The Future of Space Manufacturing.
In this episode of T‑Minus, host Maria Varmazis talks with Alistair McGibbon, head of semiconductors at UK‑based SpaceForge, about the company’s breakthrough in growing semiconductor crystals in low‑Earth orbit using plasma‑enhanced chemical vapor deposition. They explain how microgravity yields higher‑quality, defect‑free wide‑bandgap materials—such as silicon carbide, gallium nitride, and diamond—that are critical for high‑voltage power electronics and quantum‑computing applications, and discuss the business model of producing high‑value “seed wafers” in space and scaling them on Earth. The conversation also touches on the challenges of returning delicate crystal seeds, the potential for in‑space device fabrication, and the broader market implications of space‑manufactured semiconductors.
Houston, We Have a Protocol.
The episode dives into space cybersecurity, featuring Brandon Bailey of the Aerospace Corporation and Cass (Kaz) Vogel, Blue Origin’s Director of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk, and Compliance. They discuss the evolving threat landscape as humanity expands beyond Earth, emphasizing the need...
A Spaceport—And Then Some.
In this episode of T‑Minus, host Maria Varmozis interviews Dr. Gabrielle Caswell, owner of Spaceport Australia, about the rapid evolution of NASA’s lunar strategy and the role of commercial space infrastructure. They discuss NASA’s shift to an iterative, capability‑based approach...
From Goddard’s Cabbage Patch to Artemis II.
In this episode, host Maria Varmazas chats with Jeff Carr, a veteran of NASA media and son of Apollo-era astronaut Capcom Jerry Carr, about the parallels between the Apollo 8 era of 1968 and today’s Artemis 2 mission. Jeff reflects on...
ISS Demonstration: A Tow Truck for Space.
In this episode of T‑Minus, host Maria Varmazas interviews Troy Morris, CEO and co‑founder of KMI, about the company’s successful in‑space demonstration of its articulated “tow‑truck” arms aboard the ISS. The demo involved over 200 days of testing, capturing unprepared...
Hypersonic Hustle & Orbital Muscle.
The episode highlights three major developments in the defense and commercial space sector: Stratolaunch securing a $90.8 million Department of War contract for the MACH‑TB 2.0 air‑launched test vehicle program, Agile Space Industries closing a $17 million Series A round to expand its small‑sat...
China’s Record-Breaking Investment in a Private Rocket Company.
In this episode, host T‑Minus chats with Michelle Lucas, CEO of Higher Orbits, about China’s surge in private‑sector space funding, highlighting iSpace’s $730 million raise to develop reusable rockets, Space Epoch’s new capital for a 2026 launch and sea‑recovery test, and...
NASA Wants to Bring Talent Back In-House.
In this episode, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman outlines a strategy to bring critical capabilities back in-house, emphasizing the restoration of the agency’s core competencies. The discussion highlights a $54.5 million contract awarded to Starfish Space for an Otter satellite‑servicing vehicle for...
Sovereign Space, Smart Weather, and a Very Busy Orbit.
The episode spotlights major developments in the increasingly crowded orbital environment, including D‑Orbit’s $53 million Series D raise to boost M&A and in‑space computing, Loft Orbital’s selection as prime contractor for France’s DESIR radar‑imaging program, and Aalyria’s award from the U.S. Air...
Welcome Home, NASA’s SpaceX Crew 11.
The episode recaps NASA’s SpaceX Crew‑11 splashdown after a five‑month ISS stint and discusses recent industry moves, including Slingshot Aerospace’s $27 million US Space Force contract for AI‑driven space‑warfare training, CAS Space’s debut of a suborbital two‑stage research rocket, and collaborations...
Weighing the Future of Space Exploration.
In this special edition, COO Charles Doran of Solamed Solutions discusses how advances in telemedicine, robotics, and AI are reshaping space medicine and the ethical frameworks needed for long‑duration missions to the Moon and Mars. He highlights critical gaps such...
NASA Weighs an Early End to Crew 11’s Mission.
The episode discusses NASA's consideration of ending Crew‑11’s mission early due to a medical issue aboard the ISS, while also covering corporate moves such as Karman Space & Defense’s acquisition of Seemann Composites and MSC, and the launch of PowerBank...
Congress Rejects Proposals for Cutting NASA’s Budget for the Fiscal Year.
The episode reviews Congress's decision to reject the Trump administration's proposed deep cuts to NASA, instead approving a $24.4 billion budget for FY2026, and highlights recent industry milestones such as NASA awarding ARES Technical Services the Wallops Flight Facility launch‑range contract...
NASA Launches an Infrastructure Modernization Effort.
The episode discusses NASA’s sweeping infrastructure modernization, including the demolition of the T‑Tower test facility at Marshall and the closure of the Goddard library, both reflecting broader shifts in agency priorities. It highlights NASA’s selection of industry proposals to advance...
ESA Ended 2025 with a Data Breach.
The episode covers three major space industry developments: the European Space Agency’s confirmed data breach involving roughly 200 GB of stolen information, L3Harris’s sale of a majority stake in its Space Propulsion and Power Systems unit to AE Industrial Partners, and...
