Shut the front door.

Summary

Podcast Summary: T-Minus Space Daily Episode: Shut the Front Door.
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazes | N2K Networks

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Introduction

In the April 9, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazes delivers a comprehensive intelligence briefing on the latest developments in the global space industry. The episode covers significant initiatives from the US Space Force, advancements showcased at the 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, and insights into the recent nomination hearing of Jared Isaacman for NASA Administrator.

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US Space Force Launches Orbital Watch Program

Maria begins by highlighting a pivotal initiative by the United States Space Force (USSF). The Space Systems Command (SSC) has unveiled the Orbital Watch program, aimed at enhancing unclassified threat information sharing with commercial space companies.

Maria Varmazes [03:15]: “Orbital Watch is designed to communicate critical and classified threat information, ensuring that commercial providers can build resilient systems against cyber intrusions, electronic warfare, and adversarial on-orbit activities.”

Key Points:

• Program Overview: Orbital Watch serves as a rapid communication platform managed by the SSC Front Door Office.
• Threat Mitigation: The program disseminates a quarterly unclassified threat fact sheet, authored by Headquarters Space Force intelligence, to over 900 commercial space providers listed in the Front Doors Catalog.
• Strategic Partnerships: Orbital Watch is a result of collaboration with various government intelligence community organizations, aiming to bolster collective situational awareness and resilience in the space domain.
• Phased Rollout: The initial Beta phase focuses on outbound dissemination, providing industry stakeholders with assessments of evolving risks.

This initiative underscores the USSF's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the commercial sector, ensuring that emerging space technologies remain secure against evolving threats.

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Astroscale US to Conduct Pioneering Satellite Refueling Missions

Moving forward, Maria discusses a groundbreaking announcement from Astroscale US presented at the 40th Space Symposium.

Maria Varmazes [05:20]: “Astroscale US will conduct two refueling operations of a US Department of Defense satellite in geostationary orbit, marking the first-ever on-orbit refueling mission supporting a DoD asset.”

Key Highlights:

• Mission Objectives: Demonstrate the capability of commercial servicing, mobility, and logistics providers to support warfighter operations through on-orbit refueling.
• Technical Innovations: The Astroscale US Refueler will be the first spacecraft to perform hydrazine refueling above GEO, utilizing interfaces built by orbit FAB.
• Collaboration: Southwest Research Institute has been selected to construct the mission bus, ensuring robust and reliable hardware for the operation.
• Launch Timeline: The mission is slated for a summer 2026 launch, positioning it as a critical step in space logistics and sustainability.

This mission represents a significant advancement in commercial space servicing, potentially revolutionizing how military and civilian satellites are maintained in orbit.

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Highlights from the 40th Space Symposium

The episode delves into several key announcements from the ongoing Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, offering a snapshot of the latest innovations and partnerships shaping the future of space exploration.

VAST's Haven 1 Space Station Expands Payload Partnerships

Maria Varmazes [06:45]: “VAST has welcomed Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Interstellar Lab, and EXO Biosphere as the latest payload partners for its Haven One Lab, signaling robust interest and nearing full capacity ahead of its May 2026 deployment.”

Key Points:

• Haven 1 Lab: VAST's commercial space station is on track for deployment in May 2026, designed to support a variety of scientific and commercial experiments.
• New Partners: The addition of Japanese and international organizations enhances the station's research capabilities and global collaboration.
• Public Engagement: The tour of VAST's Haven 1 space station, showcased in the north hall patio, attracted significant attention, highlighting the station's innovative design and potential applications.

Redwire Technologies Partners with ISpace US for Lunar Missions

Maria Varmazes [07:05]: “Redwire Technologies has signed an MOU with ISpace US to jointly pursue commercial lunar exploration and science missions under NASA’s CLPS initiative, leveraging ISpace’s proven lunar lander technology.”

Key Highlights:

• MOU Details: The agreement focuses on collaborative efforts to secure future CLPS missions, combining Redwire’s expertise with ISpace’s lunar lander capabilities.
• Strategic Importance: As one of 14 prime contractors on the CLPS IDIQ contract, Redwire’s partnership with ISpace US positions them favorably for upcoming lunar payload assignments.
• Mission Focus: Joint missions will target both NASA and other commercial customers, expanding the scope and impact of lunar exploration efforts.

Blue Skies Space Selected for Radioluna Project by Italian Space Agency

Maria Varmazes [07:15]: “Blue Skies Space has been chosen by the Italian Space Agency to design Radioluna, a fleet of satellites intended to map the early universe from the Moon’s orbit, free from Earth’s radio interference.”

Key Insights:

• Project Radioluna: Aims to detect faint radio signals from the universe’s earliest days, offering insights into the cosmic dark ages before the formation of the first stars.
• Technical Feasibility: Blue Skies Space will establish the viability of operating cost-effective cubesats with commercial off-the-shelf components in lunar orbit.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Led by Blue Skies Space Italia, a subsidiary of Project Partner OHB in the UK, the project emphasizes international collaboration and innovative satellite technology.

This project not only advances our understanding of the universe's infancy but also demonstrates the potential of small satellite fleets in pioneering complex scientific missions.

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Jared Isaacman's Nomination as NASA Administrator

In a segment focusing on NASA's leadership, Maria addresses Jared Isaacman's recent nomination hearing for NASA Administrator.

Maria Varmazes [09:20]: “Isaacman has emphasized that returning to the Moon is a national imperative, particularly before China can establish a presence there, reinforcing NASA’s commitment to the Artemis program.”

Discussion Points:

• Nomination Context: Jared Isaacman, known as a billionaire, private astronaut, and associate of Elon Musk, faces scrutiny regarding his vision for NASA’s direction, especially the balance between lunar and Martian missions.
• Isaacman’s Stance: Despite speculations influenced by Musk and President Trump's advocacy for direct missions to Mars, Isaacman has publicly supported the Artemis program, underscoring the strategic importance of lunar exploration.
• Strategic Implications: Isaacman’s position aligns with ongoing efforts within NASA and the broader US space economy to prioritize lunar development, ensuring sustained governmental support for Artemis.
• Public and Industry Reaction: The nomination reflects a broader consensus on the Moon’s role as a stepping stone for future deep space missions, signaling continued investment despite diversions toward Mars exploration.

Maria concludes that while Mars remains a long-term objective, the current focus on cislunar development ensures that NASA remains a leader in lunar exploration.

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Conclusion and Further Resources

Maria wraps up the episode by directing listeners to additional resources available in the show notes, including detailed links to the discussed stories and the latest update on Bangladesh joining the Artemis Accords as the 54th signatory nation.

Maria Varmazes [10:45]: “Check out our show notes at space.n2k.com for further reading on today’s stories, and don’t forget to share a five-star rating and review to help fellow space professionals discover the T-Minus crew.”

She encourages feedback and engagement, emphasizing the podcast’s role in keeping listeners informed and ahead in the rapidly evolving space industry.

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Production Credits

• Host: Maria Varmazes
• Senior Producer: Alice Carruth
• Producer: Liz Stokes
• Mixing: Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester
• Original Music: Elliot Peltzman
• Executive Producer: Jennifer Ibin
• Publisher: Peter Kilpe

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Key Takeaways

• US Space Force's Orbital Watch enhances security for commercial space providers through improved threat information sharing.
• Astroscale US is pioneering on-orbit satellite refueling missions, marking significant progress in space logistics.
• 40th Space Symposium Highlights include VAST’s expanded payload partnerships, Redwire’s collaboration with ISpace US for lunar missions, and Blue Skies Space’s innovative Radioluna project.
• Jared Isaacman's Nomination as NASA Administrator reinforces commitment to the Artemis program and lunar exploration amidst broader space exploration debates.

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For more detailed information and updates, visit N2K Networks and follow T-Minus Space Daily on social media.

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker]

Foreign.

[Maria Varmazes]

You're listening to the N2K space network.

[Unknown Speaker]

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Foreign.

[Maria Varmazes]

Today is Wednesday, April 9th, 2025. I'm Maria Vermazes and this is T minus T minus 20 seconds. Blue Skies Space has been selected by the Italian Space Agency to design a fleet of satellites that could orbit the and map the early universe. 4Redwire has signed an MOU with ispace US to jointly pursue commercial lunar exploration and science missions for the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services or CLPS Initiative and other customers. VAST has announced that Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Interstellar Lab and Exo Biosphere are the latest payload partners for its Haven 1 lab. Astroscale US will conduct two refueling operations of a US DOD satellite in GEOST stationary orbit for the USSF. USSF SSC launches a new initiative to enhance unclassified threat information sharing with commercial space companies Happy Wednesday everybody. If you are in Colorado Springs for the Space Symposium, then we hope you have a fruitful Day three of the conference and if you're not with us then we hope you enjoy our social media updates. If you're a listener and you are at symposium, please come by and say hi. We will be at the aws booth number 1036 on Thursday from 9am now then, let's dive into today's intel briefing, shall we? The US Space Force's Space Systems Command has launched a new initiative to enhance unclassified threat information sharing with commercial space companies. The Orbital Watch program is run by the SSC Front Door Office. USSF describes it as a rapid communication platform and released an unclassified threat fact sheet authored by Headquarters Space Force intelligence to over 900 commercial providers in the Front Doors Catalog in March. Orbital Watch intends to communicate critical and classified threat information to ensure that commercial providers can build resilient systems and mitigate threats such as cyber intrusions, electronic warfare and adversarial on orbit activities. Orbital Watch is the culmination of partnerships with various organizations within the government intelligence community. USSF says it is taking decisive steps to strengthen collaboration with commercial space providers, improve collective situational awareness, and enhance overall resilience in the space domain. The program will roll out in phases. Its initial operating capability, or Beta phase, is focused on outbound dissemination on a quarterly basis that provides industry with assessments of evolving risks in the space domain. Now for some updates from the 40th Space Symposium here in Colorado Springs. Astroscale US announced that it will conduct two refueling operations of a US Department of Defense satellite in geostationary orbit for the United States Space Force. The mission aims to demonstrate the ability of commercial servicing, mobility and logistics providers to deliver on orbit capabilities supporting the warfighter. The Astroscale US Refueler will be the first spacecraft to conduct hydrazine refueling operations above GEO and will be the first ever on orbit refueling mission supporting a DoD asset. Astroscale US selected the Southwest Research Institute to build the bus for the mission and orbit FAB's refueling interfaces. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch in the summer of 2026. The highlight of the space symposium so far for us anyway has been our tour of Vast's Haven 1 space station, which by the way, they have on display in the north hall patio. So go check out our social media accounts for pictures and videos, including one of our goofball senior producer Alice almost knocking herself out on their observation window. It's really funny. Anyway, VAST has announced three new payload customers at this conference. Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation, Interstellar Lab and EXO Biosphere are the latest payload partners for its Haven One Lab. VAST says that their commercial space station is on track for deployment in May 2026 and is already nearing full capacity. Redwire Technologies has signed an MOU with Ispace us. The company signed the agreement at the Space Symposium to jointly pursue commercial lunar exploration and science missions for the NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services, or CLPS initiative and other customers. Now. Redwire is one of 14 prime contractors on the CLPS IDIQ contract and together with ispace US, the team will be pursuing future CLPS missions leveraging the proven ISPACE lunar lander Blue Skies Space has been selected by the Italian Space Agency to design a fleet of satellites that could orbit the moon and map the early universe. The project, named Radioluna, aims to uncover whether a fleet of small satellites in a lunar orbit could detect faint radio signals from the universe's earliest days. Now these signals are nearly impossible to pick up from Earth due to man made radio interference, and those radio signals come from a time before the first stars were formed, when the universe was mostly hydrogen. And by listening from the far side of the moon, free from Earth's radio noise, scientists could use the satellites to uncover a missing piece of the puzzle in our understanding of the cosmic dark ages. Blue Sky Space will establish the viability of operating simple and cost effective cubesats equipped with commercial off the shelf components orbiting the Moon and will be led by Blue Skies Space Italia, which is a subsidiary of the UK based company Project Partner ohb. Italia will be responsible for the definition of a viable platform in a moon orbit.

[Unknown Speaker]

Foreign.

[Maria Varmazes]

That concludes today's Intel Briefing. Head to the Selected Reading section of our show Notes to find links to further reading on all of the stories that I've mentioned for you today. And we've also included the announcement that Bangladesh has become the 54th nation to sign the Artemis Accords and more Hey T minus crew, if you find this podcast useful useful, please do us a favor and share a five star rating and short review in your favorite podcast app that will help other space professionals like you to find the show and join the T minus crew. Thank you. We really appreciate it. We will be right back.

[Unknown Speaker]

Foreign.

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Foreign.

[Maria Varmazes]

Today is Jared Isaacman's nomination hearing for the role of NASA Administrator. As a billionaire, a private astronaut and a friend of Elon Musk, there are understandably a lot of questions about his views on NASA's Artemis program, as well as on opinions that both Musk and President Trump have repeated that perhaps let's skip the moon entirely and make a beeline straight to Mars. Does Isaacman have similar thoughts? Not that we have a crystal ball into his psyche here, but judging by recent comments that he has made since, his nomination, signs look like nah. According to a recent Reuters story. In private meetings in the last week, Isaacman has described returning to the moon specifically as a national imperative, especially before China gets there, in case that part needs to be said. Everything remains to be seen, of course, and talk is cheap. But for all the work going into developing cislunar right now, not just within NASA but in the US space economy especially, there are some encouraging signs that lunar development work will still have NASA backing. Not to disparage you at all, Mars, we will get to you, but you might just have to wait your turn.

[Unknown Speaker]

Foreign.

[Maria Varmazes]

That'S it for T minus for April 9, 2025, brought to you by N2K CyberWire. For additional resources from today's report, check out our show [e-mail] we'd love to know what you think of this podcast. You can email [e-mail] or submit the survey in the show Notes. Your feedback ensures we deliver the information that keeps you a step ahead in the rapidly changing space industry. N2K strategic workforce intelligence optimizes the value of your biggest investment your people. We make you smarter about your team while making your team smarter. N2K's senior producer is Alice Carruth. Our 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. Peter Kilpe is our publisher and I am your host, Maria Varmazes. Thanks for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Unknown Speaker]

T minus.

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