T-Minus Space Daily: "Time to Place Your Order for a Spaceplane"

Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazes, N2K Networks

Introduction

In the May 22, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazes delves into the latest developments in the global space industry. This episode covers a broad spectrum of topics, from workforce changes in the U.S. Space Force to groundbreaking advancements in spaceplane technology. A special highlight features an in-depth conversation with Steve Luszynski, President of the Aerospace Village, who shares insights from his recent participation in HackSpaceCon at Kennedy Space Center.

Industry News Highlights

U.S. Space Force Workforce Reduction

The episode opens with a concerning update on the U.S. Space Force, which is anticipating a 14% reduction in its civilian workforce, exceeding the administration's 10% target. General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, revealed during a Senate Armed Service Committee hearing that approximately 780 civilians may leave the branch due to early retirement and voluntary resignation programs. He emphasized, “The loss of civilians is a large hit to the United States Space Force” (05:19).

Redwire's Contract with Space Tech and ESA

Redwire has secured a contract with Space Tech to provide avionics technology for the European Space Agency's next-generation gravity mission satellites, part of the MaGIC (Mass Change and Geophysics International Constellation). These satellites aim to monitor Earth's gravitational fluctuations, aiding in water management through tracking droughts, floods, ice melts, and sea-level rise. Redwire Space NV will handle the engineering qualification model for these instruments.

Cassini Business Accelerator Program

Europe continues to foster innovation with the Cassini Business Accelerator Program, selecting 20 new businesses for its fifth cohort. These startups will undergo a six-month program from June to November, receiving strategic support, investor matchmaking, and expert mentoring to scale their operations. Notably, Atmos Space Cargo was among the selected companies, having recently completed their first RE entry demonstration.

UAE's Rasheed 2 Rover and Firefly Aerospace

In collaboration with the United Arab Emirates Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center, Firefly Aerospace will launch the Rasheed 2 rover on its Blue Ghost Lander as part of its second lunar mission in 2026. The mission aims to demonstrate lunar surface mobility and assess the durability of materials exposed to lunar dust, providing valuable data for future lunar infrastructure development. This mission also includes payloads from Australia, ESA, and NASA under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services Initiative.

Dawn Aerospace's Aurora Spaceplane

One of the episode's focal points is Dawn Aerospace's Aurora spacecraft, a pioneering spaceplane designed for direct sale to customers. Aurora promises to be the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever launched from a conventional runway. Stefan Powell, CEO of Dawn Aerospace, presented the spaceplane at the Global Spaceport Alliance, highlighting its alignment with the airline model for scalability and reliability. Powell stated, “Ultimately, scalability are not after thoughts. The things that are baked in from day one” (04:07).

Key Features of Aurora:

• Performance: Combines aircraft reliability with rocket-like performance.
• Pilotable: Designed for ease of certification and frequent flights.
• Turnaround Times: Demonstrated six-hour turnaround capabilities.
• Infrastructure: Utilizes existing airports, avoiding the need for dedicated launch pads.

Deliveries of Aurora are expected to commence as early as 2027, although pricing details remain undisclosed.

Guest Interview: Steve Luszynski, President of the Aerospace Village

Experiences at HackSpaceCon

Steve Luszynski provides an engaging account of the Aerospace Village's participation in HackSpaceCon held at Kennedy Space Center. This marked the third year of the conference, where the Village expanded its presence both as speakers and active participants. Steve highlighted the intimate and interactive nature of the event:

“HackSpaceCon conveniently enough, was at Kennedy Space Center. This was our first year being there in person and both in our speaking capacities.” (13:35)

Steve and his co-presenter, Henry Danielson, a professor at Cal Poly, delivered a presentation on the Aerospace Village's mission and its integration with space technology. They also showcased a CubeSat demonstration developed in collaboration with Ethos Lab, emphasizing the intersection of aerospace and cybersecurity.

Future Plans and DEF CON Preparations

Looking ahead, Steve shared exciting plans for the Aerospace Village's involvement in upcoming events, particularly DEF CON. The Village is enhancing its offerings with new Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, including a space-themed CTF managed by Jacob Oakley. These activities aim to bridge the gap between aviation, space, and information security, fostering a collaborative environment for professionals and enthusiasts.

“We've got even more floor space. So these are awesome problems to have of getting all the gear, getting all the people, making sure there's room where the audience can come in, sit down, try an engagement, talk to someone, do one of the activities and demonstrations.” (22:59)

Steve emphasized the Village's commitment to education and community building, providing resources and recorded talks to support ongoing learning and engagement within the aerospace cybersecurity sector.

Additional Stories and Announcements

Blue Origin's New Shepard Tourism Flight and Project BLEEP

Senior producer Alice Cruz announced two additional stories available in the show notes:

1. Blue Origin's Next New Shepard Tourism Flight: Details on crew selection and mission parameters.
2. Project BLEEP in Florida: An enigmatic project based on Merritt Island, shrouded in mystery akin to an Agatha Christie plot.

Listeners are encouraged to visit space.n2k.com and navigate to today's episode link for further information.

Space Weather Phenomenon Observation

A captivating anecdote concluded the episode, describing an unusual sky event witnessed across parts of the United States:

“Folks from Washington State through the Rockies down to Space Valley, New Mexico were not seeing a geomagnetic storm or whatnot. But it was actually a methalox fuel dump from a Juqui2e rocket which had just deployed six satellites into LEO after launching from Jiuquan in China.” (23:35)

The event occurred simultaneously with a geomagnetic storm, resulting in spectacular aurora displays intersected by a massive white streak—the result of a rocket fuel dump during re-entry.

Conclusion

Maria Varmazes wraps up the episode by highlighting the breadth of topics covered, from significant industry contracts and innovative spaceplane technology to community-building efforts at aerospace conferences. Listeners are encouraged to explore more detailed reports and additional resources available on the podcast's website.

Notable Quotes:

• Stefan Powell on Aurora's Design Philosophy:

  “Ultimately, scalability are not after thoughts. The things that are baked in from day one” (04:07)

• Steve Luszynski on HackSpaceCon Venue:

  “HackSpaceCon conveniently enough, was at Kennedy Space Center. This was our first year being there in person and both in our speaking capacities.” (13:35)

• Steve Luszynski on Future DEF CON Plans:

  “We've got even more floor space. So these are awesome problems to have of getting all the gear, getting all the people, making sure there's room where the audience can come in, sit down, try an engagement, talk to someone, do one of the activities and demonstrations.” (22:59)

For further details and to access the full transcript, visit space.n2k.com.

Timestamps

• 04:07: Stefan Powell discusses Aurora's scalable design.
• 05:19: Maria reports on U.S. Space Force workforce reduction.
• 13:35: Steve describes the HackSpaceCon venue at Kennedy Space Center.
• 22:59: Steve elaborates on plans for DEF CON and upcoming activities.
• 23:35: Description of the observed space weather phenomenon.