T-Minus Space Daily: SpinLaunch Lifts Off Towards Orbital Space

Hosted by N2K Networks | Release Date: April 3, 2025

Introduction and Overview

On April 3, 2025, Maria Varmazas kicks off the episode of T-Minus Space Daily by highlighting significant developments in the global space industry. The episode focuses primarily on SpinLaunch's ambitious ventures, strategic partnerships, and the Aerospace Industries Association's (AIA) strategic priorities for 2025. Additionally, listeners are treated to insights on emerging companies, investment rounds, and innovative research conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

SpinLaunch's Recent Developments

A major highlight of the episode is SpinLaunch, a California-based aerospace company making significant strides in satellite deployment and orbital launch capabilities.

• Investment and Partnerships: SpinLaunch secured a $12 million investment from Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace to support its newly announced Meridian Space Satellite Communications Constellation. Further cementing this partnership, SpinLaunch has contracted NanoAvionics to exclusively supply satellites for the initial phase of the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) broadband constellation, under a contract valued at €122.5 million.

  "SpinLaunch has contracted NanoAvionics to exclusively supply satellites for the initial tranche of the LEO broadband Constellation under a contract valued at 122.5 million euros." [06:15]

• Deployment Strategy: The company plans to deploy 250 next-generation microsatellites in a single traditional rocket launch, utilizing its proprietary technologies. This initiative aims to provide global coverage efficiently.

• Manufacturing Expansion: To support the production schedule of 280 satellites, NanoAvionics is expanding its manufacturing capabilities by establishing a new assembly and testing facility in Lithuania.

• Orbital Launch Plans: While SpinLaunch has developed a suborbital system at Spaceport America in New Mexico, its orbital launches are set to commence from Alaska. The company has signed an exploratory lease agreement with the Aleut Corporation to develop a launch site on Adak Island, leveraging the region's unique geographic and logistical advantages.

  "The agreement establishes the foundation for a long term collaboration that capitalizes on Adak's unique geographic and logistical advantages." [09:45]

Portal Space Systems' Seed Funding and Supernova Spacecraft

Portal Space Systems, a Seattle-based satellite company, successfully closed an oversubscribed $17.5 million seed round. The funds will accelerate the development of their Supernova spacecraft, engineered for contested and congested space environments.

• Innovative Propulsion: Supernova utilizes a solar thermal propulsion system, offering the performance benefits of nuclear thermal propulsion without the complexities of a fission reactor.

  "Supernova achieves the long range mobility necessary for dynamic space operations at a fraction of the cost, risk and regulatory challenges of systems with comparable performance." [12:30]

• Development Milestones: The spacecraft is slated for a critical design review in Q2 2025, with propulsion testing, system integration, and an anticipated launch planned for mid-2026.

Ispace US Forms Lunar Science Advisory Board

Ispace US has established a US Lunar Science Advisory Board, chaired by renowned space scientist Dr. Alan Stern. This initiative coincides with the appointment of Elizabeth Crist as the new CEO of Ispace US.

• Mission and Goals: The advisory board aims to enhance Ispace US's competitiveness within the US market and bolster its scientific capabilities. It will provide strategic insights on lunar exploration, technology development, partnerships, and socioeconomic assessments.

  "The Board will work to provide insights and recommendations to Ispace US on matters related to scientific lunar exploration, technology development, strategic partnership, business strategy and socioeconomic assessments." [15:20]

Deorbit's Launch Agreement with PLD Space

Deorbit, an Italian aerospace company, has signed a launch agreement with Spain's PLD Space to deploy satellites aboard the Miura 5 to equatorial orbit.

• Launch Details: Miura 5 will operate from the French Guiana Spaceport (CSG), offering dedicated low-inclination launch opportunities ideal for direct access to equatorial orbits.

• Production and Goals: PLD Space is progressing with serial production of Miura 5 units, leveraging technology from Miura 1. The company aims to commence test flights by the end of 2025, with commercial operations starting in 2026 and scaling up to 30 launches per year by 2030.

ISS National Lab's Orbital Edge Accelerator Program

The International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory has launched the Orbital Edge Accelerator Program, designed to integrate cutting-edge startups and investment partners into the burgeoning space economy.

• Program Highlights: The accelerator will select six startups, each receiving up to $500,000 in investment, mentorship, and the opportunity to launch an ISS-sponsored investigation. The goal is to foster innovations that benefit humanity and create new commercial opportunities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

AIA's Strategic Priorities for 2025

Stephen Jordan Tomaszewski, AIA Vice President of Space Systems, discusses the Aerospace Industries Association's (AIA) strategic priorities for 2025, focusing on enhancing the space economy through collaborative efforts between government and industry.

1. Regulatory Environment Optimization

• Streamlining Regulations: AIA advocates for a thorough review of existing space regulations to ensure they protect safety without imposing excessive burdens on businesses.

  "Making sure that you're operating your satellites effectively and your launch vehicles effectively... not too much of a burden on businesses." [12:45]

• Expertise in Regulatory Bodies: Emphasizing the need for well-staffed regulatory agencies with technical expertise to handle the increasing volume and complexity of space-related applications.

2. Strengthening the Supply Chain

• Manufacturing Capacity: Addressing bottlenecks in mass manufacturing to support the production of thousands of satellites and new launch vehicles.

  "We have new launch vehicles. So this really could be anything from some of the raw materials... to the gases that we use to fuel our satellites." [14:50]

• Space-Specific Components: Scaling up production for critical space components like satellite solar panels, batteries, star trackers, and reaction wheels.

3. Investment in Space Infrastructure

• Transportation and Logistics: Investing in infrastructure to facilitate the transportation of launch vehicles and satellites, including reinforcing bridges and expanding waterways.

  "Making sure that our waterways are big enough... bridges are reinforced to be able to bring very heavy space objects over." [16:40]

• Public-Private Partnerships: Leveraging both government funds and private sector investments to build and maintain essential space infrastructure, akin to airports and maritime ports.

4. Workforce Development

• Skilled Labor Pipeline: Enhancing the workforce by training not only advanced engineers but also technicians, welders, and machinists crucial for mass manufacturing and assembly of space systems.

  "You also need a skilled technical workforce. So this is making sure that you have enough folks... are a crucial part of all this." [21:05]

Additional News Highlights

Alice Carruth, N2K's senior producer, shares stories that didn't make the main segment but are noteworthy:

• Carmen Space Defense: Launching a new clean room for space aircraft assembly.
• Turian Space: Providing an investment update.
• Dhruva Space Partnership: Forming a new collaboration with Japan's Infostella.
• US Space Force: Conducting its first war game for the Commercial Reserve.

Listeners are encouraged to visit space.n2k.com for detailed articles on these topics.

Space Fermentation: Miso on the ISS

In an intriguing blend of culinary science and space research, Maria Varmazas shares findings from a study conducted by MIT and the Technical University of Denmark on fermenting miso aboard the ISS.

• Enhanced Flavors: Miso fermented in the space environment developed nuttier and more roasted flavors compared to Earth-based counterparts, attributed to higher temperatures in orbit.

  "The ISS miso contained more pyrazines, which are flavor compounds that are linked to roasted notes." [22:00]

• Microbial Changes: Unique microbial alterations were observed, possibly influenced by space radiation, though the exact impact on flavor remains under investigation.

• Implications for Space Cuisine: This breakthrough suggests that fermentation processes can thrive in space, potentially expanding astronauts' food options beyond traditional freeze-dried meals to include items like pickles, yogurt, and kimchi.

Conclusion

The April 3, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily delivers a comprehensive overview of significant advancements and strategic initiatives shaping the future of the space industry. From SpinLaunch's innovative satellite deployment strategies to AIA's robust priorities addressing regulatory, supply chain, infrastructure, and workforce challenges, the episode underscores a dynamic and rapidly evolving aerospace landscape. Additionally, the exploration of space-based food fermentation highlights the intersection of science and daily life in orbit, paving the way for more sustainable and diverse astronaut diets.

For more detailed information and to dive deeper into each story, listeners are encouraged to visit space.n2k.com and explore the show notes linked to the episode.