T-Minus Space Daily: USSF to Rapidly Expand Its Assets in Space
Hosted by Maria Razas | Released on March 24, 2025

Introduction

On the March 24, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Razas delivers a comprehensive briefing on the latest developments in the space industry. The episode delves into the U.S. Space Force's ambitious plans to expand its satellite fleet, explores significant partnerships shaping lunar exploration, and highlights upcoming events and historical milestones within the space community.

US Space Force’s Satellite Expansion

Major General Gregory Gagnon unveiled the U.S. Space Force's (USSF) strategy to launch over 100 satellites in 2025, effectively nearly doubling their existing satellite count. This expansion encompasses a diverse array of spacecraft, including Space Domain Awareness (SDA) satellites, GPS satellites, Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) missile warning satellites, and wideband Global SATCOM spacecraft.

• Quote:

  "The increase is needed to create resilient networks. The US Space Force is looking to deter kinetic, cyber, and electronic attacks," — Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon [02:34]

Gagnon emphasized the strategic importance of enhancing space and cyber superiority to safeguard against evolving threats, positioning the USSF to maintain dominance in future conflicts.

Strategic Partnerships and Technological Advancements

Firefly Aerospace and Honeybee Robotics Collaboration

Blue Origin's Honeybee Robotics has been contracted by Firefly Aerospace to supply the lunar rover for Firefly's third mission to the Moon, scheduled for 2028. The rover, integrated into Firefly's Blue Ghost lander, will deploy NASA's Lunar Vulcan Imaging and Spectroscopy Explorer to study the Grithen Domes' composition.

• Quote:

  "Honeybee's rover will carry NASA instruments to investigate the unique composition of the Grithen Domes," — Maria Razas [04:20]

Exolaunch and Canadian Space Agency Agreement

Exolaunch has entered a Launch Services Agreement with the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to support the deployment of CubeSats under Canada's Cubix program. This initiative aims to advance space science and technology while cultivating the next generation of Canadian space leaders. The contract includes the launch of nine 3U CubeSats developed by Canadian universities, with potential for additional missions through mid-2028.

• Quote:

  "These satellites will be deployed via a rideshare mission no earlier than mid-2026," — Maria Razas [05:15]

Starcatcher’s Space-Based Power Beaming Technology

Starcatcher successfully demonstrated its pioneering space-based power beaming technology at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. This breakthrough aims to bridge the gap between supply and demand in on-orbit power generation, facilitating the creation of an in-space energy grid to eliminate power constraints for satellites.

• Quote:

  "Starcatcher is working on deploying an in-space energy grid that will eliminate power constraints for satellites," — Maria Razas [05:45]

ISAR Aerospace’s Spectrum Launch

ISAR Aerospace faced a setback as the first European vertical orbital launch from Norway was scrubbed due to unfavorable winds at the Andøya Spaceport. Despite the delay, ISAR Aerospace remains optimistic, confirming that both the launch vehicle and range are healthy and that a new launch window is being assessed.

• Quote:

  "The launch vehicle and range remain healthy, and the team is working to determine a new launch window," — Maria Razas [06:05]

Additional News

NASA’s Artemis Campaign Update

According to The Guardian, NASA has retracted its commitment to land the first woman and person of color on the Moon as part of the Artemis campaign. Additionally, NASA is set to launch three rockets from Alaska this week to support an Aurora experiment, further advancing its exploratory missions.

• Quote:

  "NASA has dropped their pledge to land the first woman and person of color on the moon as part of the Artemis campaign," — Alice Carruth [06:19]

40th Annual Space Symposium Preview

Maria Razas introduces Richard Cooper, Vice President of Strategic Communications and Outreach at the Space Foundation, to discuss the upcoming 40th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. The conversation highlights the event's significance, themes, and what attendees can expect.

Space Symposium Highlights

• Celebrating Four Decades:
  Cooper reflects on the 40th anniversary of the Symposium, noting the evolution of space issues and the expansion of the global space community over four decades.

  • Quote:

    "There has never been a more exciting time in the space community than it is today," — Richard Cooper [10:54]

• Supplier Showcase and Pitch Competition:
  This year's Symposium will feature a Supplier Showcase with 48 emerging companies and a pitch competition for seven startups to present their innovations, fostering new partnerships and investments.

• Focus on AI and Workforce Development:
  Cooper emphasizes the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in space operations and the urgent need for a skilled STEM workforce to drive future missions.

  • Quote:

    "AI is not a new topic; it's about data and the analysis of data that has been involved from space activity from the beginning," — Richard Cooper [15:38]

• Global Participation:
  The event is anticipated to host the largest international assembly of participants to date, showcasing a diverse range of civil space agencies, military leaders, and industry innovators.

  • Quote:

    "We are on pace to probably have the largest international assembly of participants we've ever had before," — Richard Cooper [13:53]

Space History Trivia: Gemini 3 Anniversary

Commemorating March 23, 2025, T-Minus Space Daily celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Gemini 3 mission. This historic flight marked the first two-person spaceflight for the United States, featuring astronauts Virgil "Gus" Grissom and John Young. Gemini 3 successfully performed the first orbital maneuvers of a crewed spacecraft, laying the groundwork for future missions that would eventually lead to the Moon landings. Notably, the crew tested new food and packaging systems, famously consuming a corned beef on rye sandwich mid-orbit.

• Quote:

  "Gemini 3 is also the last spaceflight controlled from Cape Kennedy," — Maria Razas [20:29]

Conclusion

The episode of T-Minus Space Daily provides a deep dive into the strategic moves by the U.S. Space Force to bolster its satellite capabilities, underscores pivotal collaborations advancing lunar exploration, and sets the stage for the landmark 40th Space Symposium. With a blend of current intelligence, expert interviews, and historical reflections, listeners are equipped with a thorough understanding of the dynamic and rapidly evolving space industry landscape.

For More Information:
Access detailed reports and additional resources discussed in today's episode via the Show Notes. Join the conversation on LinkedIn and follow the podcast's Instagram for behind-the-scenes content and updates.