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

Defense contractors, including space industry companies who are doing work with the Department of Defense, have requirements in their contracts right now to implement cybersecurity requirements to various degrees.  Those requirements have been in contracts for a very long time. Unfortunately, there has never been a mechanism in those contracts to make contractors prove that they're doing those things. And over the years, there have been multiple instances where the DOD has paid the price as a result of their contractors being compromised.  That’s about to change. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program comes into effect on November 10, 2025. Find out more about the requirements from Jacob Horne, Chief Cybersecurity Evangelist at Summit 7. 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

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an emergency order that prohibits commercial space launches and reentries during peak daytime hours. The launch of a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas 5 carrying the ViaSat-3 F2 mission is scrubbed for a second night in a row. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced his first federal budget which includes C$182.6m ($130M) over three years for the defence ministry to establish capability for space launches, 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 Emergency Order Establishing Operating Limitations on the Use of Navigable Airspace - FAA Issue with Atlas 5 booster liquid oxygen vent valve causes second scrub of ViaSat-3 F2 launch – Spaceflight Now Six takeaways from Canada's federal budget Planet Signs 8-Figure Contract Renewal with International Defense and Intelligence Customer Craig Technologies to Support KBR Inc. on NASA’s Human Health and Performance Contract 2 (HHPC II) BlackSky Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results SES Delivers Solid 9 Months and Q3 2025 Results Redwire Corporation Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results From Space to Earth: Margaritaville Unveils Mission Patch to Support ISS National Lab Research Projects HyPrSpace and ATMOS Space Cargo Sign MoU to Advance European Launch and Return Logistics Infrastructure NASA Awards Funding to Spectral Sciences and Sceye to Advance Climate Monitoring and Sustainable Resource Management from the Stratosphere Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D™ 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

EchoStar says it will sell a set of wireless spectrum licenses to SpaceX for about $2.6 billion in exchange for stock in the space startup. Kratos Defense & Security Solutions has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of the ordinary shares of Orbit Technologies Ltd for $356.3 million. Reflex Aerospace has closed a €50 million Series A funding round, 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 Yanni Barghouty, Co-founder and CEO of Cosmic Shielding Corporation. You can connect with Yanni on LinkedIn, and learn more about the Cosmic Shielding Corporation on their website. Selected Reading EchoStar to sell more spectrum licenses to SpaceX for $2.6 billion- Reuters Kratos to acquire Orbit Technologies - Intelligence Community News Reflex Aerospace Secures Record €50 Million Series A Record-Breaking Optical Power Beaming Proves Path to Scalable Power Grid for Space   Portal unveils Starburst, an ESPA-class rapid-maneuverability spacecraft, and announces Starburst-1 mission on SpaceX in Q4 2026 Firefly Aerospace Closes Acquisition of SciTec National Security Technology Company Starlab Names Leidos as Primary Assembly, Integration and Testing Provider Ecosmic partners with ESA to validate SAFE on Agency satellites Raytheon UK awarded UK Space Agency contract to deliver orbital analyst capability- RTX ispace selected for Japan’s Space Strategy Fund project 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google Research is detailing a new research initiative they're calling Project Suncatcher, the blueprints for a constellation of solar-powered satellites carrying Tensor Processing Units to operate as space-based AI data centers. US President Donald Trump has renominated Jared Isaacman to become Administrator of NASA after withdrawing his initial nomination just this past May. China’s crewed spacecraft Shenzhou‑20, docked at the Tiangong space station since April 24th, has unfortunately had its return to Earth postponed. 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 Exploring a space-based, scalable AI infrastructure system design Trump renominates Musk ally Jared Isaacman to run NASA months after withdrawal SEALSQ, WISeKey and Swiss Armed Forces advance quantum-secure satellite security  Our October 14 show: Are satellites vulnerable to eavesdropping?  China's Shenzhou-20 return mission delayed due to space debris impact- Reuters  ESA - Sentinel-1D and Ariane 6 ready for liftoff Rocket Lab - 'The Nation God Navigates' Launch Astronomer captures 2 meteors slamming into the moon (video) | Space 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

Intuitive Machines (IM) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lanteris Space Systems (Lanteris), formerly Maxar Space Systems, for $800 million. The Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) has warned the European Commission (EC) that the EU Space Act initiative is doomed to be uncompetitive globally and will put a drag on America’s industry as well. The UK House of Lords has published The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out report, 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 John Wensveen, President of International Space University.  You can connect with John on LinkedIn, and learn more about the AI in Space course on their website. Selected Reading Intuitive Machines to Acquire Lanteris Space Systems, Creating the Next-Generation Commercial, Civil, and National Security Space Prime Progressive Policy Institute's Filing with the European Commission Regarding the EU Space Act The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out ESA - Sentinel-1D and Ariane 6 ready for liftoff Varda and United Semiconductors Announce Joint Development Agreement ‘Global perspective’ key to moving humanity forward in space- UN News 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

SpaceX’s Bandwagon-4 mission launched on Sunday from Florida carrying 18 payloads for KOREA ADD, Exolaunch, Fergani, Tomorrow Companies Inc., Starcloud, and Vast.  India launched the CMS-03 satellite to provide communication services over the Indian landmass and a wide oceanic region. China’s Shenzhou-21 crew arrived at the Tiangong Space Station 3.5 hours after liftoff, 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 Bailey Reichelt from Aegis Space Law and Matthew Linton from Linton Space Law bring us Space Law FAQs. Note that the BIS Affiliates Rule discussed in the Space Law FAQ segment has undergone changes in enforcement status due to geopolitical discussions since the episode was recorded. While not being actively enforced for one year, according to the Trump administration, it is still a law, and enforcement can resume at any point. For more information on the President's statement announcing a one-year hold on enforcement, please check out this article: US Is ‘Suspending’ BIS 50% Rule for a Year, Bessent Says, After China Trade Talks- Kharon Selected Reading SpaceX - Bandwagon-4 Mission India space agency launches its heaviest satellite China's Shenzhou-21 crewed spacecraft docks with space station - CGTN China's 2026 space mission lineup: Mengzhou-1, Long March-10A to debut - CGTN MDA Space Makes $10 Million Investment in Maritime Launch becoming an Equity Owner and a Strategic Partner NASA Cuts ISS Jobs At MSFC NRF, QIC Join Global Defence Investors in $46m Series A for Australian Hypersonic Flight Pioneer | Hypersonix Launch Systems Teledyne Completes Acquisition of TransponderTech from Saab Dwarf peas inside Biosphere 2's SAM breathe new life into space habitat research- University of Arizona News 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

When satellites burn up upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, they release particles and gases, including metals like aluminium, which may affect atmospheric chemistry. This process, known as atmospheric ablation, is still poorly understood, but early evidence suggests metal content in the atmosphere is rising. To address these uncertainties, the UK Space Agency commissioned three targeted studies to investigate the potential impacts of satellite re-entry. We spoke to Professor Minkawn Kim from the University of Southampton about his findings. You can hear the Professor’s chat with Maria from 2024 here.  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

The European Space Agency (ESA) is establishing its first hub in Asia with a new office in Tokyo, Japan. Luxembourg telecommunications company OrbitsIQ Global has acquired UNIO Enterprise. Space infrastructure company Catalyx Space has raised $5.4 million in an oversubscribed Seed funding round, 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 ESA to establish presence in Tokyo to strengthen strategic partnership with Japan OrbitsIQ Global Acquires UNIO Enterprise Catalyx Space Secures $5.4 Million Seed Round to Build for the Next Era of Orbital Logistics Rendezvous Robotics and Starcloud Partner to Enable Gigawatt-Scale Orbital Power and Data Infrastructure Momentus Signs New Contract for Partnership with DPhi Space to Fly Edge Computing Payload on Next Mission and for Future Revenue Sharing The International Space Station marks 25 years of nonstop human presence in orbit ESA - Flying through the biggest solar storm ever recorded 12-year-old discovers 2 possible new asteroids- Space 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

China says it's on course to land astronauts on the Moon by 2030. stc group has committed to a prepayment of $175 million for future services from AST SpaceMobile (AST). Japan’s Axelspace Corporation has signed agreements with governmental organizations from Ghana and Kenya to support Earth Observation (EO) data usage, 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 guests today are Greg Gillinger, SVP for Strategy & Development, Integrity ISR, and Torsten Kriening from SpaceWatch.Global. Selected Reading China targets manned moon landing by 2030 - CGTN China unveils Shenzhou-21 crew for space station mission - CGTN Pakistani astronaut to enter Chinese space station as specialist - CGTN stc group and AST SpaceMobile Announce 10-Year Commercial Agreement and Long-Term Revenue Commitment for Space-based Cellular Broadband Connectivity Axelspace Signs MoUs with Two African Organizations to Address Social Challenges through the Utilization of Satellite Data DSIT research and development plans to 2029 to 2030 - GOV.UK Karman Space & Defense Acquires Five Axis Industries Inc. (“Five Axis”), a Leading Supplier of Advanced Engine Subsystems for Major Commercial Space Programs Colorado sues Trump Administration over Space Command move L3Harris Technologies Reports Strong Third Quarter 2025 Results, Increases 2025 Guidance 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

Japan’s HTV-X cargo spacecraft has arrived at the International Space Station for the first time ever. Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea’s KT SAT to jointly develop and test 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technologies. The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to kick off two proceedings that will impact satellite licensing, 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 Watch Japan's 1st HTV-X cargo craft arrive at the International Space Station today KT SAT and SKY Perfect JSAT Sign MoU for Joint R&D on GEO-based 5G NTN Technologies FCC Kicks Off Proceeding to Overhaul Satellite Licensing ESA - Europe turns to space to boost resilience Space Foundation and Space Force Association Announce New Partnership Pentagon Nominee Open to Consolidating Space Force and NRO Holy See: Space-based weaponry poses ‘genuine and grave’ threat - Vatican News Boeing Reports Third Quarter Results NASA's X-59 'quiet' supersonic jet makes historic 1st flight (photos)- Space 25 years, one website: ISS in Real Time captures quarter-century on space station - Ars Technica 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 UK Space Agency (UKSA) has selected Slingshot Aerospace for a Provision of Optical Delivery Partner contract to expand the UK’s satellite tracking capabilities. The University of Florida, in collaboration with NASA, MIT, Vanguard Automation, AIM Photonics and Germany’s Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute, have a suite of photonic AI chips en route to the International Space Station (ISS). The Philippines and Malaysia have signed the Artemis Accords, 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 Slingshot Aerospace Advances UK Space Agency’s Satellite Tracking Amid Orbital Congestion Florida engineers test photonic AI chips in space Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Peace and Prosperity in Malaysia - U.S. Mission to ASEAN Chinese aerospace firm completes 36-satellite separation test - CGTN Spacedock interfaces to link Space Robotics Workers' Smart Truss for modular in-space assembly Iridium Unveils Revolutionary Global GPS Device Protection on a Chip Compact, Radiation-Tolerant Computing with Flexible I/O for Space Missions AI restores James Webb telescope’s crystal-clear vision 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

JAXA successfully launched a cargo spacecraft for its first mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). The European Council calls for an accelerated joint development of space assets and services that serve security and defence purposes. Firefly Aerospace is set to expand and add 300 jobs to its Cedar Park, Texas location, 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, Space Foundation Vice President of Strategic Communications. You can connect with Rich on LinkedIn, and learn more about the Space Symposium on their website. Selected Reading Japan successfully launches new cargo spacecraft to deliver supplies to International Space Station Joint Communication To The European Parliament, The European Council And The Council Preserving Peace - Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 Cedar Park OKs millions for Firefly, Wright One HQ projects Voyager Acquires ExoTerra, Bolstering American Propulsion Capabilities Sidus Space Finalizes Commercial Pathfinder Mission Agreement with Lonestar for LizzieSat®-5 Mission SpaceX Starlink internet isn't fast enough for Ukraine's combat robots- Space ABOVE rockets into DARPA’s ERIS Elite—Unlocking next-generation space defense innovations – SatNews NASA-Themed Pumpkin-Carving Templates and Stencils 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 region of space at 550,000 kilometers above Earth poses unique physical engineering challenges for space flight and operations. We explore cislunar space on the Nexus. Parker Wishik, Senior Communications Specialist at The Aerospace Corporation, is joined by Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Global Space Programs at the Space Foundation, Walter Schroeder, PhD, Co-Founder & CPO at Cislunar Industries, and Ronald J. Birk, Principal Director  Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate at The Aerospace Corporation. 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 Charting a Course Through Cislunar Master Planning Into the LUNAverse: Evolving a Digital Commons for Space Innovation Simulating Cislunar Space: Why Experts Want to Construct a Digital Moon Colorado ONE Fund Invests in CisLunar Industries, Advancing Critical Power Infrastructure for the Space Industrial Economy Space Exploration- The Aerospace Corporation 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 United States Space Force (USSF) expects to award $905 million in contracts over the next five years through a new Maneuverable GEO program. Hughes Network Systems, an EchoStar company, has acquired Anderson Connectivity. Hungary signs the Artemis Accords and shares plans to send another astronaut to the ISS, 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 USSF COMSATCOM CSCO Forecast to Industry Future Requirements Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (as of Oct 2025) Hughes Expands Aviation, Space and Defense Expertise with Strategic Acquisition of Anderson Connectivity | EchoStar Corporation Hungary Announces Plan to Send Its Third Astronaut to Space, Joining Global Top 10 - Hungarian Conservative Hungary signs Artemis Accords - SpaceNews YF-75DB engine test marks milestone for Long March 8A rocket - CGTN China unveils AIMS, world's 1st mid-infrared solar magnetic telescope - CGTN ESA says it will study broad impact of satellite merger- Reuters Lost for 50 Years, Mysterious Zombie Satellite Starts Sending Signals Again 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

Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at combining their respective space activities into a new company. The Republic of Cyprus has signed an Associate Agreement with the European Space Agency (ESA), and is expected to become an Associate Member in the coming months. SatVu has announced its participation in NATO’s Alliance Persistent Surveillance from Space initiative (APSS), 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 Andy Koronios, CEO of the newly formed Australasian Space Innovation Institute (ASII). Torsten Kriening from SpaceWatch.Global brings us the latest from the Secure World Foundation’s 7th Summit for Space Sustainability in Paris. Selected Reading Airbus, Leonardo and Thales sign Memorandum of Understanding to create a leading European player in space ESA - Cyprus joins European Space Agency as an Associate Member SatVu strengthens NATO’s space-based intelligence through thermal imaging collaboration SpaceX disables more than 2,000 Starlink devices used in Myanmar scam compounds China-led moon mission’s water probe will be ‘first for humanity’: space agency Apex Launches Project Shadow: America's First Commercially-Led, On-Orbit Space-Based Interceptor Demonstration Iridium Announces Third Quarter 2025 Results; Updates Full-Year Outlook Honeywell Reports Third Quarter Results; Updates 2025 Guidance Venus Aerospace Announces Strategic Investment by Lockheed Martin to Accelerate Breakthrough Innovations in Next-Generation Propulsion 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

Vantor, formerly Maxar Intelligence, has been awarded a contract to support the US Space Force (USSF) in tracking high-interest objects that pass through "blind spots" in space. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Texas A&M University have secured a $1 million grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research for cislunar tracking. The European Space Agency (ESA) is adding a new numerical health index to its yearly Space Environment Report, 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 Torsten Kriening from SpaceWatch.Global brings us the latest from the Secure World Foundation’s 7th Summit for Space Sustainability in Paris. Selected Reading Vantor Awarded Space Force SDA Contract for Tracking of Space Objects RPI Awarded Air Force Grant to Monitor Growing Traffic Between Earth and Moon- News Sounding the alarm: ESA introduces space environment ‘health index’ It wasn’t space debris that struck a United Airlines plane—it was a weather balloon - Ars Technica Lynk and Omnispace Announce Plans to Merge to Deliver Next-Generation Global Direct-to-Device (D2D) Connectivity NASA stacks Artemis 2 moon mission's Orion capsule atop SLS rocket ahead of 2026 launch- Space Eutelsat Communications: First Quarter 2025-26 Revenues Coming Soon: ESA Student Internships 2026 ispace Secures Toyota’s Support for Next-Generation Small-Sized Rover Development 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

NASA to open the US lunar landing contract to new bidders with acting Administrator Sean Duffy citing delays with SpaceX’s Starship as the reason behind the move. Oman’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has introduced a framework to approve commercial space launch activities. China's Zhuque-3 reusable rocket has completed major ground tests ahead of its maiden flight, 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 Patrick O'Neill, Public Affairs and Outreach Lead at the International Space Station US National Laboratory. You can connect with Patrick on LinkedIn, and learn more about the ISS National Lab on their website. Selected Reading Transportation Secretary Duffy says Musk's SpaceX is behind on moon trip and he will reopen contracts Oman Set for Launch as Regulator Announces Spaceflight Framework — Etlaq Spaceport China's Zhuque-3 reusable rocket completes tests before maiden flight - CGTN Muon Space to Integrate SpaceX's Starlink Mini Space Lasers Into Its Halo™ Satellite Platform KONGSBERG and Andøya Space to strengthen Norwegian space capabilities Barclays Sees Muni ‘Space Bonds’ Becoming $25 Billion Market - Bloomberg Lockheed Martin Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results No future for Space Futures Command, sources say - Breaking Defense 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