T-Minus Space Daily

This Labor Day, we’re celebrating more than just a holiday. Join us in celebrating not just the work, but the people who make it possible — the labor behind the labor.We’re honoring the people who bring their creativity, dedication, and passion to every corner of N2K. The work you hear, read, and see from us doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of talented colleagues who pour themselves into their craft, often in ways that don’t always get the spotlight. From shaping sound and refining scripts to building certification content and producing video, their labor is the heartbeat of what we do.In this special edition, host Ma’ayan Plaut introduces you to some of the voices behind the scenes: Elliott, whose audio artistry makes every show sing; Ethan, whose sharp analysis bridges policy and practice; Alice, whose storytelling brings energy and curiosity to the space industry; George and Ann, who create and refine the certification content that keeps us at the forefront of technology; and Sarelle, whose video production brings our stories to life. Together, they embody the care and creativity that define N2K.And if you’d like to see the labor behind the labor, we’ve also put together a ⁠⁠video⁠⁠ companion to this project — giving you another way to meet the team and experience their work in action. Be sure to check it out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We put together an open conversation between our podcast hosts, CyberWire Daily's Dave Bittner, T-Minus Space Daily’s Maria Varmazis, and CISO Perspectives podcast’s Kim Jones. Their conversation goes deeper than just the historical significance of Juneteenth, diving into candid conversations on allyship, representation, and the enduring value of diversity in the cybersecurity and space fields. Grab your coffee and join us in the room. Resources: Juneteenth CISO Perspectives podcast: Does diversity matter in cyber? Mid season reflection with Kim Jones. T-Minus Space Daily podcast: Dr. Sian Proctor sharing her poem "Space to Inspire" on Instagram. Deep Space: Inspiration4 with Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rick Howard, N2K CyberWire’s Chief Analyst, CSO, and Senior Fellow, commemorates Memorial Day. References: Abraham Lincoln, 1863. The Gettysburg Address [Speech]. Abraham Lincoln Online. Amanda Onion, Original 2009, Updated 2023. Memorial Day 2022: Facts, Meaning & Traditions [Essay]. HISTORY. Brent Hugh, 2021. A Brief History of “John Brown’s Body” [Essay]. Digital History. Bob Zeller, 2022. How Many Died in the American Civil War? [Essay]. HISTORY. General George Marshall, 2014. President Lincoln’s Letter to Mrs Bixby [Movie Clip - Saving Private Ryan]. YouTube. JOHN LOGAN, 1868. Logan’s Order Mandating Memorial Day [Order]. John A. Logan College. John Williams, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 2012. The People’s House: Lincoln (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Song]. Apple Music. John Williams, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 2012. The Blue and the Grey: Lincoln (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Song]. Apple Music - Web Playe. Livia Albeck-Ripka, 2023. A Brief History of Memorial Day [Essay]. The New York Times. Paul Robeson, 2021. John Brown’s Body [Song]. YouTube. Robert Rodat (Writer), Steven Spielberg (Director), Harve Presnell (Actor), 1998. Saving Private Ryan [Movie]. IMDb. Staff, 2020. A Brief Biography of General John A. Logan [Biography]. John A. Logan College. Staff, 2024. Civil War Timeline [WWW Document], American Battlefield Trust. Thomas Jefferson, 1776. Declaration of Independence: [Transcription]. National Archives. Winston Churchil, 1940. Never was so much owed by so many to so few - Winston Churchill Speeches [Speech]. YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lunar Helium-3 Mining (LH3M) is at the forefront of the green energy revolution and the quantum computing era, tapping into the Moon’s rarest and most strategic resource, Helium-3. Beyond enabling nuclear fusion, the cleanest and most efficient energy source, helium-3 is critical for cooling quantum computers, which will revolutionize information processing and may provide unmatched strategic informational supremacy. We found out more from LH3M CEO and Chief Engineer Chris Salvino. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

French Space Agency CNES has awarded €31 million in funding to UNIVITY to accelerate the development of satellite-based 5G connectivity. Astrobotic has signed a launch site agreement with Andøya Space in Norway. Italy’s Apogeo Space has announced a strategic agreement with Telespazio Brasil to expand its picosatellite IoT services into the Latin American market, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest NASASpaceflight.com brings us the Space Traffic Report. Selected Reading CNES Signs €31M Contract for Space-Based 5G Connectivity Demo Andøya Space & Astrobotic Partnering for Reusable Rocket Launches Apogeo Space Partners with Telespazio Brasil to Expand into Latin America ispace and Digantara Announce a Partnership Focused on Jointly Establishing a Cislunar Situational and Domain Awareness Infrastructure following 15th Annual India-Japan Summit in Tokyo Satellogic Signs Exclusive Seven-Figure Agreement with Suhora to Expand Earth Observation Data Services in India Chinese, international scientists reveal solid inner core in Mars - CGTN NASA TechRise Student Challenge 5 Upcoming Launch to Boost NASA’s Study of Sun’s Influence Across Space Going to space could speed up biological ageing, NASA study finds- Euronews Share your feedback. What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.  Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee meeting to discuss a longer-term reauthorization of NASA. India and Singapore deepen their cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, maritime and digital connectivity, and the space industry. Israel launched the Ofek 19 spy satellite atop a Shavit rocket on Tuesday, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Jacob Oakley,  Technical Director at SIXGEN and Space Lead for the DEFCON Aerospace Village.  You can connect with Jacob on LinkedIn, and learn more about the Aerospace Village on their website. Selected Reading There’s a Bad Moon on the Rise: Why Congress and NASA Must Thwart China in the Space Race Witnesses Testify on U.S.-China Space Competition Singapore, India to launch roadmap on cooperation under Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: PM Wong Israel spy satellite launch sparks 'brief panic' as residents mistake rocket for missile: reports- Space Spire Global Awarded $11.1 Million NOAA Contract for Satellite Weather Data Spire Global Awarded $2.5 Million NOAA Contract for Satellite Weather Data NASA, SpaceX Complete Dragon Space Station Reboost ITU report details USD 2.6-2.8 trillion cost to connect everyone meaningfully by 2030 Fly-Fi Moves Forward: JetBlue Becomes First Airline for Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Elevating Inflight Connectivity for Customers Trive Capital Forms Canopy Aerospace and Defense NASA and Space Force to hold training exercise at Kennedy Space Center SpaceX Falcon SLC-40 Environmental Assessment (EA)- Federal Aviation Administration LambdaVision Secures NASA Phase 2 InSPA Award to Advance Manufacturing Efforts in Low-Earth Orbit Share your feedback. What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.  Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US President Donald Trump officially moves the Space Command headquarters to Alabama. Interlune has been awarded up to $4.84 million from the Texas Space Commission (TSC)  to develop and test highly specialized simulants of Moon regolith. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA EMS) and Kepler Communications have successfully demonstrated bi-directional air-to-space optical communications between an aircraft and a satellite, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. Selected Reading Trump says Space Command will move to Alabama, after long battle over its HQ Interlune to Create Texas-Based R&D Facility with $4.8 Million Texas Space Commission Grant General Atomics and Kepler Communications Successfully Demonstrate Air-to-Space Optical Communications Capability MSBAI Secures $1.2M DoD Contract to Advance Hybrid-Intelligence OrbitGuard, Empowering Real-Time Space Domain Awareness Loft Orbital Federal, LLC Awarded NASA Task Order to Support Fault Tolerant RISC-V Flight Computer Mission Revolutionary Metop-SGA1 Already Transmitting Instrument Data Venus Aerospace Appoints Former NASA Leader to Its Board of Directors Acting NASA Administrator Duffy Selects Exploration-Focused Associate Administrator 'Gemini and Mercury Remastered' brings clarity to early NASA flights Share your feedback. What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.  Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A US Executive Order (EO) excludes NASA from the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program (FSLMRS). NASA has awarded ASCEND Aerospace & Technology the Contract for Organizing Spaceflight Mission Operations and Systems to provide services at the agency’s Johnson Space Center (JSC). The Maine Space Corporation is in talks with The Spaceport Company to bring a floating launch facility to the state, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Rohan M Ganapathy, CEO & CTO Bellatrix Aerospace. You can connect with Rohan on LinkedIn, and learn more about Bellatrix on their website. Selected Reading Further Exclusions from the Federal Labor-Management Relations Program – The White House NASA Awards Spaceflight Operations, Systems Organization Contract Maine’s space industry, facing pushback on land, looks to the sea NASA Scientists Map Plant Productivity with Data from Ocean Satellite TraCSS Update: Expanding Space Safety Partnerships This tracking protects a $600 billion economy. Cutting it is foolish. Watch an asteroid the size of an airliner speed toward Earth live online Sept. 2 (video) Aurora Viewline for Tonight and Tomorrow Night (Experimental) | NOAA / NWS Space Weather Prediction Center Share your feedback. What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.  Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) is a leading organization that manages rapid-acquisition consortia for the US Space Force, Navy, and other national security agencies. NSTXL Founder and President Tim Greeff offers a timely perspective on how public-private partnerships are transforming defense innovation, especially in space, by accelerating procurement timelines and opening the door to emerging tech providers. You can connect with Tim on LinkedIn, and learn more about NSTXL on their website. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rocket Lab has opened its dedicated test, launch, and landing facility for its reusable rocket Neutron at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS). NASA has opened a new complex in the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center (JSC) for Orion. SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to research and develop satellite communication technology with quantum cryptography, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Elysia Segal brings us the Space Traffic Report from NASASpaceflight.com Selected Reading Rocket Lab Opens Launch Complex 3, A Critical Milestone On The Path To Neutron’s First LaunchNASA debuts new Orion mission control room for Artemis 2 astronaut flight around the moon (photos) -Space SKY Perfect JSAT Joins JAXA's Space Strategic Fund Initiative Contributing to the Development and Demonstration of Satellite-Based Quantum Cryptography Communication Technologies SpaceX launches record-breaking 30th flight of a Falcon 9 booster – Spaceflight Now NUVIEW Secures $5M Department of Defense Award to Enhance Space-Based LiDAR Development Draper Names Space Kinetic Corp. the Newest DraperSPARX Partner Apply Now: Space Center Houston Conrad Challenge 2025-2026 Applications Open August 28! CPR in space could be made easier by chest compression machines- New Scientist T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Redwire has been awarded a NASA single award contract to support operations on the International Space Station (ISS).  Firefly Aerospace has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) clearance to resume Alpha rocket launches following the Flight 6 mishap. FAA headquarters staff will be moved into the US Transportation Department headquarters in Washington, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Greg Gillinger, SVP for Strategy & Development, Integrity ISR. You can connect with Greg on LinkedIn, and learn more about Integrity ISR on their website. Selected Reading Redwire Awarded $25 Million Single Award IDIQ Contract by NASA To Provide Biotechnology and Support On-Orbit Operations Aboard the International Space Station Alpha FLTA006 - Firefly Aerospace US to move FAA headquarters staff, consolidate USDOT IT systems- Reuters Flight Ticket Initiative: first five missions secured with Avio and Isar Aerospace NASA rocket launch from Virginia visible across NC skies Atlas V Kuiper 3 Russian space official: “We need to stop lying to ourselves” about health of industry - Ars Technica NASA Seeks Volunteers to Track Artemis II Mission NASA's Artemis II Orion One-Way Doppler Measurements Tracking T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starship’s tenth flight test lifted off from Starbase, Texas and every major objective was met. SpaceX releases a first look at a design for Space Launch Complex 37 where Starship plans to launch from Florida. Lockheed Martin Ventures, the venture arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation, has invested in mPower Technology, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. Selected Reading SpaceX - Starship's Tenth Flight Test SpaceX X Status Elbit Systems' JUPITER Space Camera Successfully Launched Aboard the NAOS Satellite, in Collaboration with OHB-Italia Planet Launches Two Additional High-Resolution Pelican Satellites mPower Technology Secures Strategic Investment from Lockheed Martin Ventures Amazon aiming to deploy Kuiper satellite services in Vietnam- Reuters China launches new low Earth orbit satellites - CGTN Schriever Wargame 2025 strengthens international partnerships, shapes future space operations NASA’s Largest Satellite Antenna Ever Has Just Unfurled in Space- WIRED T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aerospacelab has closed an extended Series B funding round totaling €94 million. SpaceX is due to launch an Earth observation-exclusive Falcon 9 mission, with 8 payloads from California. York Space Systems has completed its spacecraft for the Space Development Agency’s (SDA’s) Tranche 1 transport layer, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Scott Thompson, PwC Global Aerospace & Defense Leader. You can read PwC’s annual report here. Selected Reading Aerospacelab Secures 94 million EUR (110 million USD) to Accelerate its Ambitious Roadmap SpaceX - NAOS SpaceX aims to overcome Starship setbacks with tenth flight test- Reuters York Space Systems Completes Delivery of 21 Satellites for Tranche 1 Launch Planette Selected by NASA to Develop the First Quantum-Inspired AI System for Extreme Weather Prediction ESA - Juice team resolves anomaly on approach to Venus Filtronic secures $62.5m order with SpaceX for next generation technology   Assured Space Unveils Revolutionary CapLink Array™ Phased Array for Next Generation Missile Defense Radar Missions Washington State Student Wins 2025 NASA Art Contest T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rocket Lab to boost investments in the US to expand semiconductor manufacturing capacity and provide supply chain security for space-grade solar cells and electro-optical sensors for national security space missions. Rocket Lab celebrated the 70th Electron mission this weekend. NASA’s SpaceX 33rd commercial resupply mission docked with the International Space Station, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Brandon Karpf, friend of the show, founder of T-Minus Space Daily, and cybersecurity expert. Selected Reading Rocket Lab Announces Expanded U.S. Investments for National Security Programs and Semiconductor Manufacturing Rocket Lab Successfully Launches 70th Electron Mission NASA Science, Cargo Launch on 33rd SpaceX Resupply Mission to Station SpaceX X Update on Starship Blue Origin X Updates on NS-35 China sets record with 3,100°C tungsten alloy heating in space - CGTN NASA Sounding Rocket Mission Targeting Aug. 25 Launch Attempt Ready for takeoff: How edge AI is redefining in-space operations - Latent AI KSAT Launches Hyper: Orbiting Ground Stations to Reduce Latency for Faster Access to Actionable Data Aalyria Achieves Laser Comms Breakthrough - Tectonic Defense NASA Shares Final Contenders for Artemis II Moon Mascot Design Contest T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As spaceports evolve into sophisticated hubs for space exploration, the integration of emerging technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence (AI), and robust cybersecurity measures is becoming essential for operational success. We speak to Guadalupe Casuso, Vice President, Technology & Innovation / Digital Labs & Strategic Partnerships at Parsons.  You can join Guada and Maria on August 27 for the Global Spaceport Alliance Webinar Spaceports as Smart Hubs. You can also read Guada's article on Harnessing Digital Twins, AI, and Cyber for Smarter Spaceport Operations Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched last night carrying the US Space Force’s X-37B space plane. SpaceX has moved its Super Heavy booster to the launch pad at Starbase ahead of Starship's tenth flight test. Japan has announced that they will launch a new uncrewed cargo spacecraft HTV-X to resupply the International Space Station in October, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Elysia Segal brings us the Space Traffic Report from NASASpaceflight.com Selected Reading SpaceX - USSF-36 Mission SpaceX - Starship's Tenth Flight Test Japan to launch new spacecraft to resupply International Space Station in October-  Reuters Japan to provide H3 rocket for Europe's mission to observe Apophis asteroid-  Reuters L3Harris Expands Florida Facility to Support America’s Golden Dome Live, Laugh, Launch | Rocket Lab China, Russia, and U.S. Race to Develop Lunar Nuclear Reactors But technical challenges may stymy ambitious deadlines Solar panels in space ‘could provide 80% of Europe’s renewable energy by 2050’ T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump Administration seeks to cut air quality and ocean monitoring instruments from the Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite constellation and reduce the number of satellites. NASA has released a Request for Information (RFI) to look for alternatives to the Sustainable Land Imaging (SLI) mission. Japan’s Space Agency (JAXA) has selected Mitsubishi Electric to develop solar technology for satellites, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Dr. Emma Louden, President of Slooh. You can connect with Emma on LinkedIn, and find out more about Slooh on their website. Selected Reading Trump admin strips ocean and air pollution monitoring from next-gen weather satellites- CNN Sustainable Land Imaging (SLI) Mission Alternatives Assessment Team (MAAT): Request for Information (RFI) Mitsubishi Electric Selected as Representative Organization for JAXA’s Space Strategy Fund to Develop Solar Cells and Related Components for Satellites Solar System Internet Successfully Conducted Pioneering Delay Tolerant Network Edge Processing Test on Lonestar Data Holding's February Lunar Test Flight LunaGrid-Lite Completes Critical Design Review, Flight Model Underway Meet Wukong, the AI Chatbot China Has Installed on Its Space Station | WIRED ALL.SPACE and Telesat Government Solutions begin terminal collaboration for Telesat Lightspeed US Space Force scheduled to launch eighth X-37B mission Opinion- Nuclear-powered rockets will win the new space race SpaceX’s Expensive Starship Explosions Are Starting to Add Up TOMEX+ Launch Update – Aug. 20 - NASA This Chappell Roan song boosted interest in a Canadian dark sky preserve by 1,800%- Space T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) to become part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) by April 2026. BlackSky has signed a seven-figure contract with HEO to provide fully-automated low-latency non-Earth imaging services for defense, intelligence and commercial use. Ursa Space Systems has announced a strategic investment from Sumitomo Corporation of Americas, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. Selected Reading UK space sector bolstered with government reforms to boost growth and cut red tape - GOV.UK BlackSky Signs Seven-Figure Space Domain Awareness Expansion Contract with HEO for Fully Automated Non-Earth Imaging Missions Sumitomo Corporation Invests in Ursa Space to Accelerate Global Growth and Expand into Japan New Shepard’s 35th Mission Targets Liftoff on Saturday, August 23, Will Fly More Than 40 Payloads to Space | Blue Origin Orbital Data Center Launching to ISS to Advance Space Computing ESA Backs Hungarian Project to Improve Space Weather Forecasting New Moon Discovered Orbiting Uranus Using NASA’s Webb Telescope T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SpinLaunch has raised $30 million in funding to accelerate the development and commercialization of Meridian Space. Space Kinetic Corp. has received an undisclosed amount of funding from CerraCap Ventures. X-Bow Systems and the US Army have announced a $13.9 million joint investment to strengthen the solid rocket motor supply chain for defense needs, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Richard Cooper, Vice President, Strategic Communications & Space Awareness at the Space Foundation. You can connect with Rich on LinkedIn, and find out more about the Space Technology Hall of Fame on the Space Foundation’s website. Selected Reading SpinLaunch Announces Closing of $30M in Funding to Accelerate the Development of the Meridian Space Constellation CerraCap Ventures Invests in Space Kinetic, Driving Breakthrough - Space Superiority and Missile Defense Innovation X-Bow Systems and U.S. Army Announce $13.9 Million Joint Investment for Next-Generation GMLRS Rocket Motor Construction Begins at NordSpace's Atlantic Spaceport Complex (ASX) in Canada, Ahead of First Commercial Rocket Launch China launches seven satellites with Lijian-1 rocket Polish Consortium Selects Payloads for State-Sponsored Suborbital Rocket Launch  TOMEX+ Launch Update – Aug. 18 - NASA Shubhanshu Shukla gifts PM Modi National Flag flown in Space - News9live Higher Orbits to Launch Four Student Research Experiments to the International Space Station aboard SpaceX CRS-33 T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to internal company documents reviewed by The New York Times, SpaceX has most likely paid little to no federal income taxes since its founding in 2002. NASA and Google are collaborating to test an AI-powered medical assistant designed to support astronauts on long-duration missions. Voyager Technologies is investing in Latent AI, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Parker Wishik brings us The Aerospace Corporation’s monthly segment Nexus. Parker is joined by Craig J. Smith Executive Director at Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, Scott McLaughlin, Executive Director at the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (Spaceport America) and Karen Jones, senior project leader in the Center for Space Policy and Strategy at The Aerospace Corporation. Selected Reading SpaceX Gets Billions From the Government. It Gives Little to Nothing Back in Taxes. FAA approves Starship Flight 10 after mishap probe, eyes August 24 launch - NASASpaceFlight.com NASA and Google test AI medical assistant for astronaut missions to the moon and Mars- Space Voyager and Latent AI Bring Advanced AI to Orbit Firefly Aerospace eyes Alpha rocket launch in Japan for Asia market-Reuters Flight test of Chinese start-up LandSpace's rocket fails -Reuters China launches low Earth orbit internet satellites - CGTN TOMEX+ Launch Update - Aug. 17 - NASA EUMETSAT Assumes Control of Inaugural Metop Second Generation Satellite Hijacked satellites and orbiting space weapons - ABC News NASA Seeks Proposals for 2026 Human Exploration Rover Challenge T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here’s our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices