Podcast Summary: T-Minus Space Daily — SpaceX to Increase Launches from California in 2026

Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazes (N2K Networks)

Overview

This episode of T-Minus Space Daily delivers updates on major developments in the space industry, focusing on SpaceX's future increase in launch cadence from California, alongside key international and commercial space news. The episode includes a featured interview with Jeff Thornburg, CEO and CTO at Portal Space, discussing the latest advances in solar thermal propulsion technology and the challenges and culture of aerospace innovation.

Key Topics & Insights

1. SpaceX to Ramp Up Launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base

[03:02–04:52]

• Major News: The Department of the Air Force approved SpaceX's application to expand Falcon launch operations at Vandenberg in California.
• Launch Cadence Increase: From 50 Falcon 9 launches per year at SLC-4 to 100 combined Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches per year across SLC-4 and SLC-6.
• SLC-6 Modifications: Will support both Falcon 9 and, for the first time, Falcon Heavy launches (up to five annually).
• Local Impact: Some local opposition is noted, but environmental reviews are complete.
• FAA's Role: Will license expanded SpaceX operations and oversee airspace closures.
• Quote:

  “Despite local opposition, it seems that Vandenberg Space Force Base in California is about to get a lot busier.”
  — Maria Varmazes [03:10]

2. Europe Advances with Odin’s Eye II Early Warning System

[04:55–06:17]

• Germany & France: Signed an implementation agreement for the Odin’s Eye II satellite-based early warning system.
• Project Lead: OHB Systems AG (Germany) coordinates 43 companies across 14 nations with 90M euros from the European Defense Fund.
• Goal: Strengthen European defense against security threats via space-based infrastructure.
• Memorable Moment:

  “The new implementation agreement was signed by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and his new French counterpart Katerine Vautrin on the sidelines of a NATO meeting in Brussels.”
  — Maria Varmazes [05:54]

3. Satelliot’s GNSS-Free IoT Satellite Connectivity

[06:17–07:03]

• Innovation: Satelliot and ESA launch the Free GNSS Network Project to let satellites connect IoT devices without traditional navigation systems.
• Strategic Priority: Addresses operation in environments where GNSS (e.g., GPS) signals are denied, vital for autonomy and defense.
• Testing: Currently in labs with plans for in-orbit demonstration.

4. Industrial Expansion: Beyond Gravity’s Swiss Facility

[07:03–07:35]

• Production Upscale: Swiss company Beyond Gravity increases solar array drive mechanism output from 36 to 200 units/year.
• Potential US Expansion: Executive Oliver Grausman signals Florida expansion if demand rises.

5. Lunar Outpost's ‘MARS’ Robotic Swarm Mission

[07:36–07:51]

• Mission Overview: Lunar Outpost to test autonomous robotic software (‘MARS’) in orbit, supporting U.S. Air Force and Space Force research.
• Capabilities: Demonstrates resilient, decentralized coordination of robotic spacecraft, crucial for future space infrastructure.

6. Other Noteworthy Headlines

[07:52–08:19]

• El Paso’s recovery of a $40M aerospace grant.
• Planetary Society’s concern over NASA workforce reductions and 'brain drain'.

Featured Interview: Jeff Thornburg, CEO/CTO at Portal Space

[10:20–21:33]

a. Solar Thermal Propulsion Breakthrough

[10:35–12:55]

• Supernova Spacecraft & Hex Thruster: Portal’s spacecraft uses concentrated solar energy rather than nuclear for propulsion (“solar thermal propulsion”), validated recently under full power test conditions.
• Test Facility Innovation: Portal had to invent and construct their own high-power test environment to validate the Hex Thruster.
• Significance:

  "This test really signals for us the designs are valid, it'll perform the way the spacecraft needs it to, to really be able to maneuver from low Earth orbit to MEO to GEO to Cis-lunar..."
  — Jeff Thornburg [11:31]

• Competitive Edge: Portal uses modern techniques (including 3D printing and advanced manufacturing) that were not available in prior US government attempts in the 1990s.

b. Next Steps: Flight Timeline & Facility Expansion

[13:05–15:14]

• Risk Reduction Flights on Falcon 9 (2026):
  • February: Testing core systems (flight computer, avionics, sensors).
  • October: Larger test spacecraft, precursor to full Supernova mission.
• Manufacturing Expansion:
  • Currently building a larger factory to support multiple spacecraft per year.
  • Full Supernova launch targeted for 2027.

c. Industry Culture & Building for Resilience

[15:45–18:47]

• SpaceX Experience: Thornburg describes the shift from legacy contractor thinking to the ‘move fast, break things’ approach adopted by newer companies.
• Balanced Philosophy:

  “There's a new way of approaching this to get to the answers faster that…Silicon Valley and the tech industry have brought to space.”
  — Jeff Thornburg [16:45] "You just have to push through all that...and maintain a pace that maintains your position in the industry against your competition as well."
  — Jeff Thornburg [18:32]

d. Public Awareness & Space Infrastructure Importance

[18:48–21:33]

• Why Space Matters to Everyday Life:
  • Everyday services (fuel, ATMs, logistics) now depend on space assets.
  • Vulnerability is increasing as dependence grows.
• Call for Public Engagement:

  “Your normal life is now tied to the space environment and the space industry. That creates great benefit, but it also creates vulnerability... Now we need to actually make sure we're doing everything we can to protect that from adversaries...”
  — Jeff Thornburg [19:17]

Scientific Spotlight: University of Southampton's Atmospheric Ablation Research

[22:27–24:13]

• Summary: Recent studies examine how satellite re-entry (ablation) affects Earth's upper atmosphere, highlighting the need for sustainable re-entry strategies and improved observation of metallic particles (e.g., aluminum).
• Broader Impact: Findings stress the environmental side effects of satellite proliferation and call for increased investment in UK research infrastructure.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the changing approach to space engineering:

  "You have to find a happy medium where you can deliver for your customers, but you need to get that product to market for them as fast as possible."
  — Jeff Thornburg [17:20]

• On public perception of space:

  “If all of a sudden one day you can't do that and you can't get cash out of the ATM and you can't go to the grocery store...they use GPS. If none of that works, it's going to be extremely detrimental to society...”
  — Jeff Thornburg [20:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• SpaceX Expansion at Vandenberg: [03:02–04:52]
• Odin's Eye II Agreement: [04:55–06:17]
• Satelliot Project: [06:17–07:03]
• Beyond Gravity Expansion: [07:03–07:35]
• Lunar Outpost MARS Mission: [07:36–07:51]
• Featured Interview – Portal's Solar Thermal Propulsion: [10:20–21:33]
• Atmospheric Ablation Research Update: [22:27–24:13]

Tone & Style

• Informal & Analytical: The hosts maintain an accessible, conversational tone, blending news delivery with insightful commentary and technical detail.
• Future-Oriented: Emphasis on technological innovation, defense and infrastructure, and adaptation to shifting industry models.