T-Minus Space Daily: Episode Summary – SpaceRISE for IRIS² Release Date: December 16, 2024 | Host: Maria Varmazas | N2K Networks

1. Major Contract Updates

a. Europe Signs IRIS² Contract with SpaceRISE

At the forefront of today’s headlines, Europe has officially signed a significant contract with the SpaceRISE Consortium for the IRIS² project. Maria Varmazas outlines:

"Europe signs the Iris Squared contract with Space Rise. An unnamed company plans to spend $1.8 billion in capital improvements at Cape Canaveral..." (00:47)

The IRIS² (Resilience, Interconnectivity, and Security by Satellite) initiative is a flagship EU program aimed at enhancing Europe’s digital sovereignty and secure communication infrastructure. Spearheaded by the SpaceRISE Group—which includes key players like Eutelsat, Hispasat, and SES—the project entails deploying a constellation of 290 low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites. These satellites promise to deliver high-performance communication solutions, secure connections for governmental bodies, and high-speed broadband for European citizens and businesses.

Key Highlights:

• Funding: The project is backed by €6.5 billion in public funds, constituting nearly 60% of the total estimated cost of €10.5 billion, with the remaining funds sourced from private investors within the SpaceRISE Consortium.
• Timeline: Services are anticipated to commence by 2030, marking a transformative leap for Europe’s satellite communication capabilities.
• Strategic Importance: IRIS² is poised to reinforce Europe's resilience against cyber threats and enhance low-latency connectivity across the continent.

b. Unnamed Company to Invest $1.8 Billion at Cape Canaveral (Project Hinton)

Shifting focus to the United States, an unnamed aerospace entity is set to make substantial capital improvements at Cape Canaveral under the codename Project Hinton. Maria Varmazas highlights the significance:

"The proposal, which has the codename Project Hinton, is expected to enable rapid manufacturing, assembly and integration of heavy lift flight hardware and significantly increase the volume and mass of payload to orbit from Florida." (07:50)

Project Hinton aims to inject $1.8 billion into Cape Canaveral’s infrastructure, potentially creating 600 new jobs. The investment will facilitate:

• High Volume Production Facilities: Enhancing the capacity to manufacture heavy lift rockets.
• High Bay and Launch Infrastructure: Upgrading facilities to support larger payloads and more frequent launches.

Local officials remain tight-lipped about the identity of the investor, fueling speculation about major players like SpaceX or Blue Origin potentially expanding their operations in Florida. The Space Florida Board of Directors is scheduled to discuss the proposed construction in an upcoming special meeting.

2. SpaceX Pushes for Starbase Incorporation in Texas

In a strategic move to support its expanding operations, SpaceX has formally requested the incorporation of Starbase as an official city within Texas. Catherine Lueders, General Manager of Starbase, articulated the company's needs:

"To continue growing the workforce necessary to rapidly develop and manufacture Starship, we need the ability to grow Starbase as a community." (15:23)

Key Points:

• Request to Cameron County: Aimed at holding an election to approve Starbase’s incorporation.
• Implications: Incorporation would facilitate workforce expansion and community development, essential for SpaceX’s ambitious Starship program.
• Response from Authorities: Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. has acknowledged the request, noting that the Legal and Elections Administration will review the petition to ensure compliance with statutory requirements before proceeding.

3. Space Development Agency (SDA) Releases Tranche 3 RFP

The Space Development Agency has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Tranche 3 Program Integration (T3PI), part of the proliferated Warfighter space architecture. Maria Varmazas provides an overview:

"Through this RFP, SDA seeks systems engineering and integration activities to support the T3 program..." (09:45)

Highlights:

• Objective: Extension of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) through the acquisition and integration of next-generation space vehicles and ground segments.
• Responsibilities: Integration of T3 transport, tracking, and custody layers, ensuring interoperability with existing systems.
• Submission Deadline: January 31, 2025, at noon Eastern Time.
• Opportunity: Multiple vendors are encouraged to participate, fostering competition and innovation within the space defense sector.

4. FAA Streamlines Commercial Space Launch Licensing

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has introduced clarifications to the Part 450 licensing process for Commercial Space Launch and Reentry. Maria Varmazas explains:

"The FAA has now specifically listed which safety related Part 450 provisions, if performed by the range, satisfy the rule." (11:15)

Key Updates:

• Flight Safety Analyses: The FAA has validated that certain safety analyses conducted by federal ranges in California, Florida, and Virginia meet Part 450 requirements.
• Impact: Simplifies the application process for companies by reducing the documentation burden and enhancing clarity on acceptable safety practices.
• Future Developments: An advisory circular will be issued soon, and the FAA plans to expand the list of approved safety-related services performed by federal ranges.

5. Corporate News and Collaborations

a. Millennium Space Systems Appoints New CEO

Millennium Space Systems, a subsidiary of Boeing, has announced the appointment of Tony Genghis as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 9. Maria Varmazas notes:

"Tony Genghis has more than 30 years of experience in executive leadership, operations, design and production across commercial, civil defense and national security space." (13:55)

Tony Genghis brings extensive experience from previous roles at Terran Orbital, Virgin Orbit, and Airbus OneWeb Satellites, positioning Millennium Space Systems for continued growth and innovation in the defense and commercial space sectors.

b. Loft Orbital and ESPER Collaboration

Loft Orbital is set to launch four hyperspectral sensors for Australian company ESPER. Maria Varmazas details the partnership:

"Under this agreement, LOFT will integrate and operate the hyperspectral sensors onboard the upcoming yet another mission satellites beginning in 2026." (14:30)

ESPER’s Four Leaf Clover constellation aims to enhance global monitoring applications, with Loft Orbital providing the necessary integration and operational expertise for these advanced sensors.

6. International Launch Developments

China Prepares Long March 8 Rocket Launch

China is ramping up for the launch of its Long March 8 rocket from its first commercial spaceport in Wenchang City, Hainan Province. Maria Varmazas reports:

"China is gearing up to launch its new Long March 8 rocket from its first commercial spaceport." (15:05)

Details:

• Rocket Features: Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the Long March 8 employs environmentally friendly green liquid propellant.
• Launch Schedule: The exact launch date is pending, with final preparations underway to ensure a successful mission.

7. Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking Approach to the Sun

One of the standout missions highlighted in today’s episode is NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, which on December 24th set out to reach unprecedented proximity and speed relative to the Sun:

"On the 24th, the solar probe will swoop within 3.8 million miles of the sun's surface at a blistering 430,000 miles per hour..." (19:09)

Mission Highlights:

• Objective: To gather invaluable data on solar flares and the Sun’s dynamic environment during its closest approach.
• Technical Feats: Utilizing gravity assists from Venus to tighten its orbit, the probe aims to surf the Sun’s plasma waves, despite not communicating with mission control during the closest approach.
• Expected Outcomes: New images and detailed scientific data are anticipated by the new year, providing groundbreaking insights into solar activity.

8. Interview: Dave Bittner on Earning His Ham Radio License

In an engaging segment, host Maria Varmazas interviews Dave Bittner, host of Cyberwire Daily, about his recent achievement in obtaining an amateur (ham) radio license.

Background and Motivation: Dave shares his lifelong fascination with electronics and communication:

"Growing up as a kid, I was very much interested in electronics... I had a Radio Shack 150 in one kit, which I absolutely loved." (10:21)

His interest was reignited by witnessing the critical role of amateur radio operators during natural disasters, inspiring him to contribute to community resilience.

Challenges and Achievement: Despite initial hurdles, including an outdated requirement for Morse code, Dave persevered:

"The first time I went in and took the practice test, I scored about a 65% going in cold... I just worked on it for a few weeks, an hour here, an hour there, till I got myself up to 95% on the practice test." (13:34)

Future Aspirations: Dave aspires to expand his capabilities within amateur radio, including:

• Communicating across global radio bands.
• Establishing contact with the International Space Station (ISS), leveraging his local club connections.

"I really want to communicate with the iss... with a handheld radio and the right antenna, you can communicate with the iss." (18:13)

Philosophical Insights: Dave appreciates the structured and courteous nature of the ham radio community:

"It is very polite and very organized. There are rules of the road, rules of the airwaves, there are protocols." (15:45)

This disciplined environment serves as a refreshing contrast to the often chaotic digital communication landscape.

9. Conclusion and Final Notes

Maria Varmazas wraps up the episode with a glimpse into the Parker Solar Probe’s upcoming mission and a reminder for listeners to engage with the podcast’s additional resources and social media channels. The episode underscores the dynamic and interconnected nature of global space initiatives, corporate maneuverings, and individual passions fueling the space industry’s future.

Notable Quotes:

• Dave Bittner on his motivation:

  "This is something that I think I could do and maybe someday I'd like to be in the position where if my community needed it or my family needed it, I might be able to be helpful." (12:28)

• Maria Varmazas on the romance of amateur radio:

  "There's something attractive about that. ... People often wonder what is the point of having the ability to talk over radio..." (15:54)

Resources and Further Reading: For more detailed information on today’s topics, including the NASA Contract award announcement for Administrative Support Services, visit the show notes at space.n2k.com.

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Produced by Alice Carruth | Associate Producer: Liz Stokes | Mixed by: Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester | Original Music by Elliot Peltzman | Executive Producer: Jennifer Iban | Executive Editor: Brandon Karpf | President: Simone Petrella | Publisher: Peter Kilpie | Host: Maria Varmazas