T-Minus Space Daily

Blue Origin announces layoffs affecting roughly 10% or around 1,400 employees. India expands its Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and raises its budget to $2.32 billion. BlackSky has been contracted to develop India’s commercial Earth observation capabilities, 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 is Paul Cremin, the Commercial Spaceflight Regulation and Policy Lead at the UK’s Department for Transport. You can connect with Paul on LinkedIn and you can read more about the UK Department for Transportation on their website. Selected Reading Bezos' Blue Origin to layoff about 10% across its space, launch business- Reuters India raises budget for Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission to $2.32 billion- Reuters BlackSky Wins Multiple, Multi-Year Contracts with a Combined Value of Eight Figures to Accelerate the Development of India’s Commercial Earth Observation Capabilities SDA Issues Special Notice Seeking Iron Dome for America Architecture Studies Contracts For Feb. 12, 2025 Space Force Issues Draft Solicitation for GEARSS III GPS Sustainment Support - GovCon Wire Iridium Announces 2024 Results, Issues 2025 Outlook York Space Systems Expands National Security Offerings with New Commercial Services Program Blue Ghost Mission 1: Live Updates T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 to develop the preliminary spacecraft design for an upcoming astrophysics mission for the European Space Agency (ESA). Redwire has been awarded a contract by Orion Space Solutions to deliver a Mako spacecraft to support the US Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Tetra-6 mission. Sierra Space has been awarded a $16 million firm-fixed-price contract from AFRL to continue upper stage engine maturation, 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 Turner, CEO at Convergence Data. You can connect with Richard on LinkedIn, and learn more about Convergence Data on their website. Selected Reading Redwire Awarded Contract to Lead Study for the European Space Agency’s Next Dark Matter Mission Redwire Wins Follow-on Contract to Deliver Third Mako Spacecraft for U.S. Space Force Sierra Space Completes Test Campaign on Next Generation Vortex 35,000 lbf Fuel-Rich LOX LH2 Engine UK ADR Mission Development on Track to De-risk Key Technologies - Astroscale Rocket Lab Delivers Third In-Orbit Manufacturing Spacecraft for Varda Space Industries- Business Wire China builds space alliances in Africa as Trump cuts foreign aid- Reuters Momentus Announces Closing of $5 Million Offering Priced At-The-Market Under NASDAQ Rules- Business Wire Sidus Space Announces LizzieSat™-3 Ready for Launch Space Foundation Names SpaceX Starship Mission Team as 2025 Space Achievement Award Recipient NOAA’s Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR): Celebrating a Decade of Protecting Earth from Space Weather T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 selects SpaceX to provide the launch service for the Pandora mission, which will study at least 20 known exoplanets and their host stars. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) selects two universities to demonstrate novel tech for building future large structures in space. China launches its first Long March 8A carrying communication satellites for the Guowang 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 Our guest today is Madison Feehan, Founder and CEO of Space Copy. You can connect with Madison on LinkedIn, and learn more about Space Copy on their website. Selected Reading NASA Awards Launch Service Task Order for Pandora Mission DARPA demos will test novel tech for building future large structures in space First launch of Long March 8A sends second group of Guowang megaconstellation satellites into orbit - SpaceNews Germany Commits Additional €870k to Offshore Launch Facility - European Spaceflight $47.7 million approved by Texas Space Commission for SEARF grant awards Space Norway orders THOR 8 telecom satellite from Thales Alenia Space Michael J Sheetz_LI Post International Day of Women and Girls in Science- United Nations T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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

MDA Space has been selected by Globalstar as the prime contractor for a next generation low Earth orbit constellation. Rocket Lab launched its 59th Electron mission, deploying five satellites to Low Earth Orbit for French Internet-of-Things constellation operator Kinéis. ICEYE and SATIM are partnering on a new product combining AI and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations to detect and classify vessels, aircraft, and land vehicles from space, 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 Russell, CEO General Hypersonics. You can connect with Mark on LinkedIn, and learn more about General Hypersonics on their website. Selected Reading MDA Space Signs $1.1b Contract With Globalstar To Build Next Generation LEO Constellation Rocket Lab Launches Next Batch of Satellites for Kinéis Constellation ICEYE and SATIM enter partnership on joint development for new, AI-powered SAR imagery analysis products SpiderOak to Deliver Secure Control Systems for Space Force Proposal Submission Aegis Aerospace Partners with Texas A&M University to Create Dedicated Flight Facility on the ISS for University Research Industry Veteran John Scott Joins Rivada Select Services ESA - Euclid discovers a stunning Einstein ring T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 ISAC and the Aerospace Corporation are partnering to open up access to test beds and proving grounds to members of Space ISAC. We caught up with Ron Birk, Principal Director of the Space Enterprise Evolution Directorate at The Aerospace Corporation, and Erin Miller, Executive Director at Space ISAC at SpaceCom to discuss the partnership. You can find out more about the initiative 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. T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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

Spire Global has been awarded CAD$72 million to design and develop a dedicated satellite constellation to monitor all active wildfires in Canada from space. Commercial space station company Vast has pushed back the launch of its Haven-1 to 2026. Thales Alenia Space has signed a contract with India’s NIBE Space to supply high-resolution optical 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 Elysia Segal from NASASpaceflight.com brings us the Space Traffic Report. Selected Reading Canadian Space Agency Assigns Can$72 Million Contract to Spire Global Canada to Design WildFireSat Mission Vast Passes Critical Haven-1 Test Milestone Thales Alenia Space and NIBE sign a satellite supply contract for NIBE’s Earth observation constellation project Satellogic and Telespazio Brasil Announce Multi-Year Contract for Low-Latency Satellite Imagery for the Brazilian Air Force- Business Wire Measat Signs MoU With China’s Spacesail LEO Constellation - Via Satellite Honeywell Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results; Issues 2025 Guidance Honeywell Announces Intent To Separate Automation And Aerospace, Enabling The Creation Of Three Industry-Leading Companies NASA’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Releases 2024 Annual Report Robot Gets a Grip - NASA T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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

ATMOS has become the first European company to obtain a re-entry license for its PHOENIX capsule. Spanish defense company Indra agrees to buy 89.7% of satellite operator Hispasat for €725 million. Orbex has signed a new customer agreement with space logistics and transportation company, D-Orbit, 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 Amolak Badesha is the CEO and co-founder of Orbital Composites. You can connect with Amolak on LinkedIn, and learn more about Orbital Composites on their website. Selected Reading ATMOS to Attempt Space Re-Entry with PHOENIX Capsule on SpaceX Flight Spain's defence company Indra buys satellite operator Hispasat | Reuters Kremlin replaces Russian space boss after tenure scarred by failed moonshot | Reuters Astrolab's FLIP rover joins Astrobotic's Griffin-1 to the Moon U.S., Japan launch the QZSS-HP in first bilateral national security space cooperation effort- Yokota Air Base Amentum Secures COSMIC Contract to Enhance NASA's Space Infrastructure- Business Wire NASA Goes Live: First Twitch Stream from Space Station T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 SKY Perfect JSAT confirms that it has contracted Planet Labs to build their low Earth orbit constellation. The US Air Force’s AFWERX has selected a proposal from Momentus to perform an in-space demonstration flight of multispectral sensors for Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO). SpaceX launches Maxar’s fifth and sixth WorldView Legion 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. David Smith, the CEO at Mojave Air and Space Port. You can find out more about Mojave Air and Space Port on LinkedIn, and on their website. Selected Reading SKY Perfect JSAT and Planet Labs PBCPartner to Build a $230M Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Constellation Momentus Selected by U.S. Air Force for Space Demonstration of Rendezvous Using Low-Cost Multi-Spectral Sensor Suite- Business Wire Maxar Successfully Launches Fifth and Sixth WorldView Legion Satellites- Business Wire ESA and Finland pave the way towards a supersite for Earth observation CNES to Develop Reusable Upper Stage for Heavy-Lift Rocket - European SpaceflightRocket Lab Signs Multi-Launch Contract with iQPS for Four Electron Missions Five Eyes Launch Guidance to Improve Edge Device Security - Infosecurity Magazine Space Foundation Names Emily Calandrelli Recipient of 2025 Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award True Anomaly Appoints Frank Calvelli, Pentagon's First-Ever Dedicated Service Acquisition Executive in Charge of Military Space Programs, to its Board of Directors Grand Canyons Of The Moon T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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

Blue Origin successfully launches the 29th New Shepard Mission (NS29) flying 30 payloads to the Kármán Line. Viasat has been awarded a task order to provide satellite communications (SATCOM) for the US Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has selected two companies to share £16 million for new projects to boost UK benefits of satellite constellations, 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 Space Archeologist Dr Beth O’Leary. You can read about the World Monuments Fund and the listing in this article. Selected Reading New Shepard NS-29 Mission Updates- Blue Origin Viasat Wins Task Order Award to Provide U.S. Space Force with Low Earth Orbit Services £16 million for new projects to boost UK benefits of satellite constellations - GOV.UK Thales Alenia Space signs a contract with Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre to develop the Emirates Airlock Module, a critical element of Lunar Gateway NASA Presses Forward Search for VIPER Moon Rover Partner Boeing has now lost $2B on Starliner, but still silent on future plans - Ars Technica ESA - Planet hunter Plato to fly on Ariane 6 New record coming? 5 rockets scheduled to launch in next 24 hours Risk Of Falling Space Junk Hitting A Plane Is Only Increasing T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 Space Agency has paused all analyst and assessment group meetings to review and ensure compliance with presidential actions. A six-person crew from Russia and Belarus have completed a 366-day analog astronaut mission. China completes in-orbit testing of a new power unit, 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 and Jack Shelton bring us the ‘Ask Aegis Space Law” monthly segment. Feel free to email space@n2k.com with your questions for Aegis Space Law. Selected Reading All NASA Planetary Science Analysis/Assessment Groups Paused A year in isolation: 366-day mock moon mission wraps up in Russia- Space China’s power unit for future space missions gets top grades in orbital tests Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser® Spaceplane Successfully Passes NASA Testing Milestone in Preparation for Launch Teledyne Completes Acquisition of Select Aerospace and Defense Electronics Businesses of Excelitas China’s DeepSeek AI signals faster path to space autonomy - SpaceNews Lumen Orbit and Archangel Lightworks Sign MOU to Reshape Earth Observation with Space-Based Data Centres Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and its Subcommittees A 'city-killer' asteroid might hit Earth—how worried should we be? T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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

Dr. Sian “Leo” Proctor was the keynote speaker at SpaceCom 2025. We caught up with the Inspiration4 astronaut to find out about her journey into space and how it inspires her art here on Earth. You can find out more about Dr. Proctor on her 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. T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC) provides members access to an international federated network of Testbeds and Proving Grounds. AstroForge selects an M-type asteroid named 2022 OB5 for its first mining mission. ISRO marks 100 launches with Wednesday’s liftoff of the GSLV-F15 rocket, carrying the NVS-02 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. T-Minus Guest Elysia Segal from NASASpaceflight.com brings us the Space Traffic Report. Selected Reading Space ISAC Enhancing Membership Benefits With Access To New Testbeds And Proving Grounds Network AstroForge selects target for “high risk, seat of the pants” asteroid mission - Ars Technica Isro’s 100th mission from Sriharikota takes off AST SpaceMobile Announces FCC Grant Of Special Temporary Authority (STA) In the United States with Strategic Partners AT&T And Verizon- Business Wire Virgin Galactic Partners with Redwire to Advance Research Capabilities for New Delta Spaceships Federal Register :: Public Inspection: Hearings, Meetings, Proceedings, etc.: Advisory Committee on Excellence in Space Polaris Dawn Mission Selected to Receive 2025 John L. ‘Jack’ Swigert Jr. Award for Space Exploration ispace & ispace-U.S. Announce Appointment of New Chairperson and New Chief Executive Officer for ispace-U.S. | ispace 'We can't forget about Ham': Friday marks controversial space exploration milestone T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 Space lands a €862mn contract to develop Europe’s first lunar cargo vehicle. The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission agree to partner on European Quantum Communication Infrastructure. The first of the two Airbus-built SpainSat satellites, SpainSat NG-I, successfully launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, 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 is Chris Spagnoletti, Chief Product Officer at Ursa Major. You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn, and find out more about Ursa Major. Selected Reading ESA’s first lunar lander to be built by Thales Alenia Space-led consortium ESA and European Commission to build quantum-secure space communications network Airbus-built SpainSat NG-I satellite successfully launched NASA, Partners to Welcome Fourth Axiom Space Mission to Space Station L3Harris Technologies Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results, Initiates 2025 Guidance U.S. Space Force Rapid Capabilities Office selects companies for tech accelerator - SpaceNews SiriusXM’s SXM-9 Satellite Completes In-Orbit Testing and Begins Service- Business Wire Sidus Space Receives FCC Approval for Space-to-Space Data Relay Capability for LizzieSat ™ - Business Wire NASA's Asteroid Bennu Sample Reveals Mix of Life's Ingredients T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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) has selected Thales Alenia Space (TAS) to build the Venus-bound Envision spacecraft. Scotland’s Government invests £20 million in UK launch company Orbex. Planet signs a deal with the European Space Agency to join the Copernicus Contributing Missions, 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 artist Tim Gagnon. You can connect with Tim on LinkedIn, and see more of his work on his website. Selected Reading ESA - Signed and sealed: Envision can move towards construction Scottish rocket launch boost to get Britain back into space race - GOV.UK Planet lands $230 million contract for Pelican imagery satellites Planet Signs Deal with European Space Agency (ESA), Joining the Copernicus Contributing Missions- Business Wire Trump, Musk suggest sped-up return of NASA astronauts, but details scarce- Reuters Space debris seen burning up over West Michigan skies What time is Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket 'moon gravity' launch on Jan. 28? Here's how to watch live- Space Shenzhou-19 crew extends greetings from China Space Station - CGTN 2024 ISS National Lab Annual Report Highlights Momentum in Space-Based R&D T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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

Executive order issued by President Trump to establish the “Iron Dome for America.” European Union calls for a "European Space Shield". US Space Force is rumored to be reducing their 2026 budget for in-space mobility. The Aerospace Corporation and Google are collaborating on space weather forecasting. 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 Lars Hoffman, Vice President of Government Sales at Blue Origin. You can connect with Lars on LinkedIn, and learn more about Blue Origin on their website. Selected Reading Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness (The White House) EU space commissioner calls for ‘European Space Shield’ (POLITICO) Space Force zeroed out funding for in-space mobility in FY26 budget request: Sources (Breaking Defense) The Aerospace Corporation and Google Public Sector Join Forces to Revolutionize Space Weather Forecasting with AI (PR Newswire) India's space agency completes 1st Gaganyaan astronaut crew capsule (Space.com) GITAI Successfully Completes Space Demonstration of In-House Developed 16U Satellite (GITAI) Sen launches 4K livestream of Earth and space (Sen) T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 and IT company NEC have performed the world's fastest optical communication between satellites in geostationary orbit. Blue Origin’s New Shepard to launch on Tuesday, January 28 for the 29th mission which will aim to mimic lunar gravity. Israel has reached an agreement with NASA to include the first Israeli female astronaut in a future space mission, 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 Astronaut Dr. Sian "Leo" Proctor. You can connect with Sian on LinkedIn, and find out more about the Proctor Foundation for Art and Science on their website. Selected Reading World’s First Successful Transmission of Huge Volume Mission Data Using 1.5 μm Optical Inter-Satellite Communication- JAXA and NEC's Initiatives in Optical Communication in Space (JAXA) New Shepard’s 29th Mission Will Fly 30 Payloads, Mimic the Moon’s Gravity (Blue Origin) Israeli female astronaut will go to space with NASA, minister announces (YNET News) SPACECENT breaks ground on Space Campus project in CENTCOM AOR- United States Space Force (Space Force) NICER Status Update (NASA) AAS Statement on Obtrusive Space Advertising (American Astronomical Society) T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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

Our guest today is John Neal, Executive Director of the Space Industry Council at the US Chamber of Commerce. John walks us through how his many career pivots have put him in the best position to support space companies on Capitol Hill. You can connect with John on LinkedIn, and learn more about the US Chamber of Commerce 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. T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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 selects nine companies to study supporting long-term lunar exploration. The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has tasked the Space Professionals Partnership (SPPL) to investigate Post Mission Disposal Options in the Cislunar environment. Estonia to host the European Space Agency’s new cybersecurity testing ground, 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 from NASASpaceflight.com brings us the Space Traffic Report. Selected Reading NASA Invests in Artemis Studies to Support Long-Term Lunar Exploration Space Professionals Partnership win Cislunar Post Mission Disposal Study ESA - Estonia to host Europe's new space cybersecurity testing ground AST SpaceMobile Announces Pricing of Private Offering of $400.0 Million of Convertible Senior Notes Due 2032 BlackSky Ships First Gen-3 Satellite for Expected Launch in February- Business Wire ispace Receives Telemetry from Deep Space Radiation Probe Blue Ghost Mission 1: Live Updates European Launch Startups Send Open Letter to ESA Outlining Key Priorities Fundraiser by Jonathan McDowell : Fund Jonathan's Space Report Library Transition T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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’s acting Administrator removes DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility) programs from the US Space Agency. The UK’s Blue Abyss has signed a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Glenn Research Center to accelerate advancements in commercial space training, research, and infrastructure development. Eutelsat and NIGCOMSAT to launch satellite services in Nigeria, 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 Giovanni Di Antonio, ENAC Technological Innovation Director You can connect with Giovanni on LinkedIn, and learn more about the Global Spaceport Alliance on their website. Selected Reading NASA moves swiftly to end DEI programs, ask employees to “report” violations - Ars Technica Blue Abyss Partners with NASA Glenn Research Center Eutelsat Partners with NIGCOMSAT to Launch LEO Satellite Services in Nigeria- Business Wire Thales Alenia Space Will Contribute to NASA's Surface Biology and Geology Earth Observation Mission Rocket Lab to Launch Global Wildfire Detection and Monitoring Mission for OroraTech - Business Wire Space Florida Announces 2025 Space Transportation Call for Projects NASA Day of Remembrance T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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

Bill Nelson steps down as NASA Administrator as US President Donald Trump begins his second term. Rocket Lab schedules its first launch of 2025 with a dedicated mission for Kineis. Karman Space and Defense has filed a registration statement for a proposed initial public offering, 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 Bill Nelson steps down as NASA chief as Trump begins 2nd term- Space Rocket Lab Schedules Next Electron Launch for Constellation Operator Kinéis- Business Wire Karman Announces Filing of Registration Statement for Proposed Initial Public Offering NASA Welcomes Finland as Newest Artemis Accords Signatory NASA Opens New Challenge to Support Climate-Minded Business Models Flexential Links Up with Lonestar to Support First Commercial Data Center in Space Exclusive: Trump likely to axe space council after SpaceX lobbying, sources say- Reuters Explore Deep Space Without Leaving Home T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It’ll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. 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