." – Maria Varmazas (Timestamp: 06:55)

Discussion: Maria encouraged listeners to explore the show notes for detailed information on the NIAC awardees, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering innovative solutions that could revolutionize space exploration and mission design.

Egyptian Space Agency’s African Development Satellite Initiative Training Program

Key Points:

• Training Program Launched: The Egyptian Space Agency initiated a training program under the African Development Satellite Initiative.
• Participants: 21 engineers and specialists from 20 African countries are undergoing 10 days of intensive training focused on basic space technology and satellite systems.
• Program Impact: Since its inception in 2021, the initiative has trained 71 engineers from 34 African nations, enhancing skills in communication systems, software development, and lunar structure design.

Notable Quote:

"21 engineers and specialists from 20 African countries are participating in 10 days of training on basic space technology and satellite systems." – Maria Varmazas (Timestamp: 07:10)

Discussion: Maria underscored the significance of this program in building indigenous satellite capabilities across Africa, fostering regional collaboration, and empowering African nations to contribute to and benefit from space technology advancements.

Upcoming Commercial Space Week and Global Spaceport Alliance Summit

Key Points:

• Event Details: Commercial Space Week is set to commence on January 27th in Florida, featuring the GSA's annual Spaceport Summit as the opening event.
• Summit Focus: The summit will address building economic powerhouses around spaceports, exploring aerospace manufacturing, technology development, workforce growth, and emerging space transportation methods.
• Interview with Dr. George Neild: In an in-depth discussion, Dr. Neild elaborates on the themes and expectations for the summit, highlighting the evolution of spaceports beyond merely launch sites to comprehensive aerospace hubs.

Notable Quotes:

"The primary theme this year in particular is about how one can think about and work towards building an economic powerhouse, if you will, at or around your spaceport." – Dr. George Neild (Timestamp: 10:09)

"Spaceports are not just about having a place where you can launch rockets from. Instead, we can envision aerospace manufacturing, testing, technology development and research, workforce development." – Dr. George Neild (Timestamp: 11:09)

Discussion: Maria and Dr. Neild discuss the transformative role of spaceports in the burgeoning global space economy. Dr. Neild reflects on a decade of the GSA Spaceport Summit, noting the significant growth in member organizations and the diversification of spaceport functions. He emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions during the summit, especially post-pandemic, to foster collaboration and innovation within the aerospace community.

Additional Highlights from the Interview:

• Global Expansion: Dr. Neild points out the increasing number of operational and planned spaceports worldwide, each adapting to local market needs with unique approaches such as reusable launch vehicles and specialized facilities.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Upcoming discussions at the summit will include new initiatives with the Hague Institute for Global Justice and the International Space University, focusing on global space governance and education.

Notable Quotes:

"We can envision aerospace manufacturing, testing, technology development and research, workforce development." – Dr. George Neild (Timestamp: 11:09)

"We're seeing vertical launch sites with the launch pad and the gantries and so forth, but also horizontal launch sites, which basically can be an airport with a runway and hangars and other facilities." – Dr. George Neild (Timestamp: 15:56)

Venus Atmospheric Evolution Study

Key Points:

• Research Findings: A new study published in Science Advances explores Venus's atmospheric evolution, attributing its extreme greenhouse conditions to periodic lithosphere disruptions and massive volcanic outgassing.
• Methodology: Dr. Matt Weller utilized sophisticated computational models to demonstrate how shifts in mantle convection led to surface resurfacing events and substantial volcanic emissions over millions of years.
• Implications: The research not only enhances our understanding of Venus but also underscores the potential for significant climate and tectonic changes on other rocky planets.

Notable Quote:

"Massive volcanic outgassing and surface resurfacing events, triggered by shifts in mantle convection, contributed to the majority of Venus's current dense atmosphere, some 90 times that of Earth's." – Maria Varmazas (Timestamp: 20:06)

Discussion: Maria highlighted the study’s revelation that Venus may have once had Earth-like characteristics before evolving into its current inhospitable state. This research provides valuable insights into planetary climate dynamics and tectonics, with broader implications for studying exoplanets and assessing planetary habitability.

Conclusion

The episode of T-Minus Space Daily delivered a comprehensive overview of pivotal events and advancements in the space sector. From launch setbacks and mission challenges to significant contracts and innovative research, the episode encapsulates the dynamic and rapidly evolving nature of space exploration and industry. The interview with Dr. George Neild provided valuable perspectives on the future of spaceports and the collaborative spirit driving Commercial Space Week. The discussion on Venus’s atmospheric changes offered a thought-provoking glimpse into planetary science, rounding off an informative and engaging episode.

For further details on the topics discussed, listeners are encouraged to visit the show notes at https://space.n2k.com/.