Podcast Summary: “We’re here for the ride, Sally”

Published on June 18, 2025 by N2K Networks

Introduction

In the June 18, 2025 episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazis delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the global space industry. The episode intertwines significant industry news with a heartfelt tribute to pioneering women in space, honoring the legacy of trailblazers like Sally Ride and Valentina Tereshkova.

1. Honda’s Breakthrough in Reusable Rocket Technology

The episode opens with exciting news from Japan, where Honda Motor’s R&D subsidiary has successfully conducted a launch and landing test of an experimental reusable rocket.

• Key Highlights:

  • The rocket achieved an apogee of approximately 300 meters (100,000 feet).
  • This test marks Honda’s first foray into rocket reusability, focusing on critical technologies such as flight stability during ascent and descent, and precise landing capabilities.
  • Honda aims to leverage its advancements to potentially launch satellites, thereby integrating space technology with its existing automotive business.

• Notable Quote:

  “We believe that rocket research is a meaningful endeavor that leverages Honda's technological strengths,” – Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda [01:45]

• Future Plans:

  • Honda is committed to progressing its fundamental research with the goal of achieving suborbital launch capabilities by 2029.
  • While commercialization is not yet on the immediate agenda, Honda envisions significant contributions to everyday life through satellite-based services.

2. Cybersecurity Threats: Viasat Breached by Salt Typhoon

Transitioning to cybersecurity, Dave Bittner updates listeners on a significant breach affecting Viasat, a key player in secure communications.

• Incident Details:

  • Salt Typhoon, a Chinese state-sponsored espionage group, breached Viasat’s infrastructure, targeting U.S. telecom systems ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
  • Previous targets include major telecom companies like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, with access gained to phone records of political figures, including Donald Trump and J.D. Vance.

• Impact and Response:

  • Viasat confirmed that the breach originated from a compromised device but assured that no customer data was affected.
  • The company collaborated with federal authorities to neutralize the threat, although concerns remain about the group’s potential lingering presence within networks.

• Notable Quote:

  “Salt Typhoon is known for its stealth and long-term access strategies, raising concerns that the group may still be embedded in some networks,” – Dave Bittner [04:35]

3. Expanding Connectivity in India: WE and AST Space Mobile Partnership

Maria Varmazis highlights a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing mobile connectivity in India’s underserved regions.

• Partnership Overview:

  • WE (a leading Indian telecom service provider) and AST Space Mobile are joining forces to extend mobile broadband access across India’s challenging terrains.
  • With over 1.1 billion mobile subscribers, the partnership seeks to complement existing 4G and emerging 5G networks with satellite-based communication.

• Technological Advantages:

  • AST Space Mobile’s technology enables direct connection to everyday smartphones without the need for specialized equipment.
  • This initiative is poised to bridge the digital divide in areas where traditional terrestrial infrastructure deployment is difficult.

• Notable Quote:

  “Satellite communication will complement terrestrial connectivity to further expand broadband cellular access,” – Maria Varmazis [05:50]

4. China’s Mengzhou Spacecraft: Enhancing Crew Safety

The podcast covers China’s advancements in crewed space missions, focusing on the recent zero-altitude escape flight test of the Mengzhou spacecraft.

• Test Objectives and Outcomes:

  • Conducted at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the test demonstrated the spacecraft’s ability to safely propel astronauts to safety during emergencies.
  • The Mengzhou is designed to carry up to seven astronauts, supporting both space station operations and future lunar missions.

• Technological Insights:

  • The successful test validated the escape system’s design, accuracy, and compatibility, providing essential flight parameters for ongoing development.
  • China is concurrently developing other key components, including the Long March 10 carrier rocket and a dedicated lunar lander.

• Notable Quote:

  “The test validated the design, accuracy, and compatibility of the emergency escape system,” – Chinaman Space Agency Representative [07:15]

5. NASA and German Space Agency DLR Collaborate on Space Medicine

At the Paris Air Show, NASA and the German Space Agency (DLR) reinforced their collaboration in space medicine research, a critical area for long-duration missions.

• Collaboration Details:

  • Building on previous efforts to mitigate space radiation, the partnership aims to enhance crew safety for missions such as Artemis 2.
  • DLR will contribute its expertise by providing new radiation sensors for the Orion spacecraft, slated for its upcoming test flight.

• Future Missions:

  • Artemis 2, scheduled for launch no later than April 2026, will be the first crewed test flight under NASA’s Artemis program, marking a significant step towards lunar exploration.

• Notable Quote:

  “Minimizing exposure to space radiation is one of the key areas that the US Space Agency is working on to protect crew on long-duration missions,” – NASA Representative [08:30]

6. Array Labs and Maxar’s 3D Radar Imaging Partnership

The episode delves into a technological partnership enhancing geospatial intelligence through advanced imaging.

• Partnership Overview:

  • Array Labs has partnered with Maxar to provide dedicated capacity from Array Labs’ 3D RAD imaging constellation.
  • The collaboration aims to integrate electro-optical and radar-generated 3D terrain data, enabling real-time, comprehensive geospatial insights.

• Strategic Goals:

  • By combining different imaging modalities, the partnership seeks to rapidly update global 3D datasets, enhancing intelligence and operational capabilities.
  • The first mission under this agreement is scheduled for launch in late 2020.

• Notable Quote:

  “This partnership will combine 3D terrain generated from electro-optical imagery with radar imagery to expand Maxar's ability to rapidly update its global 3D data in real time,” – Array Labs Press Release [08:55]

7. Additional Industry Developments

Dave Bittner provides a brief overview of other significant happenings in the space sector:

• Planet Labs and Tony Blair Institute Partnership:

  • A collaboration aimed at fostering global change initiatives in Zanzibar.

• Exo Biosphere and Space Cargo MoU:

  • Focused on advancing biotechnology research in New Zealand.

• Xeno Astronautics and Wellington Univentures Collaboration:

  • Developing superconducting magnetic technologies for space applications.

• Orion Space Solutions’ DARPA Ouija Program:

  • Successfully completed a test readiness review, advancing towards its objectives.

• Notable Quote:

  “There’s always a ton going on in the space industry,” – Dave Bittner [09:12]

8. Tribute to Trailblazing Women in Space

In a heartfelt segment, Maria Varmazis commemorates the 42nd anniversary of Sally Ride’s historic spaceflight and celebrates milestones achieved by female astronauts.

• Historical Milestones:

  • Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space on June 16, 1963, completing 48 orbits around Earth.
  • Sally Ride made history on June 18, 1983, as the first American woman in space aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on Mission STS-7.

• Personal Reflections:

  • Varmazis shares her journey, inspired by early female pioneers and her own experiences as a space artist during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Dave Bittner echoes the sentiment, highlighting the importance of encouraging young girls to pursue careers in engineering and space sciences.

• Notable Quotes:

  “I have got to go to space now. I got to find a way to go to space.” – Maria Varmazis [14:30]

  “It was a challenge, but in a way, it was nice. I was doing the two things I love most,” – Dave Bittner [14:25]

• Featured Voices:

  • Astronauts Col. Eileen Collins, Jan Davis, Dr. Anna Fisher, Nicole Stott, Nicolina Elrick, Carson Kitchen, Dr. Cyan Proctor, and Kesha Schahoff shared their experiences and contributions to the legacy of women in space.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reminder of the various resources available for listeners, including show notes and upcoming special editions. Maria Varmazis and Dave Bittner express gratitude towards their audience, encouraging feedback and engagement to continue delivering valuable insights into the evolving space industry.

• Notable Closing Remarks:

  “We were doing is really solving for a lot of the challenges here on Earth,” – Dave Bittner [14:25]

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on the stories discussed, listeners are encouraged to visit the official website at space.n2k.com and explore the show notes accompanying the episode.

Thank you for tuning into T-Minus Space Daily. Stay informed and inspired as we continue our journey through the cosmos.