The Fairytale of Near Space Network
Episode of T-Minus Space Daily
Release Date: December 23, 2024
Host: Maria Varmazes, N2K Networks

Introduction

In the final daily intelligence briefing of 2024, Maria Varmazes covers significant developments in the space industry. From NASA's substantial contracts to international collaborations and advancements in space technology, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the year's pivotal moments in space exploration and infrastructure.

NASA's Near Space Network Expansion

Timestamp: [01:58]

NASA has awarded multiple companies contracts worth a cumulative $4.82 billion to expand its Near Space Network (NSN). This expansion aims to enhance the agency's Direct to Earth (DTE) communication and navigation services, crucial for the Artemis Campaign. The NSN will support missions extending up to 1.2 million miles, enabling seamless data exchange between spacecraft and mission operators on Earth.

Notable Quote:
"The cumulative maximum value of all Near Space Network services contracts is $4.82 billion... Intuitive Machines will receive two task order awards on its contract for GEO to Cislunar Direct to Earth or DTE Services." – Maria Varmazes [02:05]

Selected Contractors:

• Intuitive Machines
• Kongsberg Satellite Services
• SSC Space
• Viasat

Intuitive Machines is set to receive two task orders to provide additional capacity, alleviating demand on NASA's existing Deep Space Network and supporting missions with unique, highly elliptical orbits.

Deep Space Network Enhancements

Timestamp: [04:10]

NASA is enhancing its Deep Space Network (DSN) by adding a new antenna, Deep Space Station 23, at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California. This addition will bring the total number of antennas to 15, bolstering the world's largest and most sensitive radio frequency telecommunications system.

Notable Quote:
"When operational in 2026, Deep Space Station 23 will receive transmissions from missions such as Perseverance, Psyche, Europa Clipper, Voyager 1, and a growing fleet of future human and robotic spacecraft in deep space." – Maria Varmazes [04:35]

The new station will enhance support for both existing and upcoming missions, ensuring robust communication and data transmission capabilities.

Liechtenstein Joins Artemis Accords

Timestamp: [05:30]

The Principality of Liechtenstein has become the 52nd nation to sign the Artemis Accords, a series of bilateral agreements designed to establish a common set of principles for responsible space exploration.

Notable Quote:
"The U.S. says it welcomes Liechtenstein to the Artemis Accords as a valued friend and partner with a steadfast commitment to human rights, democratic values, and good governance." – Maria Varmazes [05:50]

The Accords facilitate collaboration and peaceful cooperation among spacefaring nations, promoting safety, sustainability, and transparency in space activities.

SpaceX's Bandwagon 2 Mission Launch

Timestamp: [06:15]

SpaceX successfully launched the Bandwagon 2 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission deployed 30 payloads for various clients, including:

• Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI)
• ADD
• Arrow ADD
• Exolaunch
• Hawkeye360
• Maverick Space Systems
• Citus Space Tomorrow
• True Anomaly
• Think Orbital Rideshare Integrator

Exolaunch was responsible for deploying 22 customer satellites, including two new satellites for IceEye, which have already established communication and are undergoing routine operations.

Notable Quote:
"Exolaunch deployed 22 customer satellites on the mission, including two new satellites for IceEye. Both satellites have established communication and early routine operations are underway." – Maria Varmazes [06:45]

Rocket Lab’s Synspective Launch

Timestamp: [07:05]

Rocket Lab completed its 16th launch of the year, deploying a satellite for the Japanese Earth Observation Constellation operator, Synspective. The mission, named All the Way Up, lifted off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on December 22nd at 3:17 AM local time.

Notable Quote:
"Rocket Lab founder and CEO Peter Beck added to the press release that we look forward to continuing to increase our launch cadence in the new year as we strengthen Electron's position as the leading small rocket globally and also enter the medium launch market with Neutron's debut." – Maria Varmazes [07:20]

The deployment of the Strix satellite aboard the Electron launch vehicle underscores Rocket Lab's commitment to expanding its market presence and launching capabilities.

T-Minus Consortium Secures UK Funding

Timestamp: [07:45]

The T-Minus Space Sustainability Consortium, comprising Deorbit, Astroscale, and ClearSpace, has secured £691,000 from the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. This funding will facilitate the testing of Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO), crucial for future in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing missions.

Notable Quote:
"The UK is funding the regulatory sandbox for RPO. It'll provide an advanced capability that will underpin all future in orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing missions." – Maria Varmazes [07:55]

This initiative aims to advance regulatory frameworks and technological capabilities for sustainable space operations.

NASA's X59 Supersonic Research Milestone

Timestamp: [08:15]

NASA has successfully completed the first maximum afterburner engine run test on its X59 quiet supersonic research aircraft. Conducted at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works facility in California, this ground test marks a significant milestone toward the aircraft's first flight, projected for 2025.

Notable Quote:
"The X59's first flight is expected to occur in 2025, and we'll be back with a daily intel briefing in 2025 on January 2, to be precise." – Maria Varmazes [08:30]

The X59 aims to revolutionize supersonic travel by significantly reducing sonic booms, paving the way for quieter and more environmentally friendly high-speed flights.

In-Depth Interview: Aaron Miller on Space ISAC’s Progress and Partnerships

Timestamp: [09:15 - 20:17]

In an insightful conversation, Aaron Miller, Executive Director of the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC), discusses the organization's growth, partnerships, and critical role in safeguarding space infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

1. Foundation and Purpose:

   • Established in 2019 at the request of the White House.
   • Focuses on threat intelligence and information sharing within the space community.
   • Houses over 100 members, including defense, intelligence, international, and commercial space entities.

   Notable Quote:
   "We have over 100 members. And the reason why we stood up the organization is because we saw, and the White House actually saw, that there were silos of information sharing that existed within space critical infrastructure." – Aaron Miller [09:35]

2. Operational Framework:

   • Watch Center: Provides members with access to advanced tools for real-time threat monitoring and response.
   • Collaborative Groups: Over 20 groups facilitate discussions and joint initiatives.
   • Exercises: Conducts approximately four exercises per year to simulate crisis scenarios and enhance preparedness.

3. Recent Initiatives:

   • Hera's Revenge Exercise: Aimed at C-suite executives to navigate complex incidents involving multinational stakeholders and varying legal frameworks.

   Notable Quote:
   "Hera's Revenge was one that we ran a few different times... coordinating all of the different stakeholders was definitely a relevant conversation for the C suite." – Aaron Miller [12:47]

4. International Collaborations:

   • Partnerships with the French Space Agency, UK Space Agency, Israel Space Agency, Japanese Aerospace Agency, among others.
   • Facilitates bidirectional information sharing to strengthen collective defense mechanisms.

   Notable Quote:
   "We're working with the French Space Agency... these different organizations... are signing up so that they can do bidirectional information sharing with the Space ISAC and create this collective defense model." – Aaron Miller [16:48]

5. Call to Action:

   • Encourages industry stakeholders to join and participate in upcoming events like the Valley of Space Summit.

   Notable Quote:
   "If you're not a part of Space ISAC yet, come to our Valley of Space Summit... our lives depend on it." – Aaron Miller [19:29]

Insights: Space ISAC plays a pivotal role in mitigating cyber threats and ensuring the resilience of space operations. Through robust information sharing and strategic partnerships, it fosters a unified defense against emerging adversarial threats in the increasingly critical domain of space infrastructure.

Celebrating the Holidays in Space

Timestamp: [20:54]

While the Earth celebrates the holiday season with decorations and festivities, spacefarers aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and China's Tiangong Station are also embracing the spirit of the season. Currently, 10 astronauts are in low Earth orbit, with plans to extend their missions to enjoy the holidays in space.

Notable Highlights:

• Extended Missions: Crew members Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will continue their stay on the ISS, celebrating Christmas with Santa hats and festive plans.
• Historical Context:
  • Apollo 8 (1968): First crewed mission to orbit the Moon, where astronauts read from Genesis during Christmas.
  • Gemini 6A (1965): The first instance of a song played in space, with "Jingle Bells" broadcast during the mission.

Notable Quote:
"Space and the holidays go together like peas and carrots, carrots and peas." – Maria Varmazes [21:20]

The enduring tradition of celebrating holidays in space underscores the human spirit's resilience and the universal desire for connection, even beyond Earth's boundaries.

Conclusion

As 2024 draws to a close, T-Minus Space Daily highlights a year of significant advancements, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to space sustainability and security. From substantial NASA contracts and international collaborations to the humanizing moments of celebrating holidays in orbit, the space industry continues to evolve and inspire.

Final Note:
Maria Varmazes extends warm holiday wishes to listeners both on Earth and beyond, emphasizing the collective effort to stay informed and ahead in the rapidly changing space landscape.

Produced by: Alice Carruth
Associate Producer: Liz Stokes
Mixed by: Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester
Original Music: Elliot Peltzman
Executive Producer: Jennifer Ivan
Executive Editor: Brandon Karp
President: Simone Petrella
Publisher: Pierre Kilby
Host: Maria Varmazes

For more detailed information and additional resources from today's report, visit the show notes at space.n2k.com. Share your feedback and join the conversation to stay ahead in the ever-evolving space industry.