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

Rick Tumlinson is the Founder of New Worlds. New Worlds is the only event on Earth where science, exploration, technology, art, music, and literature are melded together with the business of exploring space. This year’s event will introduce a bold new format spotlighting frontier startups and university teams in a “Space Tank” pitch competition, while featuring renowned voices like Dr. John Olson, Orson Scott Card, and Dr. Tom Markusic, culminating in the legendary Space Cowboy Ball. You can connect with Rick on LinkedIn, and learn more about New Worlds 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

HyImpulse has raised €15 million in a Series A funding round and secured an additional €30 million in financing. Indra Group has signed two new contracts with the European Space Agency that aim to reinforce Spain’s and Europe’s position in space surveillance and satellite navigation. Lockheed Martin is reportedly offering NASA to change their contract for Orion to a commercial transportation option, 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 HyImpulse raises €45 million in funding for rocket technology “Made in Europe” Indra Group Signs Contracts With The European Space Agency To Reinforce Surveillance And Security In Space Once unthinkable, NASA and Lockheed now consider launching Orion on other rockets - Ars Technica Planet Awarded Luno B Contract by National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) for AI-Enabled Solutions Space Quarters Raises USD 5.0 Million in Seed Round to Advance Space Construction Technology Axiom Space replaces CEO - SpaceNews Thales says it has no satellite deal yet with Airbus, Leonardo after report that signing is near- Reuters Space Force Operationally Accepts SciTec's Revolutionary Missile Warning System A classified network of SpaceX satellites is emitting a mysterious signal 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 Department of Air Force has agreed to increase the annual SpaceX launch cadence at Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) in California. Germany and France have signed an implementation agreement for satellite-based early warning system Odin's Eye II. Sateliot plans to test a system that allows its satellites to connect with IoT devices without relying on satellite navigation systems, 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 Jeff Thornburg, CEO and CTO at Portal Space. You can connect with Jeff on LinkedIn, and learn more about Portal on their website. Selected Reading Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision for Authorizing Changes to the Falcon Launch Program at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California Vandenberg Space Force Base Launch EIS Germany, France sign deal for satellite-based early warning system- Reuters Europe eyes tech independence with satellite IoT operator Sateliot Beyond Gravity Expands Solar Array Mechanism Production Capacity Fivefold Lunar Outpost Announces MARS-1 Mission to Advance Autonomous Swarm Capabilities for U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force City of El Paso moves to rescue stalled $40 million federal grant for aerospace manufacturing 4,000 gone: Inside NASA’s brain drain- The Planetary Society Understanding satellite re-entry: UK Space Agency leads global research on atmospheric ablation https://space.n2k.com/podcasts/t-minus/290 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

Rocket Lab launched its 15th mission of the year and the first of 21 new launches for Synspective. Germany’s Exolaunch and India’s Skyroot have announced a new partnership to provide launch access. The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a National Space Strategy Toolkit, 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 Mission Success: Rocket Lab Launches Latest Satellite for Synspective Germany's Exolaunch and India's Skyroot Aerospace Announce Strategic Partnership Agreement to Advance Access to Space National Space Strategy Toolkit- World Economic Forum K2 Space Announces Details of Groundbreaking 2027 Mission China successfully launches new test satellite - CGTN SpaceX - Launches WISeKey's WISeSat.Space to Test Post-Quantum Communication from Space During SpaceX Launch on November 10, 2025 Astronomers discover rare double-ringed odd radio circle in space- CNN 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

New research shows around half of geostationary satellite signals are vulnerable to eavesdropping. China’s Space Pioneer raises approximately $350 million in its latest funding rounds. Impulse Space announces its new lunar lander plans, 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 David Barnhart, CEO and Founder of Arkisys. You can connect with Dave on LinkedIn, and learn more about Arkisys on their website. Selected Reading Satellites Are Leaking the World’s Secrets: Calls, Texts, Military and Corporate Data- WIRED SATCOM Security  Tianbing Technology completed nearly 2.5 billion yuan in Pre-D and D rounds of financing, accelerating the construction of the entire commercial aerospace industry chain layout  To the Moon (and Beyond): How Impulse Can Deliver More Mass to the Lunar Surface ​​​​‌‍​‍​‍‌‍‌​‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‍‍‌‌‍‍​‍​‍​‍‍​‍​‍‌​‌‍​‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‌​‌‍‌​‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍​‍​‍​‍​​‍​‍‌‍‍​‌​‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍​‍​‍​‍‍​‍​‍​‍‌​‌‌​‌‌‌‌‍‌​‌‍‍‌‌‍​‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‍‌‌​‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌​​‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‌​‌‍‍‌‌‌​​‍‌‍‌‌‍‌‍‌​‌‍‌‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌‍‌‌‌​‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‌​‌‍​‌‌‌​‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‍‍​‍‌‍‍‌‌‍‌​​‌​​​‌‍‌‌‌‍‌‍​‌‍​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​​​​‍‌‌‍​‌‍‌‍​‍​‌‍‌​​‍‌​‌​​‌‍​​‌​‍‌​‍‌​‍​‌‍‌‌​  JPL Workforce Update SpaceX - Starship's Eleventh Flight Test SpaceX launches 24 Amazon Kuiper satellites following days of weather delays – Spaceflight Now Momentus Signs $15 Million Global Agreement with Solstar Space Owl New World- Rocket Lab NASA Is Crucial to the U.S. Winning the New Space Race- Scientific American  World Space Week Ends With A Big Announcement https://www.instagram.com/p/DPxTQGNCPzF/ 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 European Rocketry Challenge (EuRoC) is being held October 9-15 in Portugal. EuRoC is the first rocket launch competition for European university teams. The Portuguese Space Agency created the competition in 2020 and has since hosted teams from various European countries in the Alentejo region. We find out more about the 2025 competition from Marta Gonçalves, Science & Education Officer at the Portuguese Space Agency. 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 signed a direct contract for two dedicated Electron launches with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Viasat has been selected for a prime contract award by the US Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (USSF SSC) for the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) program. The European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded a contract extension to Creotech Instruments for the development and launch of a fourth satellite for Poland’s CAMILA Earth observation constellation, 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 Secures Multiple Launches with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) Viasat Awarded Contract by U.S. Space Force for Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) Program Poland Adds Fourth Satellite to CAMILA Earth Observation Constellation Sateliot And Nordic Achieve A Historic Milestone By Connecting For The First Time A Cellular 5G IoT Device From Low-Earth Orbit Satellites Faraday Factory and Zenno advance HTS magnets for space Billionaire Isaacman Met With Trump Over Top NASA Job A new rocket, sea launches and more: Chinese company CAS Space is thinking big Surge in static fires as China's space sector gains momentum - NASASpaceFlight.com 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

Stoke Space has raised $510 million in Series D funding. Muon Space has been awarded $44.6 million by the US Space Force for environmental monitoring. Momentus has been selected for two NASA demonstration flights, 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 Mark Wheatley, the founder of Delano Wheatley Consulting. You can read the report 'Resilience: Mobilising the UK Financial Services to Advance the United Kingdom's National Interests', report here. Selected Reading Stoke Raises $510 Million to Scale Manufacturing of Fully reusable Nova Launch vehicle Muon Space Awarded $44.6M Space Force SBIR Phase III Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Agreement to Demonstrate Dual-Use Environmental Monitoring Constellation Momentus Awarded Contract from NASA to Test Groundbreaking Thruster In Space Momentus Awarded $5.1M Contract From NASA for Mission to Support Production of Advanced Materials in Space Blue Origin Completes 36th New Shepard Flight to Space Japan program certifies space food specialists- Honolulu Star-Advertiser SpaceNukes Partners with Space Ocean for Deep Space Science NASA's Space Launch System rocket lifts off on McDonald's Monopoly bags- collectSPACE 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

Verizon signs deal with AST SpaceMobile to deliver cellular service from space. Space Capital’s Q3 2025 Space IQ report shows a $5.8 billion surge in private space investment. Blue Origin awarded a $78.25M Space Force contract to expand launch processing at Canaveral.  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 Verizon signs deal with AST SpaceMobile to provide cellular service from space. AST shares surge Space Investment Quarterly Reports  Blue Origin Wins $78.25 Million Space Force Contract to Expand Launch Processing Capacity  ArianeGroup and Sabca sign supply contract for Ariane 6  ESA spots asteroid that made very close approach to Earth  China is developing ways to de-orbit space junk: Should we be worried? Sepentrio And Xona Space Systems to Collaborate on Positioning Technology - Via Satellite 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

Italy to open one of Europe’s largest satellite factories. Europe’s satellite mega-merger hits a snag. The FCC declares “Space Month” to fast-track U.S. satellite reforms.  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 his insights from World Space Business Week in Paris. Selected Reading New satellite plant to open in Italy to boost production capacity | Reuters European major satellite venture still needs some time to finalise, source says | Reuters  https://ispace-inc.com/news-en/?p=8038  https://ispace-inc.com/news-en/?p=8024 https://ispace-inc.com/news-en/?p=7993  Exclusive: FCC launches ‘Space Month’ to fast-track satellite licensing and spectrum reforms - SpaceNews The Planetary Society Live  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

Firefly Aerospace announces its $855 million acquisition of SciTec. The U.S. Space Force awards SpaceX and ULA the first post-2027 launch contracts. Japan’s ispace completes key vibration tests for its Series 3 lunar lander.  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. If you have any questions you’d like to ask the team, please email space@n2k.com. Selected Reading Firefly strengthens portfolio with $855 million deal for national security tech firm SciTec | Reuters  Space Force taps SpaceX, ULA for first set of critical launches beyond FY27 - Breaking Defense ispace Announces Series 3 Lander Achieves Significant Testing Milestone for Mission 4  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/axiom-space_hungary-axodc-buildingopportunity-activity-7379933909985206272-N_V-/?rcm=ACoAAAgYa4kBQSgG6y9F3qpyRZA3smwobuJvR9E  4iG Space and Defence aims to become strategic investor of Axiom Space  ESA inaugurates deep space antenna in Australia  https://lte.observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/Occultation-by-Ganymede-on-October-14-2025?lang=en 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

Space has long been considered bi-partisan domain in the US, but is it becoming more political? Our guest is Kevin Kelly. Kevin is a former Senate appropriations staffer who oversaw funding for NASA, the NSF, and 25 other agencies. Now a partner at Actum, he advises some of the most influential players in science and defense. His career has spanned everything from nuclear tech and climate systems to the tools we use to monitor near-Earth threats, and he shares his thesis on why space is becoming more political. 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 UK Space Agency (UKSA)  and UK Space Command have announced a new project to detect and analyse lasers being used against UK satellites. Safran Federal Systems has been awarded a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Cosmic Shielding Corporation (CSC) has been awarded a $4M Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract from the US Department of War. 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 Critical UK satellites to be defended from laser threats - GOV.UK Russia persistently targeting British satellites, UK Space Command chief says- The Guardian Safran Federal Systems selected by DARPA for Robust Quantum Sensor development Cosmic Shielding Corporation awarded TACFI contract to speed deployment of advanced space electronics – SatNews MSRO- The world’s first space fund for islands Exolaunch to Deploy 13 Customer Satellites on the Bandwagon-4 Mission China's female astronauts: Breaking barriers, reaching for the stars - CGTN Musk becomes first person to hit $500 billion net worth, Forbes list shows- Reuters Elon Musk’s SpaceX Took Money Directly From Chinese Investors, Company Insider Testifies IAC 2025 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 has completed a previously announced acquisition of KinetX, Inc. Varda Space Industries has reached an agreement with Southern Launch to extend their partnership for 20 reentries into the Koonibba Test Range in South Australia through 2028. Belgium’s Space Applications Services has joined Starlab Space as a joint venture partner and investor, 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 Intuitive Machines Completes KinetX Acquisition Varda and Southern Launch Announce Agreement for 20 Reentries from Orbit Through 2028 Starlab Adds Space Applications Services as Strategic Partner, Equity Owner in Joint Venture Axiom Space and Resonac Sign MOU to Advance Space-Based Semiconductor Manufacturing ESA - European Space Agency and Korea AeroSpace Administration embark on new cooperation FAA plans to furlough 11,000 employees in US government shutdown- Reuters ispace and UEL Sign Interim Payload Service Agreement (iPSA) to Transport Rovers to the Moon T-Satellite is Here: And Now It’s Powering Apps! Vantor  Blue Origin Announces Crew for New Shepard’s 36th Mission Satellite startup Spacecoin sends data through space in bid to rival Starlink- Reuters Kazakhstan Launches First All-Female Space Isolation Experiment SANA-1 - The Astana Times 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

Thales Alenia has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for the Secure And cryptoGrAphic (SAGA) mission. Blue Origin has unveiled the Project Oasis program to map lunar resources. Portal Space Systems has successfully tested a solar thermal propulsion system, 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 NASA Continuity of Appropriations Plan Thales Alenia Space and ESA sign contract for SAGA mission to demonstrate Europe’s first Quantum Key Distribution governmental service Blue Origin and Luxembourg Partner on Oasis-1 Mission to Map Lunar Resources Portal Becomes First Commercial Company to Successfully Test Solar Thermal Propulsion System for Multi-Orbit Spacecraft Astroscale and HEO Advance Space Monitoring Capabilities for Allied Nations NASA signs US-Australia Agreement on Aeronautics, Space Cooperation U.S. Space Force's ATLAS System Achieves Operational Acceptance, Revolutionizing Space Domain Awareness and DoW Software Acquisition- Space Operations Command (SpOC)  US, France step up joint military satellite moves to counter China in space - Reuters Have We Reached a Space-Junk Tipping Point? Australia’s new space institute says it’s time to stop sending millions offshore SpaceX targeting Oct. 13 for next Starship megarocket launch- Space 11th Annual ISS National Lab and NSF Announce Funding Opportunity for Physical Science Research on Space Station Join NASA on Oct. 4 in Looking Up, Celebrating Moon 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

Avio has signed a €40 million contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for an in-flight demonstration of a reusable upper stage. The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is supporting 23 new projects with a £6.5 million boost from the International Bilateral Fund (IBF). Axiom Space has selected  Emiliano Ventura as its first-ever “Project Astronaut”, 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 Avio Signs €40 Million Contract With The European Space Agency For The Development Of Reusable Upper Stage Technologies UK Space Agency goes global with 23 new projects Axiom Space Selects Emiliano Ventura as Company’s First-Ever Project Astronaut Telespazio and ispace Sign Letter of Intent for the Future Use of the Orbital Transfer Vehicle to Lunar Orbit Beyond Gravity contracted to deliver thruster pointing mechanisms for HummingSat small geostationary satellites from SWISSto12 Sierra Space Successfully Completes Critical Design Review for Missile Tracking Satellites in SDA Tranche 2 Kayhan Space Launches Free GPU-Accelerated Satellite Propagation Tool for Real-Time Visualization University of Alberta Contracts SFL Missions Inc. to Develop Small Satellite for Study of Space Radiation Impacts on Earth’s Climate NASA Awards Solstar Space SBIR Contract to Develop Lunar Wi-Fi System NASA-Funded TRISH to Use HarmonEyes Eye-Tracking to Measure Astronaut Readiness for Space Exploration https://space.n2k.com/podcasts/t-minus/557 https://space.n2k.com/podcasts/t-minus/559 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

Northrop Grumman has successfully performed a rendezvous, proximity operations (RPO) and docking demonstration with Starlab Space Station. The American Honda Motor Company and Astrobotic Technology are developing a scalable and integrated power solution for sustained lunar surface missions. The International Astronautical Congress (IAC) has kicked off its annual meeting in Sydney, 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 his insights from World Space Business Week in Paris. Selected Reading Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Autonomous Rendezvous and Docking Technology with Starlab Commercial Space Station Honda and Astrobotic Establish Joint Development Agreement to Explore Scalable Lunar Power Solutions International partnerships back Australia's space industry Arianespace and BULL further collaboration for space debris mitigation on Ariane 6 Space pull system: China’s industrial revolution to make rockets and satellites like cars IonQ Appoints General John W. “Jay” Raymond to Board of Directors Sidus Space Awarded Five-Year IDIQ Contract to Support Tobyhanna Army Depot Scientists set world record with magnetic field 700,000 times Earth's - CGTN 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