Securing Satellites Already in Space, with Journalist Shaun Waterman.
In this episode, host Maria Varmazis talks with veteran space‑technology journalist Sean Waterman about the emerging field of satellite cyber‑security. Waterman explains how the industry is shifting from protecting only ground systems to deploying on‑orbit detection and response tools, citing initiatives from the DHS, Aerospace Corporation, Deloitte’s Silent Shield, and a Space Force‑backed behavior‑based monitoring project. He highlights the challenges of relying on traditional software‑vulnerability databases for space assets and argues that behavioral indicators are essential for spotting attacks on custom, often proprietary satellite firmware. The conversation also explores how the rise of large LEO constellations, like Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper, may change the cyber‑risk landscape as they move toward more commoditized hardware and software.
Spoofing Ships, Jamming Drones: How GPS Manipulation Confuses and Compromises.
In this episode of the T‑Minus Space Cyber Briefing, host Maria Varmazis and GPS‑security expert Ethan Cook dive into how attackers manipulate GPS signals through jamming and spoofing. They explain that jamming overwhelms weak satellite signals—often with cheap, off‑the‑shelf devices—to...
The Current State of GPS Following OCX with Dr. Sean Gorman, CEO of Zephr.xyz.
In this episode, Dr. Sean Gorman, CEO of Zephyr, explains the fundamentals of GNSS, the differences between GPS jamming and spoofing, and why the U.S. Space Force’s Next Generation Operational Control System (OCX) – a $6‑$7 billion ground‑segment upgrade for GPS...
Rethinking Industrial IoT From Space.
In this episode of T‑Minus, host Maria Varmazas talks with Dave Roscoe, President of Satellite IoT for Orbcom and SkyWave, about the company’s newest industrial satellite IoT network, OGX, and the SkyWave brand that bundles satellite and cellular connectivity, devices,...
Orbital Debris Remediation as a Stepping Stone Toward Asteroid Mining.
In this episode, Maria Varmazas interviews Joel Sersel, CEO of TransAstra, about the company's capture‑bag technology, which was demonstrated on the ISS for orbital‑debris removal and is intended as a stepping stone toward asteroid mining. Sersel explains how small near‑Earth...
Encore: The Atmospheric Impacts of Satellite Re-Entry.
In this encore episode, Maria Varmazas talks with Professor Ming‑Kwon Kim about the UK Space Agency’s studies on atmospheric ablation caused by satellite re‑entry. The research estimates that each satellite could destroy 6‑8 tons of ozone, and large constellations might affect...
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,...
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...