T-Minus Space Daily: Vulcan Certified for National Security Space Launch

Release Date: March 27, 2025

Host: Maria Varmazes
Guest: Bogdan Gaugulan, CEO and Managing Partner at New Space Capital
Publisher: N2K Networks

I. Intel Briefing

A. United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Launch System Certified for NSSL

The United States Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) has officially certified United Launch Alliance's (ULA) Vulcan Launch System for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) missions. This certification process was exceptionally rigorous, requiring ULA to meet 52 certification criteria, complete over 180 discrete tasks, conduct two certification flight demonstrations, verify 60 payload interface requirements, undergo 18 subsystem design and test reviews, and pass 114 hardware and software audits. These extensive evaluations established the technical foundation necessary for the Space Force to assess the flightworthiness of future launches.

“ULA is now one of two certified providers eligible to launch NSSL missions. And the other one is, you guessed it, SpaceX.”
— Maria Varmazes [02:05]

B. NASA’s Starling Swarm Demonstrates Coordination with SpaceX’s Starlink

NASA's Starling Swarm mission has successfully showcased autonomous maneuvers in coordination with SpaceX's Starlink constellation. Initially intended to demonstrate autonomous planning for small spacecraft, the mission evolved into Starling 1.5, an experiment aimed at enhancing space traffic management through improved conjunction screening services. This collaboration between NASA and SpaceX validates SpaceX's Starlink screening capabilities, potentially offering a robust solution for space traffic coordination.

“NASA looks forward to the sustained impact of the Starling technologies as they continue demonstrating advancements in spacecraft coordination, cooperation and autonomy.”
— Roger Hunter, Program Manager [05:30]

C. Gravitics Selected for Strategic Funding by USSF’s SpaceWorks

Gravitics has been selected for a strategic funding increase, referred to as a stratfi, by the US Space Force's SpaceWorks. This selection comes with the possibility of securing up to $60 million from government funds, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funds, and private investments. The funding will support the development and demonstration of Gravitics' orbital carrier, a platform designed to pre-position multiple maneuverable space vehicles for rapid response to on-orbit threats.

“Gravitics says this selection will provide the company with the resources and support necessary to develop and demonstrate the orbital carrier platform, paving the way for its integration into the Space Force's future space architecture.”
— Maria Varmazes [07:15]

D. Thales Alenia Space Secures ESA Contract for Save Crops 4 EU

Thales Alenia Space has entered into a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the Save Crops 4 EU program. This initiative employs Earth observation and advanced processing techniques to create tools that support sustainable agriculture. As part of ESA's Digital Twin Earth program, Save Crops 4 EU aims to enhance agricultural resilience to climate change and improve resource management through the integration of scientific models with Earth observation data.

“Thales Alenia Space will lead the integration and overall architectural design of the digital twin component, combining the various scientific models with Earth observation data and ensuring that the output data can be effectively used by end users.”
— Maria Varmazes [09:25]

E. European Space Agency Retires Gaia Spacecraft

After more than a decade of mission success, ESA has decommissioned the Gaia spacecraft. Gaia has been instrumental in mapping the positions, distances, motions, and properties of nearly 2 billion stars and other celestial objects since its 2013 launch, providing the most precise multidimensional map of our galaxy to date. Despite exceeding its planned five-year lifespan, Gaia's fuel reserves were dwindling, leading ESA to responsibly retire the mission by sending Gaia into a retirement orbit around the sun. The final complete data catalog from Gaia is expected by 2030.

“Gaia has been mapping the positions, distances, motions and properties of nearly 2 billion stars and other celestial objects since its launch in 2013, it has provided the largest, most precise multidimensional map of our galaxy ever created.”
— Maria Varmazes [12:50]

II. Additional News

A. Rocket Lab Launches Mission for Aurora Tech

Rocket Lab successfully launched its latest mission for Aurora Tech, a Germany-based global wildfire detection company. This mission enhances Aurora Tech's capabilities in early wildfire detection and response, leveraging advanced satellite technologies to monitor and mitigate wildfire risks worldwide.

B. New Shepard’s NS31 Crewed Mission Scheduled for April 14th

Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle is targeting a liftoff date of April 14th for its NS31 crewed mission. This mission marks another significant step in Blue Origin's ongoing efforts to advance commercial suborbital flight capabilities, aiming to further human spaceflight experiences.

C. Skyloom Completes Delivery of Communication Terminals for YorkSpace

Skyloom has successfully completed the delivery of SDA's transport layer tranche 1 optical communication terminals for YorkSpace. This delivery strengthens YorkSpace's satellite communication infrastructure, enhancing data transmission capabilities for various applications.

III. Interview with Bogdan Gaugulan, CEO of New Space Capital

A. From Finance to Space Venture Capital

Bogdan Gaugulan discusses his transition from a career in finance and applied microeconomic research to the defense industry, where he engaged in business development for intelligence reconnaissance. This role introduced him to the space industry, revealing the significant overlap between defense and space sectors, particularly in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

“I didn’t know anything about [space]. So there was this huge industry that I'd never heard about that I thought is purely defense oriented. And when I found out that over 80% of space is commercial, I just got really interested in that.”
— Bogdan Gaugulan [10:35]

B. Building New Space Capital's Portfolio

Over six years, New Space Capital has built a portfolio of six companies, including ISI—a standout success. Gaugulan emphasizes investing in companies that address fundamental technical challenges within large, addressable markets, thereby creating high barriers to entry and unique market positions.

“We are bringing that additional network, additional expertise in the market to help the companies not just scale, but hyperscale.”
— Bogdan Gaugulan [16:50]

C. Value Proposition and Partnerships

Gaugulan highlights New Space Capital's role as a business development agency rather than a traditional investor. The firm offers valuable services such as strategic introductions, engineering and product development support, marketing and PR expertise, and access to an extensive industry advisory board. This comprehensive support aims to accelerate portfolio companies' growth and market reach.

“We are trying to develop a partnership first and foremost... think about New Space Capital as the world's best business development agency.”
— Bogdan Gaugulan [17:11]

D. Focus on Space Industry Verticals

New Space Capital focuses on solving key challenges in the space industry, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), laser communication, onboard processing, ground infrastructure software, advanced materials, and artificial intelligence for Earth observation data. Gaugulan notes the rapid maturation of the space industry and the integration of advancements from other sectors, such as AI and new materials, into space technologies.

“It's interesting to see that, as I mentioned, that a lot of the challenges that we set out to solve five years ago now sort of have been solved. And I think it just shows how quickly the space industry is maturing.”
— Bogdan Gaugulan [19:05]

IV. Mars Dust Toxicity Study

A new study published in the Geo Health Journal reveals significant health hazards posed by Martian dust, termed Mars Dust 2. Unlike lunar regolith, Martian dust consists of fine particles that can be readily absorbed into the lungs and bloodstream. The dust contains harmful substances such as perchlorates, nanophase iron oxides, gypsum, and carcinogens like silica, along with toxic metals including chromium, beryllium, arsenic, and cadmium. These findings highlight additional risks for future Mars explorers, exacerbating challenges related to long-term missions, including exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation.

“Mars Dust 2 looks like it's going to be far more than just a nuisance. It's fine, as in it is small, so it'll be more readily absorbed into lungs and human bloodstreams.”
— Maria Varmazes [22:55]

V. Conclusion

Today's episode of T-Minus Space Daily provided an in-depth look at critical developments within the space industry, from the certification of ULA's Vulcan Launch System for national security missions to groundbreaking collaborations between NASA and SpaceX. The interview with Bogdan Gaugulan offered valuable insights into venture capital's role in advancing space technologies, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and targeted investments. Additionally, the study on Martian dust toxicity underscores the ongoing challenges of human space exploration.

For more detailed information and resources discussed in this episode, visit N2K Networks.