T-Minus Space Daily: SES is Building a Space Powerhouse

Episode Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazas, N2K Networks

Headlines

1. SES Completes Acquisition of Intelsat

In a significant move to bolster its presence in the global satellite communications market, SES has finalized its acquisition of Intelsat. This consolidation results in an expanded fleet of 120 satellites spanning two orbits. Maria Varmazas highlights, “According to a press release from SES, the newly combined company will leverage its skilled teams with deep vertical expertise to deliver integrated, multi-orbit, multi-band satellite and connectivity solutions to businesses and governments around the world” (02:00).

The merger positions SES to effectively compete against major players like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. With a projected total net present value of €2.4 billion, SES is set to enhance its service offerings across sectors including aviation, maritime, and media on a global scale.

2. Planet Labs Expands Contract with Colombia's IGAC

Planet Labs has secured a multi-year contract extension with the Instituto Geografico Agostin Codazzi (IGAC) of Colombia, in partnership with Geospatial intelligence firm Procalculo. This collaboration will utilize Planet’s Insights platform and AI-Powered Change Detection services to aid in national land management. Maria notes, “With this contract, IGAC will continue leveraging Planet's technology for national land management, now incorporating the Planet Insights platform and the AI Powered Change Detection service for roads and buildings” (04:30).

These advanced tools are expected to significantly improve urban planning, infrastructure development, and environmental management efforts across Colombia, enhancing regulatory enforcement and risk monitoring for natural disasters such as floods and landslides.

3. Celestial Secures $1.2 Million Contract with SpaceWorks

Celestial has been awarded a $1.2 million contract by SpaceWorks to advance a novel fast-to-manufacture multi-orbital solar array wing concept for small satellites (05:45). This project aims to optimize low-mass, radiation-hardened silicon solar cells and modules, developing innovative electrical interconnectors and assembling complete solar array wings within a stringent timeframe. The goal is to demonstrate the capability to manufacture a complete solar array wing in just one month, enhancing the efficiency and scalability of small satellite deployments.

4. SpaceX Launches Starfall Program

SpaceX is reportedly developing the Starfall program, intended to create commercial products in space using its Starship Mega rocket (06:15). The program involves deploying small, uncrewed capsules containing products like pharmaceutical components into orbit. These capsules will orbit Earth before re-entering the atmosphere for recovery and processing. Although still in early development and facing challenges due to recent test flight failures, the Starfall program signifies SpaceX’s commitment to expanding commercial activities beyond traditional satellite deployments.

5. ISS National Lab's Orbital Edge Accelerator Program

The International Space Station National Laboratory (ISS National Lab) has selected six innovative startups to participate in its inaugural Orbital Edge Accelerator program (07:00). Chosen through a highly competitive application process, the startups—Cal Morris, Magma Space, Melagen Labs, Olfera Quantum, Cool, and Raptor Dynamics—will each receive up to $500,000, mentorship, and the opportunity to launch investigations sponsored by the ISS National Lab.

This initiative aims to foster discoveries that benefit humanity and drive new commercial opportunities in low Earth orbit, continuing the legacy of international collaboration exemplified by the historic Apollo-Soyuz mission.

Interview: Space and Cybersecurity with Jacob Oakley

Securing Our Assets in Space

Timestamp: 10:11

Maria Varmazas engages in an in-depth discussion with Jacob Oakley, the space lead for the DEFCON Aerospace Village and Technical Director at 6gen, a company specializing in the intersection of space and cybersecurity.

The Critical Importance of Cybersecurity in Space

Jacob emphasizes the growing necessity of robust cybersecurity measures within the aerospace sector. "Securing our assets in space is a pressing subject now more than ever," he asserts (10:34). Oakley outlines his extensive background, including two decades in offensive security and roles in both the Marine Corps signals intelligence and commercial red teaming.

Challenges in Integrating Cybersecurity with Aerospace Engineering

A significant challenge highlighted by Jacob is the cultural and technical gap between cybersecurity professionals and aerospace engineers. He explains, “The aerospace community is largely made up of engineers... Cyber has kind of been this term that has been used to whitewash much of what we used to maybe consider the IT industry and the security industry” (11:37). This disconnect leads to resistance and mistrust, as engineers may not fully grasp the expertise that cybersecurity professionals bring to the table.

Cultural Barriers and Perceptions

Jacob points out that cybersecurity is often misunderstood within engineering circles, with terms and roles not clearly defined. “If you introduce yourself as, hey, I'm a cybersecurity professional, will they have no idea what you are,” he questions (12:10). This lack of understanding can result in undervaluing the importance of cybersecurity in space missions, where the stakes are exceptionally high.

The Path Forward: Bridging the Gap

Addressing the cultural divide is paramount. Jacob suggests integrating cybersecurity as a fundamental engineering discipline within aerospace projects. “You have to treat cybersecurity as one of the engineering disciplines required in making a spacecraft,” he advises (16:44). This integration involves including cybersecurity experts in design and development meetings from the outset, ensuring that security considerations are embedded throughout the project lifecycle.

Developing Specialized Expertise in Space Cybersecurity

Jacob acknowledges the scarcity of cybersecurity professionals with specialized knowledge in space systems. He notes, “It's tough. The investment and skill set is going to be higher for space and you have a much smaller subset of customers to go sell that service to” (19:31). To cultivate this expertise, he advocates for training aerospace engineers in cybersecurity principles, fostering a new generation of professionals capable of addressing the unique challenges of securing space assets.

Promoting Collaboration and Understanding

Ultimately, Jacob envisions a future where aerospace and cybersecurity disciplines collaborate seamlessly, ensuring the safety and resilience of space infrastructures. “Having cybersecurity representation in those meetings allows for cyber requirements to be just like thermal requirements of the space vehicle,” he explains (16:36). This holistic approach is essential for building a secure and sustainable presence in space.

Concluding Remarks

International Cooperation and Scientific Discoveries

Maria Varmazas wraps up the episode by reflecting on the enduring spirit of international collaboration in space, tracing its roots back to the Apollo-Soyuz mission of 1975. She highlights recent astronomical achievements, including the observation of rocky planet formation around the baby star Hops315, using both the Webb Telescope and Europe’s ALMA Array. “We’re seeing the first building blocks of a rocky world like our own here,” Maria states (21:00), underscoring the incredible advancements enabled by global cooperation in space exploration.

Looking Ahead

The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of space missions and the continued collaboration that drives scientific and commercial progress. Maria emphasizes the ongoing importance of secure innovation and the role of organizations like N2K Networks in fostering connections and discoveries within the space industry.

Notable Quotes

• Maria Varmazas: “The newly combined company will leverage its skilled teams with deep vertical expertise to deliver integrated, multi-orbit, multi-band satellite and connectivity solutions to businesses and governments around the world.” (02:00)
• Jacob Oakley: “Securing our assets in space is a pressing subject now more than ever.” (10:34)
• Jacob Oakley: “If you introduce yourself as, hey, I'm a cybersecurity professional, will they have no idea what you are.” (12:10)
• Jacob Oakley: “You have to treat cybersecurity as one of the engineering disciplines required in making a spacecraft.” (16:44)
• Maria Varmazas: “We’re seeing the first building blocks of a rocky world like our own here.” (21:00)

This episode of T-Minus Space Daily provided comprehensive insights into the strategic moves within the satellite communications industry, the expanding role of cybersecurity in space, and the ongoing spirit of international cooperation that propels scientific discovery and commercial ventures forward.