T-Minus Space Daily: Some eXcellent Opportunities Ahead
Hosted by Maria Varmazas | Released on November 21, 2024

Overview

In the November 21, 2024 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, hosted by Maria Varmazas from N2K Networks, listeners are treated to a comprehensive briefing on the latest collaborations, advancements, and discoveries within the global space industry. The episode delves into significant partnerships between major space agencies, updates on space missions, an insightful interview with space law expert Liz Chang, and a fascinating cosmic discovery. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for easy reference.

1. Expanding International Collaborations in Space

JAXA and ESA Strengthen Partnership
Timestamp: 00:57 - 03:30

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) are deepening their collaboration across several critical areas, including planetary defense, climate monitoring, and lunar and Mars exploration. Leaders Hiroshi Yamakawa and Josef Aschbacher met in Tsukuba, Japan, to formalize plans for joint missions and technological developments.

Key Highlights:

• Hera Asteroid Mission: ESA's Hera mission, supported by JAXA, aims to study asteroid Apophis during its 2029 Earth flyby. This mission serves as a model for future planetary defense initiatives.

  Notable Quote:
  "ESA's Hera asteroid mission, which is now en route to its target, with JAXA's support as a model for future planetary defense projects."
  (00:57)

• Climate Monitoring: Joint missions will focus on C-scale greenhouse gas emissions to enhance Earth observation capabilities.

• Lunar and Mars Exploration: Collaboration includes ESA's Argonaut Cargo Lander and JAXA's Pressurized Rover, with long-term visions of joint lunar analog testing and Mars missions slated for the 2030s.

ISRO and ASA Collaboration on Gaganyaan Program
Timestamp: 03:30 - 05:00

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Australian Space Agency (ASA) have signed an implementation agreement to support India's ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight program. This partnership emphasizes contingency support for crew and module recovery operations near Australian waters in the event of an ascent abort.

Key Highlights:

• Gaganyaan Program Goals: Demonstrate India's capability to send up to three crew members to low Earth orbit for a three-day mission, including safe recovery procedures.

  Notable Quote:
  "The agreement focuses on contingency support which enables Australian authorities to assist with crew and module recovery operations."
  (03:45)

ESA Awards €230 Million to Arian Group for Reusable Rocket Technologies
Timestamp: 05:00 - 07:50

The European Space Agency has allocated €230 million in new contracts to Arian Group to advance reusable rocket technologies. This funding supports the development of the THEMIS demonstrator and upgrades to the Prometheus engine, positioning Europe competitively in the reusable launch systems market.

Key Highlights:

• THEMIS and Prometheus Enhancements: Upgrades include improved structures and propellant tanks for THEMIS and refinements to the Prometheus engine for better manufacturability and maintenance.

  Notable Quote:
  "The first THEMIS flight is slated for 2025, which will mark a critical step in Europe's bid to compete in the growing market for reusable spaceflight."
  (06:45)

• Maya Rocket Development: Contributions to Maya Space's partially reusable Maya rocket, utilizing THEMIS and Prometheus designs.

Lunar Outpost Partners with SpaceX for Artemis Program Support
Timestamp: 07:50 - 09:30

Lunar Outpost has formed a partnership with SpaceX to deploy the Lunar Outpost Eagle, a lunar terrain vehicle (LTV), using SpaceX's Starship for both launch and landing. This collaboration aims to enhance lunar surface mobility and support NASA's Artemis program, facilitating sustainable commercial access to the Moon.

Key Highlights:

• Lunar Eagle LTV Features: Designed for both crewed and uncrewed missions, the Eagle boasts advanced autonomous navigation and adaptable cargo configurations, capable of withstanding the Moon's harsh conditions.

  Notable Quote:
  "The Eagle LTV is engineered to withstand the moon's harsh conditions, including long lunar nights, ensuring extended operational life."
  (08:15)

2. Space Operations and Mission Updates

ISS Executes Debris Avoidance Maneuver
Timestamp: 09:30 - 11:00

On November 19th, the International Space Station (ISS) performed a debris avoidance maneuver to evade a fragment from the defunct Defense Meteorological Satellite. Coordinated by NASA, Roscosmos, and international partners, the maneuver successfully elevated the ISS's orbit, maintaining a safe distance from the debris.

Key Highlights:

• Maneuver Details: The Progress 89 spacecraft's thrusters fired for over five minutes, adjusting the ISS's trajectory to avoid a potential collision.

  Notable Quote:
  "The maneuver was coordinated by NASA, Roscosmos and other international partners and did not disrupt station operations."
  (09:50)

Progress 90 Cargo Craft Launches to ISS
Timestamp: 11:00 - 12:00

Russia's Progress 90 spacecraft was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, carrying essential supplies for the ISS's Expedition 72 crew. Scheduled to dock on November 23rd, Progress 90 will remain attached for six months, aiding in ISS maneuvering to avoid space debris and maintaining its orbit.

Key Highlights:

• Mission Lifecycle: After completing its mission, Progress 90 will be loaded with waste and intentionally deorbited to burn up in Earth's atmosphere.

Blue Origin's Glenn Rocket Advances to Static Fire Test
Timestamp: 12:00 - 12:30

Blue Origin's new Glenn rocket reached a significant milestone as it was rolled out to the launch pad for a static fire test, an essential step before its inaugural flight. This development marks a critical advance in Blue Origin's efforts to establish a reliable orbital launch vehicle.

Brazil and China's Satellite Broadband Partnership
Timestamp: 12:30 - 13:30

Brazil's state-owned telecommunications company, Telebross, has partnered with China's Space Sail to offer satellite broadband services as an alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink. Utilizing Space Sail's constellation, commercial services in Brazil are expected to begin in 2026, aiming to enhance connectivity in remote regions.

Key Highlights:

• Space Sail's Expansion: With plans to expand its satellite fleet to over 600 by the end of 2025, this partnership underscores Brazil's strategy to diversify its internet service providers.

TRL Space Initiates LUMI Mission to Explore Moon's South Pole
Timestamp: 13:30 - 15:00

TRL Space, leading a consortium of European aerospace companies, has launched the Lunar Mission Initiative (LUMI) to explore the Moon's south pole. The mission seeks to assess the region's potential for future human habitation and resource utilization, deploying scientific instruments to study water, ice, and other volatiles.

Key Highlights:

• Consortium Partners: Includes Airbus Defense and Space, Thales, Alenia Space, and OHB SE, each contributing specialized expertise to the mission.

  Notable Quote:
  "The LUMI mission will deploy a suite of scientific instruments to study the lunar surface and subsurface, focusing on the detection of water, ice and other volatiles."
  (14:30)

3. Interview with Space Law Expert Liz Chang

Liz Chang on the Emerging Field of Space Law
Timestamp: 12:10 - 19:34

Maria Varmazas engages in a compelling conversation with Liz Chang, a second-year law student at American University Washington College of Law and Associate Editor for Beyond Earth’s Space Policy Review. Liz shares her journey into space law, highlighting the field's significance and the intricate challenges it faces.

Key Highlights:

• Discovery of Space Law Passion: Liz stumbled upon space law during her involvement in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, which ignited her interest in the legal dimensions of space exploration.

  Notable Quote:
  "I remember being in this committee and thinking, why on earth are we calling this the Futuristic committee when these things have been happening for a while now?"
  (13:22)

• Academic Pursuits: Liz authored a thesis on liabilities for damages to space objects, exploring the responsibilities of governmental versus private space actors. Her research underscores the evolving nature of space governance.

  Notable Quote:
  "Space law is very rare as a law student or anybody who likes the law, to be at the cusp, being able to observe a new branch of law being born."
  (17:53)

• Encouraging Future Legal Minds: Highlighting the need for more legal experts in space law, Liz emphasizes the importance of establishing robust legal frameworks to support sustainable and responsible space activities.

  Notable Quote:
  "We need more people figuring out how we can get things to space and people to space in the Right way."
  (19:15)

Discussion Points:

• The complexity of space law and its intersections with international and domestic policies.
• The necessity of developing clear jurisdictional and liability frameworks as space becomes increasingly commercial and collaborative.
• The excitement and challenges of being part of a nascent field that will shape the future of space exploration and habitation.

4. Cosmic Discovery: The Birth of "Baby Iris"

Astronomers Detect a Massive Newborn Planet
Timestamp: 19:34 - End

In a captivating segment, the episode highlights the discovery of a young planet, Iris 0412-529-02B, affectionately dubbed "Baby Iris," located within the Taurus molecular cloud approximately 430 light-years away. Observed by the TESS telescope, this newborn planet provides unprecedented insights into planetary formation.

Key Highlights:

• Unique Observation Opportunity: The warped disk surrounding Baby Iris allowed astronomers a rare and clear view, typically obscured by dense debris.

  Notable Quote:
  "This discovery opens a window into the earliest days of planetary evolution and reminds us how much of the universe's story is shaped by a little serendipity."
  (19:50)

• Potential Future Classification: With its low density and inflated atmosphere, Baby Iris may evolve into a mini Neptune or a super Earth, offering valuable data for understanding planetary development.

• Mysteries of the Warped Disk: The cause of the disk's unusual shape remains under debate, with theories ranging from planetary migration to gravitational disturbances from nearby stars or other celestial objects.

Conclusion

The November 21, 2024 episode of T-Minus Space Daily offers a rich tapestry of advancements and collaborations propelling the global space industry forward. From groundbreaking partnerships between space agencies to the intricate challenges of space law, and the awe-inspiring discovery of a new planet, the episode underscores the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of modern space exploration. Maria Varmazas expertly navigates these topics, providing listeners with insightful analysis and inspiring conversations that highlight the multitude of opportunities awaiting humanity in the cosmos.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "ESA's Hera asteroid mission, which is now en route to its target, with JAXA's support as a model for future planetary defense projects." (00:57)

• "The agreement focuses on contingency support which enables Australian authorities to assist with crew and module recovery operations." (03:45)

• "The first THEMIS flight is slated for 2025, which will mark a critical step in Europe's bid to compete in the growing market for reusable spaceflight." (06:45)

• "The Eagle LTV is engineered to withstand the moon's harsh conditions, including long lunar nights, ensuring extended operational life." (08:15)

• "We need more people figuring out how we can get things to space and people to space in the Right way." (19:15)

• "This discovery opens a window into the earliest days of planetary evolution and reminds us how much of the universe's story is shaped by a little serendipity." (19:50)

For more detailed information and additional resources covered in this episode, visit space.n2k.com.