T-Minus Space Daily — US and UK Collaborate in Space Operations

Date: September 19, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazes, N2K Networks

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights a major milestone in international space security: the first-ever coordinated on-orbit satellite operation between the United States and United Kingdom. The show further covers major industry news, including space startup fundings, a new milestone partnership for lunar and cislunar data storage, and insights from World Space Business Week in Paris.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US-UK Joint On-Orbit Operation

• [01:32] Maria announces the successful completion of the first coordinated US-UK satellite rendezvous proximity operation.
• Significance:
  • Marks the evolution from intelligence/data-sharing to operational collaboration in space, strengthening allied deterrence.
  • Conducted under Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender, a US satellite repositioned to inspect and assure the status of a UK satellite.
  • Demonstration spanned September 4-12, 2025.
• Implications:
  • Sets a precedent for coalition-based space operations—akin to NATO for space.
  • Paves the way for shared capabilities in space situational awareness, orbital security, and satellite servicing.
• Quote:
  "This is not just some kind of demonstration, it is a blueprint. This is the first step towards a new era where space security is not just handled alone, but through trusted partnerships like the US and the UK."
  — Maria Varmazes [03:19]

2. Lone Star & KIO: Earth-to-Moon Hybrid Data Ecosystem

• [04:27] KIO Data Centers (Mexico/LatAm) teams with Lone Star Data Holdings (noted for sending a data module to the Moon).
• Initiative:
  • Creates a hybrid “data consulate” system connecting KIO’s terrestrial facilities with Lone Star’s “embassies” in space.
  • Space data storage: Offers resilience against cyberattacks, disasters, and surveillance, while providing data sovereignty and sustainability using solar and lunar resources.
• Roadmap:
  1. Cislunar Orbit:
     • Establish a ground station linked to a satellite in cislunar orbit for continuous space-based storage.
  2. Lunar Data Centers:
     • Build data centers in moon lava tubes/craters for advanced protection—timeline TBD.
• Quote:
  "Storing data in space offers a new level of security, shielding it from real time cyber attacks, natural disasters, and even physical surveillance."
  — Maria Varmazes [05:11]

3. Space Startup Fundraising Highlights

• ICARUS Space Robotics
  • [06:02] Raised $6.1M to develop dexterous robotic labor for space.
  • Robots to perform “time-sucking chores” (e.g., cargo handling) on ISS, moving toward autonomous maintenance via embodied AI.
  • Upcoming flight testing and yearlong onboard ISS demo scheduled.
  • Quote:
    "It really does blow my mind that we are already living in a sci-fi future."
    — Maria Varmazes [07:01]
• Kríos Space (Spain)
  • [07:15] Secured €8M (largest European seed for VLEO tech), led by NATO Innovation Fund & Join Capital.
  • Funding to advance air-breathing plasma propulsion and launch two VLEO satellites.

4. Blue Origin: New Shepard Milestone

• [07:38]
  • 35th New Shepard flight; 15th payload mission; 40 scientific payloads delivered, marking 200+ total science payloads.
  • Final customer flight for capsule RSS HG Wells, now retired for non-flight activities/display.
• Notable:
  • 12th and final mission for the crew capsule, significant for educational and commercial partners.

5. Industry Snapshots

• [08:48] Alice Carruth delivers headlines:
  • Tanya Pemberton named President/CEO at Aerospace Corporation.
  • Commercial Space Foundation’s “Redshift Shift” report highlights China’s growing space momentum.
  • University of London launches Space Autonomy Test Center.
• [09:16-10:08] Upcoming interview previews (Bruno Carvalho, Atlantic Spaceport Consortium).

6. Space Traffic Report (by NASAspaceflight.com)

• [11:20]–[16:14] Alicia Siegel recaps global launches:
  • Three Starlink launches; Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL to ISS; Parker Solar Probe’s close approach to the sun.
  • China’s Changzheng 2C and upcoming Zhelong 3.
  • Blue Origin’s latest (uncrewed) New Shepard mission.
  • Preview: Next launches include national security and scientific missions (e.g., NASA’s IMAP).

7. World Space Business Week Recap

• [17:17–20:02] Insights from Spacewatch Global’s Torsten Kriening and Yvette.
  • Record Attendance: 1,600+ attendees from 57 countries.
  • Highlights:
    • Launch of “Space Innovation Summit (SPIN)” for startups.
    • Space Defense and Security Summit gathered 500+ ministry/military leaders to discuss space threat resilience and strategic foresight.
    • Focus panels: Ground stations as software, new Earth observation business models.
    • Shout-out to Nova Space team for event excellence.
  • Quotes:
    • "Deals were finalized, partnerships were sparked and ideas were exchanged that will shape the future of the global space economy." — Torsten Kriening [17:42]
    • "The need for resilience, interoperability and strategic foresight has never been clearer." — Torsten Kriening [18:35]
    • "This week was electric. That is the perfect word to describe it." — Yvette [19:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On US-UK Collaboration:
  "Not just a demonstration, a blueprint for coalition-based operations in space." — Maria Varmazes [03:19]

• On Data Sovereignty in Space:
  "Digital consulates on Earth connect with data embassies in space." — Maria Varmazes [04:46]

• On Space Robotics:
  "Living in a sci-fi future." — Maria Varmazes [07:01]

• On World Space Business Week:
  "Space defense and security must be multinational and proactive." — Torsten Kriening [18:35]

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [01:32] US-UK On-Orbit Satellite Operation
• [04:27] Lone Star & KIO Data Storage Partnership
• [06:02] ICARUS Space Robotics Funding
• [07:15] Kríos Space Funding
• [07:38] Blue Origin’s New Shepard Mission
• [08:48] Industry News with Alice Carruth
• [11:20] NASAspaceflight.com Space Traffic Report
• [17:17] World Space Business Week Highlights

Tone & Flow

Maria Varmazes keeps the tone informed yet upbeat—celebrating industry “firsts” and the vibrant dynamism of the space sector. Rapid-fire news updates are punctuated by expert contributions and international perspectives, especially in business and defense collaboration.

Summary

This episode showcases a pivotal advancement in allied space defense with the US and UK’s first-ever coordinated satellite operation, reflecting a shift toward multinational space security efforts. Other highlights include breakthrough fundraising for space startups, a bold Earth-Moon data storage initiative, a review of Blue Origin’s latest mission, and major takeaways from World Space Business Week—where resilience and cross-sector innovation were declared urgent priorities for the growing global space ecosystem.