T-Minus Space Daily: Sofia to Space – EnduroSat’s Satellite Surge

Host: Maria Varmazes
Guest: Jim Way, Executive Director of the American Astronautical Society (AAS)
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Podcast: T-Minus Space Daily

1. EnduroSat Secures €43 Million Investment for Satellite Production

Timestamp: [00:50] – [07:46]

Endurosat, a Bulgarian-based satellite manufacturer, has successfully raised €43 million (approximately $49 million USD) in a recent investment round led by Founders Fund. This substantial funding aims to scale the production of Endurosat’s new Endurance ESPA-class satellites. These software-defined satellites are notable for their advanced avionics and fully modular design, making them suitable for rapid deployment across various applications such as hyperspectral imaging, synthetic aperture radar, and broadband navigation.

Maria Varmazes highlights, “The new funding will help facilitate the construction of a new 17,500 square meter facility in Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, designed to produce up to 60 satellites a month by the end of the year” ([02:30]). Endurosat plans to launch two Gen 3 endurance validation missions in 2025 to demonstrate propulsion technology and test an advanced earth observation system utilizing in-orbit processing and a multispectral payload.

2. Czech Republic Collaborates with Axiom Space for Future Astronaut Missions

Timestamp: [07:46] – [08:39]

The Czech Republic has expressed its intent to send a national astronaut to space through a future mission with Axiom Space. This development follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Czech Republic and Axiom Space, aiming to foster technology transfer, stimulate the local supply chain, and create new commercial opportunities within the burgeoning space economy.

Additionally, the Egyptian Space Agency has also signed a similar agreement with Axiom Space to bolster collaboration in space science, technology, and human spaceflight. The partnership frameworks established by these agreements are expected to lead to joint scientific research initiatives, technology development projects, and support for upcoming human spaceflight missions.

3. Redwire Delivers Critical Technology for ESA’s Comet Interceptor Mission

Timestamp: [08:39] – [10:11]

Redwire, through its Belgian subsidiary Redwire Space NV, has delivered the onboard computer for the European Space Agency's (ESA) Comet Interceptor mission. This onboard computer serves as the mission's brain, overseeing and controlling various spacecraft components while ensuring seamless data transmission to ground operators.

Maria Varmazes notes, “ESA's Comet Interceptor will be the first spacecraft to visit a comet coming directly from the outer reaches of the Sun, carrying material untouched since the dawn of the solar system” ([09:00]). Redwire's involvement underscores their pivotal role in advancing space exploration technologies.

4. UK Space Agency Accelerator Launches New Flagship Programs

Timestamp: [10:11] – [16:11]

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) Accelerator has announced the initiation of its next round of flagship programs, Explore and LEO. Building on the success of previous programs that helped participants secure over £15 million in private investments and grants, the new initiatives aim to provide more targeted and impactful support for UK-based space businesses and entrepreneurs.

Participants in the Explore and LEO programs will receive mentorship from leading startup and industry experts, refine their commercial strategies, and enhance their technical approaches. Moreover, the programs offer curated connections to investors, industry leaders, and potential customers through virtual networking, regional meetups, and specialized sessions. Applications for these programs are open until June 29th.

5. Intelsat Receives Approval to Enhance India's Broadcast Capabilities

Timestamp: [16:11] – [25:24]

Intelsat has obtained approval from the Indian government to provide satellite coverage directly to India's broadcast media sector. Authorized to deploy four geostationary satellites in the C band, Intelsat's fleet will enhance content delivery and distribution capabilities across the Indian subcontinent and extend services to other global regions.

Maria Varmazes states, “Following the authorization from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center, Intelsat has already secured business from three of India's largest media companies” ([24:00]). This strategic move positions Intelsat as a key player in supporting India's expanding media landscape through advanced satellite services.

6. Additional Insights and Selected Readings

Timestamp: [07:46] – [09:30]

Alice Cruz, N2K’s senior producer, introduces three additional links in the show notes for listeners:

1. Satex 5 Merger: Shareholders have approved the merger agreement between Satex 5 and MTA Space Limited.
2. International Astronomer Collaboration: A CGTN article discusses the collaboration between Chinese and South African astronomers.
3. AECOM Environmental Contract: Announcement of AECOM securing an environmental remediation contract at Vandenberg Space Force Base.

7. Exclusive Interview with Jim Way – Executive Director of the American Astronautical Society (AAS)

Timestamp: [10:11] – [21:31]

Background and Mission of AAS: Jim Way provides an in-depth overview of the American Astronautical Society, a nonprofit technical organization established in 1954. Originating from the Staten Island Interplanetary Society’s 1952 meeting, AAS has consistently aimed to support and disseminate credible space conquest proposals. “We bring people together to address the current challenges and opportunities in space exploration and science, figure out where we are now, where we want to go and how we're going to do it” ([11:00]).

Events and Symposia: AAS organizes multiple symposia annually, including:

• Goddard Symposium: Focused on space science, held in the spring.
• Glenn Symposium: Centered on space technology, in conjunction with NASA Glenn in Ohio.
• Von Braun Space Exploration Symposium: Dedicated to space exploration, held in Huntsville every fall.

Additionally, AAS hosts specialized technical conferences such as the Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and the Guidance Navigation and Control Spaceflight Mechanics conference. They also play a significant role in the ISS R&D and AMOS conferences by managing technical sessions.

Honoring Gene Krantz: Jim Way recounts the AAS’s recent Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to Gene Krantz, a legendary figure in space exploration. “We were very honored to present this to White Flight himself, Gene Krantz” ([13:39]). The event, held at Space Center Houston, featured esteemed guests like Fred Hayes from Apollo 13 and Jack Schmidt from Apollo 17. Krantz delivered a compelling 40-minute speech covering his extensive career from the Mercury missions to the Space Shuttle program, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Student CanSat Competition: A highlight of AAS’s initiatives is the student CanSat competition, a payload design, build, and fly challenge for university students. Participants are tasked with complex missions, such as deploying aerobrakes or landing an egg, using provided rockets and motors. Jim Way shares, “These students are doing pre-flight testing, PDR, CDR flight, and even after they fly, they have to present to a set of judges on what they learned” ([18:00]). The competition attracts teams globally, fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals.

Future Endeavors: Jim emphasizes AAS’s commitment to facilitating collaboration amidst shrinking budgets and workforce challenges. “The key to success will be to have everybody talking. And so that's what we're going to strive to do” ([20:16]). Through events and continuous dialogue, AAS aims to support the space community in navigating current and future challenges.

8. European Space Agency’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: Waltz Into Space

Timestamp: [22:14] – [25:24]

ESA is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a grand event titled Waltz Into Space, commemorating both the agency’s milestone and the 200th birthday of composer Johann Strauss, the creator of "The Blue Danube." The Vienna Symphony Orchestra will perform the iconic piece live, which will then be broadcast from ESA’s Deep Space Radio Telescope in Cerreiros, Spain, directly toward Voyager 1. These radio waves are expected to overtake Voyager within 24 hours, symbolizing ESA’s enduring legacy in space exploration.

Maria Varmazes humorously notes, “If you ask me, they don't look a day over 40,” referring to ESA's youthful spirit despite the milestone. The broadcast of "The Blue Danube" serves as a nod to its famous inclusion in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and addresses ESA’s playful oversight of not including the piece on the Voyager Golden Record.

This celebration not only marks ESA’s significant contributions over five decades but also symbolizes the harmonious blend of art and science as humanity continues to explore the cosmos.

Conclusion

The May 27, 2025, episode of T-Minus Space Daily offers a comprehensive overview of significant developments in the global space industry, spotlighting EnduroSat’s ambitious expansion, international collaborations for human spaceflight, and groundbreaking contributions to ESA’s missions. The exclusive interview with Jim Way provides valuable insights into AAS’s pivotal role in fostering collaboration and nurturing the next generation of aerospace talent. Additionally, ESA’s vibrant 50th-anniversary celebration underscores the enduring spirit of exploration and innovation that drives the space community forward.

For more detailed information and access to show notes, listeners can visit space.n2k.com.