Summary of T-Minus Space Daily Episode: SpaceX Launches Transporter 12

Release Date: January 14, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazes, N2K Networks

Introduction

In the January 14, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, Maria Varmazes delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the global space industry. The episode covers significant events such as SpaceX's Transporter 12 mission, Starlab Space's European expansion, China's satellite deployments, and Space Systems Command's partnership with the University of Southern California. A highlight of the episode is an insightful interview with Christopher Morrison, an astronuclear engineer from Nuclear Methods, who discusses the pivotal role of nuclear power in space missions.

SpaceX Launches Transporter 12

Transporter 12 Mission Overview

SpaceX successfully launched its 12th Transporter mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, deploying 131 payloads to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) on the morning of January 14, 2025. The mission included a mix of cubesats, microsats, and orbital transfer vehicles. Notably, 30 payloads were carried onboard, with 14 additional payloads scheduled for deployment at a later time.

• Maria Varmazes [00:54]: "Can you believe we're up to the 12th transporter mission by SpaceX already? Transporter 12 lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California this morning, carrying 131 payloads to low Earth orbit."

Impact and Reach

This mission marks a significant milestone for SpaceX, having launched more than 1,100 payloads to orbit for over 130 customers through its rideshare program. The diversity of payloads underscores SpaceX’s commitment to supporting a wide range of commercial and sovereign missions.

• Maria Varmazes [02:00]: "To date, SpaceX has launched more than 1,100 payloads to orbit for 130plus customers across the entire rideshare program. That is incredible."

Starlab Space Expands into Europe

Establishing a European Subsidiary

Starlab Space has inaugurated a new European subsidiary in Bremen, Germany, aiming to enhance its global footprint and strengthen international partnerships. This strategic move is designed to facilitate industrial efficiencies and expand collaborations with allied space agencies, including the European Space Agency (ESA).

• Maria Varmazes [03:15]: "Starlab Space has opened a new European subsidiary in Bremen, Germany. Starlab says the German office will extend the company's capabilities and demonstrate its commitment to its international partners."

Strategic Partnerships

The European hub collaborates with major industry players such as Voyager Space, Airbus, Mitsubishi Corporation, and MDA Space. Additionally, strategic partnerships include Palantir Technologies, Hilton, Northrop Grumman, and the Ohio State University.

• Starlab CEO Tim Capra [03:50]: "We are thrilled to launch Starlab Space Europe, a regional hub that will facilitate industrial efficiencies and expanded partnerships with allied space agencies."

Vision for the Future

Starlab envisions a permanent human presence in LEO, fostering global cooperation and advancing microgravity research within a commercial space economy.

• Tim Capra [04:00]: "Joining American and European presence sets the stage for life beyond the ISS, one that has a global permanent crew thriving in low Earth orbit and leading research that can transform all of humanity."

China Launches 10 Navigation Satellites

Jielong 3 Solid Rocket Launch

China successfully launched the Jielong 3 (Space Dragon 3) solid rocket from a converted sea barge off the coast of Haiyang City, Shandong Province. This mission deployed 10 navigation satellites into LEO as part of the Centispace system developed by Beijing Future Navigation Technology.

• Maria Varmazes [04:30]: "Fingers crossed China launched a Jielong 3, or Space Dragon 3 solid rocket earlier this week, carrying 10 navigation satellites into low Earth orbit."

Centispace System

The Centispace system aims to establish a network of 190 satellites in LEO to enhance navigation capabilities, supporting both commercial and military applications.

• Maria Varmazes [04:45]: "The spacecraft are part of the Centispace system, which is designed to feature 190 satellites in low Earth orbit."

Space Systems Command Expands USC Partnership

Workforce Development Initiative

Space Systems Command is broadening its collaboration with the University of Southern California (USC) to enhance workforce development through the USC Shield Executive Program in Global Space and Deterrence. This eight-month educational program is a joint effort between the USC Price School of Public Policy and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.

• Maria Varmazes [05:10]: "Space Systems Command is expanding its partnership with the University of Southern California as part of its initiative to enhance its workforce development effort."

Program Accessibility

The Shield program is designed for a diverse group of participants, including military officers, government civilians, academics, and industry experts, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to space and deterrence strategies.

• Maria Varmazes [05:25]: "The program is open to government, civilians, academics and industry experts."

Ispace Completes Mission Preparations

Mission Two: Resilience Lunar Lander and Tenacious Micro Rover

Ispace has finalized all launch preparations for its Mission Two, scheduled to launch on January 15th at 6:11 UTC. This mission includes the Resilience Lunar Lander and the Tenacious Micro Rover, aimed at advancing lunar exploration.

• Maria Varmazes [05:50]: "Ispace says it has completed all its launch preparations ahead of the liftoff of its SMBC X Hakuto R Venture Moon Mission two."

Firefly Space's Blue Ghost Mission 1

Also aboard the Falcon 9 rocket is Firefly Space's Blue Ghost Mission 1, targeting a March landing on the Moon. This mission is part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract, transporting 10 NASA science investigations to the lunar surface.

• Maria Varmazes [06:10]: "Firefly spaces Blue Ghost Mission 1. Now Blue Ghost is targeted to land on the moon in early March after an approximately 45 day transit."

Hope for Future Updates

Maria promises further updates on these missions contingent on their successful liftoff and deployment.

Interview with Christopher Morrison: The Future of Nuclear Power in Space

Introduction to the Guest

Christopher Morrison, an astronuclear engineer and manager at Nuclear Methods, shares his expertise on the potential of nuclear power as a solution for various space missions.

• Maria Varmazes [08:38]: "Our guest today is astronuclear engineer Christopher Morrison. Chris is a manager at Nuclear Methods and I asked Chris to walk us through why nuclear power isn't as widely used in space and his thoughts about why it should be."

Historical Context of Nuclear Power in Space

Morrison delves into the history of nuclear power, highlighting its early promise during the 1960s as a beacon of energy abundance and optimism. He contrasts this with the subsequent decline due to political and safety concerns tied to nuclear weapons.

• Christopher Morrison [08:38]: "Going back to the 1960s was just this huge topic of abundance and hope and optimism... it was going to be the great source of power."

Revival Efforts and Kilopower Reactor

Discussing recent advancements, Morrison explains how a small-scale experiment, the Duff test, led to the development of the Kilopower reactor. This project demonstrated that a functional nuclear reactor could be built cost-effectively, gaining approval for an $18 million full-power test.

• Christopher Morrison [09:30]: "With less than a million dollars, they did this test that got them greenlighted for an $18 million project where they actually built and tested at full power the Kilopower reactor."

Economic Advantages Over RTGs

Morrison compares nuclear reactors to Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs), emphasizing the cost-effectiveness and scalability of nuclear power. He notes that while RTGs can cost up to a billion dollars due to infrastructure, nuclear reactors offer a more economical solution with higher power output.

• Christopher Morrison [12:12]: "I've heard numbers all the way up to a billion dollars per RTG. And unfortunately in our science missions... you can do it for 100 million."

Integration with Solar Power Systems

Morrison advocates for the complementary use of nuclear and solar power systems. He points out scenarios where nuclear power is preferable, such as permanently shadowed regions on the Moon or during solar flares that can cripple solar panels.

• Christopher Morrison [15:35]: "With nuclear, you also have to talk about scaling. With solar it's linear, like you just add more panels... With nuclear it's different because once you've achieved that critical mass of reactor, you don't really need to make the reactor bigger."

Potential for Expanding Orbital Missions

Nuclear power can open new orbital spaces, such as the Van Allen radiation belts, where high radiation would otherwise damage solar panels. Morrison highlights the robustness of nuclear systems in such environments.

• Christopher Morrison [17:48]: "There are areas where only nuclear works... Nuclear already has the radiation it deals with. So there's these niches, I could open that up."

Future Prospects and Industry Support

With renewed political will and advancements in technology, Morrison is optimistic about the future of nuclear power in space. He mentions companies like TerraPower, Kairos, and X Energy as pivotal players in this resurgence.

• Christopher Morrison [19:05]: "Nuclear is a key technology for space. It's not the only key technology, but it's a key technology."

Meteorite Impact Incident on Prince Edward Island

Unexpected Meteorite Crash

Maria narrates a captivating incident where a small meteorite violently impacted a homeowner's driveway in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Captured by a home security camera, the event resulted in 95 grams of chondrite debris.

• Maria Varmazes [20:01]: "It's a small meteorite meeting its inevitable conclusion. As it smashes into earth right at the top of the driveway of a homeowner on Prince Edward Island, Canada."

Details and Safety

The meteorite, traveling at approximately 200 kilometers per second, caused significant destruction but fortunately resulted in no injuries. The incident underscores the unpredictable nature of space debris entering Earth's atmosphere.

• Maria Varmazes [20:01]: "Something even that small would be extremely deadly, of course, if it hit somebody. But thankfully nobody was hurt in this meteorite crash."

Additional Stories and Closing Remarks

Maria highlights additional stories available in the show notes, including NASA's cubesat summer program and advancements in 3D printing for space applications by researchers at the University of Glasgow. She encourages listeners to follow the podcast and share it with peers to grow the T-Minus community.

• Maria Varmazes [06:10]: "We've included two additional stories for you. One is on NASA's cubesat summer program and another's on a new 3D printer developed for space applications by researchers at the University of Glasgow."

Notable Quotes

• Maria Varmazes: "Can you believe we're up to the 12th transporter mission by SpaceX already?" [00:54]
• Christopher Morrison: "Nuclear is a key technology for space... it's not the only key technology, but it's a key technology." [19:05]

Conclusion

The January 14, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily offers a rich and detailed exploration of current trends and future directions in the space industry. From SpaceX's expanding rideshare program to the strategic use of nuclear power in space missions, the episode provides valuable insights for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The inclusion of expert interviews and real-world incidents like the meteorite impact further enriches the content, making it a must-listen for those invested in the evolving landscape of space exploration.

For more detailed information and access to show notes, visit N2K Networks.