Enhancing Europe’s space sector.

When we're talking about Europe in space today, it just so happens that the number When we're talking about Europe in space today, it just so happens that the number three comes up. three comes up.

Three launches in 2023 for Europe and all, and three organizations teaming up to help Three launches in 2023 for Europe and all, and three organizations teaming up to help the space industry secure financing more easily. the space industry secure financing more easily.

It is just a coincidence, or perhaps it's luck.

It is just a coincidence, or perhaps it's luck.

And Europe is definitely trying to get in Lady Luck's good graces when it comes to And Europe is definitely trying to get in Lady Luck's good graces when it comes to picking up the pace of launches and getting more space projects financed. picking up the pace of launches and getting more space projects financed.

Today is January 30th, 2024.

Today is January 30th, 2024.

I'm Maria Varmausis, and this is T-minus.

I'm Maria Varmausis, and this is T-minus.

ESA partners with the European Commission and European Investment Bank to enhance the European ESA partners with the European Commission and European Investment Bank to enhance the European space sector. space sector.

PLD Space is awarded a 40 and a half million euro per day project.

PLD Space is awarded a 40 and a half million euro per day project.

Airbus completes AOS purchase.

Airbus completes AOS purchase.

And our guest today is Yashas Karanam, director of the LaTrix Aerospace.

And our guest today is Yashas Karanam, director of the LaTrix Aerospace.

Let's take a look at our Intel briefing for today.

Let's take a look at our Intel briefing for today.

It's a team-up to start our show today.

It's a team-up to start our show today.

ESA, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, have come to a formal agreement.

ESA, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, have come to a formal agreement.

With their powers combined, they'll enhance the European space sector with money, or at With their powers combined, they'll enhance the European space sector with money, or at least better access to it. least better access to it.

Because if space projects are one thing rather universally, they're expensive.

Because if space projects are one thing rather universally, they're expensive.

And to bolster European space projects, these projects need improved access to funding.

And to bolster European space projects, these projects need improved access to funding.

So while this is not a promise of cold hard cash, wouldn't that be nice?

So while this is not a promise of cold hard cash, wouldn't that be nice?

This collaboration aims to provide financial guidance and to facilitate access to funding This collaboration aims to provide financial guidance and to facilitate access to funding for space projects and space organizations across Europe. for space projects and space organizations across Europe.

And staying in Europe for a moment, Spanish Aerospace Company PLD Space has won the second And staying in Europe for a moment, Spanish Aerospace Company PLD Space has won the second phase of the project for the development of a Spanish launcher for small satellites. phase of the project for the development of a Spanish launcher for small satellites.

The contract is part of the Aerospace Perte project, which stands for Strategic Project The contract is part of the Aerospace Perte project, which stands for Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation. for Economic Recovery and Transformation.

The contract has been awarded for the amount of €40.5 million.

The contract has been awarded for the amount of €40.5 million.

PLD Space has been appointed as sole contractor, having earned the highest technical rating PLD Space has been appointed as sole contractor, having earned the highest technical rating from the contracting committee, which consists of independent experts from the Center for from the contracting committee, which consists of independent experts from the Center for Technological Development and Innovation.

Technological Development and Innovation.

The Perte Aerospace Initiative, promoted by the Spanish government, aims to cultivate The Perte Aerospace Initiative, promoted by the Spanish government, aims to cultivate a strategic national asset, access to space. a strategic national asset, access to space.

To fulfill this ambition, the contract mandates that the selected bidder, which is now PLD To fulfill this ambition, the contract mandates that the selected bidder, which is now PLD Space, must design, construct, and conduct testing on an orbital launcher flight unit Space, must design, construct, and conduct testing on an orbital launcher flight unit by 2025. by 2025.

Airbus US Space and Defense has completed a deal with UTELSAT OneWeb to purchase 50% Airbus US Space and Defense has completed a deal with UTELSAT OneWeb to purchase 50% share of the Airbus OneWeb satellites, known as AOS, a joint venture. share of the Airbus OneWeb satellites, known as AOS, a joint venture.

With the deal complete, Airbus is now the sole owner of AOS and the satellite manufacturing With the deal complete, Airbus is now the sole owner of AOS and the satellite manufacturing facility in Merritt Island, Florida. facility in Merritt Island, Florida.

The new structure is expected to provide maximum efficiency and increased competitiveness The new structure is expected to provide maximum efficiency and increased competitiveness for commercial, institutional, and national security space customers. for commercial, institutional, and national security space customers.

The Merritt Island factory has been designed to accommodate the Arrow 450 production line The Merritt Island factory has been designed to accommodate the Arrow 450 production line and is starting an expansion project to meet increased demand for small satellites from and is starting an expansion project to meet increased demand for small satellites from commercial and government customers. commercial and government customers.

The company has raised $6 million in a seed extension round.

The company has raised $6 million in a seed extension round.

The new funding is in addition to the $2.5 million raised in 2023 to further the development The new funding is in addition to the $2.5 million raised in 2023 to further the development of software to automate operations of satellite constellations. of software to automate operations of satellite constellations.

Quindar says that they have validated most of their operations software with an existing Quindar says that they have validated most of their operations software with an existing in-space customer who is actively expanding their fleet. in-space customer who is actively expanding their fleet.

The company says that they have identified a critical market demand, the ability to operate The company says that they have identified a critical market demand, the ability to operate multiple satellite buses and payloads from a single platform. multiple satellite buses and payloads from a single platform.

Quindar is working with Kongsberg Satellite Services, also known as KSAT, to leverage Quindar is working with Kongsberg Satellite Services, also known as KSAT, to leverage the multi-million ops platform in support of KSAT's new Satellite Operations Business the multi-million ops platform in support of KSAT's new Satellite Operations Business Unit.

Unit.

KSAT provides a global ground network of antenna that can support missions in Leo, Mio, Geo, KSAT provides a global ground network of antenna that can support missions in Leo, Mio, Geo, and Pio, as well as lunar missions. and Pio, as well as lunar missions.

Rogue Space Systems has announced a strategic partnership with Forward Edge AI.

Rogue Space Systems has announced a strategic partnership with Forward Edge AI.

The collaboration involves incorporating Forward Edge AI's advanced Isidor Quantum encryption The collaboration involves incorporating Forward Edge AI's advanced Isidor Quantum encryption system into Rogue's upcoming space mission scheduled for 2025. system into Rogue's upcoming space mission scheduled for 2025.

And according to the press release, the integration of Isidor Quantum into Rogue's upcoming And according to the press release, the integration of Isidor Quantum into Rogue's upcoming space mission marks a critical step forward in ensuring secure communications in space. space mission marks a critical step forward in ensuring secure communications in space.

It's a move that promises to set new standards in encryption for space missions, offering It's a move that promises to set new standards in encryption for space missions, offering unparalleled security in a highly efficient form. unparalleled security in a highly efficient form.

A Falcon 9 just lifted off afternoon today on the East Coast, carrying the 20th Northrop A Falcon 9 just lifted off afternoon today on the East Coast, carrying the 20th Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station.

Grumman Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station.

It was the first time that a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft launched atop a spacecraft It was the first time that a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft launched atop a spacecraft Falcon 9 rocket.

Falcon 9 rocket.

The mission, contracted through NASA, launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral's The mission, contracted through NASA, launched from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral's Space Force Station in Florida.

Space Force Station in Florida.

So, what's heading up in that cargo resupply mission?

So, what's heading up in that cargo resupply mission?

The NG-20 mission is carrying more than 900 pounds of supplies, research, and technology The NG-20 mission is carrying more than 900 pounds of supplies, research, and technology demonstrations, a pair of robotic arms, a project to construct artificial retinas in demonstrations, a pair of robotic arms, a project to construct artificial retinas in space, and a new method of producing improved optical fibers are among more than 20 payloads space, and a new method of producing improved optical fibers are among more than 20 payloads sponsored by the International Space Station National Laboratory. sponsored by the International Space Station National Laboratory.

Over to the Space Mobility Conference happening as part of Space Week in Florida now, the Over to the Space Mobility Conference happening as part of Space Week in Florida now, the conference opened with a change of guard ceremony for Space Systems Command. conference opened with a change of guard ceremony for Space Systems Command.

General Michael Gutlein passed the torch to the new commander, Lieutenant General Philip General Michael Gutlein passed the torch to the new commander, Lieutenant General Philip Garant.

Garant.

Space Force Lieutenant General Philip A.

Garant was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant General Space Force Lieutenant General Philip A.

Garant was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant General with assignment as commander, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, with assignment as commander, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, in July last year. in July last year.

And for the latest from Space Week in Florida, here's Izzy House.

And for the latest from Space Week in Florida, here's Izzy House.

Hi, I'm sitting here with Lisa Dzeczki, that is the VP of SpaceCom.

Hi, I'm sitting here with Lisa Dzeczki, that is the VP of SpaceCom.

And can you tell us a little bit about what happened this morning?

And can you tell us a little bit about what happened this morning?

Sure, thank you Izzy.

Sure, thank you Izzy.

Again, I'm the vice president of the SpaceCom and Commercial Space Week.

Again, I'm the vice president of the SpaceCom and Commercial Space Week.

We kicked off the morning with the Space Mobility Conference, which we are super excited about.

We kicked off the morning with the Space Mobility Conference, which we are super excited about.

And it was a fantastic event.

And it was a fantastic event.

It's the second annual, it is co-sponsored by the United States Space Force and Space It's the second annual, it is co-sponsored by the United States Space Force and Space Systems Command.

Systems Command.

And Space Systems Command is here to fulfill solutions to their shared access to space mission, And Space Systems Command is here to fulfill solutions to their shared access to space mission, which we know is critical to all of our initiatives in space from a DOD perspective as well as which we know is critical to all of our initiatives in space from a DOD perspective as well as a commercial perspective as well. a commercial perspective as well.

It was a fantastic turnout.

It was a fantastic turnout.

The entire room was filled with standing room and the back as well.

The entire room was filled with standing room and the back as well.

I couldn't believe how, I mean, even the bonus seats that were available, it was all filled.

I couldn't believe how, I mean, even the bonus seats that were available, it was all filled.

Yes, and it was very impressive and really exceeded our already very high expectations.

Yes, and it was very impressive and really exceeded our already very high expectations.

And the Space Force of Equal is excited to be able to get in the same room with our commercial And the Space Force of Equal is excited to be able to get in the same room with our commercial partners and really source innovative solutions that are required by the force for all of partners and really source innovative solutions that are required by the force for all of our joint forces across the world and wherever our folks are stationed. our joint forces across the world and wherever our folks are stationed.

There was a lot of focus on readiness and commercial space and commercial working with Space Force There was a lot of focus on readiness and commercial space and commercial working with Space Force in order to be able to make it to where we are able to monitor lives. in order to be able to make it to where we are able to monitor lives.

Correct.

Correct.

Exactly.

Exactly.

It's important instead of reactionary.

It's important instead of reactionary.

And I don't want to speak on behalf of the Space Force, of course, but as the event organizers And I don't want to speak on behalf of the Space Force, of course, but as the event organizers with them, what's really interesting and unique about this conference is that we have set with them, what's really interesting and unique about this conference is that we have set up the panel in a way where the audience is encouraged to participate in live time. up the panel in a way where the audience is encouraged to participate in live time.

They submit questions from their phone that are presented up on screen so that there can They submit questions from their phone that are presented up on screen so that there can be a real dialogue among industry, other solution providers in the audience, and so that they be a real dialogue among industry, other solution providers in the audience, and so that they can have real conversations. can have real conversations.

It's not a script like every other event that you attend.

It's not a script like every other event that you attend.

So that's very unique in that nature.

So that's very unique in that nature.

If it's the Space Force and the Space Force's commands, you really want to walk away from If it's the Space Force and the Space Force's commands, you really want to walk away from this event with solutions and action plans should move forward. this event with solutions and action plans should move forward.

So what can we look forward to for the rest of the week?

So what can we look forward to for the rest of the week?

We have an exciting lineup for the rest of the week.

We have an exciting lineup for the rest of the week.

So yesterday we did kick it off with our Global Space Port Alliance annual meeting, and this So yesterday we did kick it off with our Global Space Port Alliance annual meeting, and this was the first time that it was actually open beyond members because the need for Space was the first time that it was actually open beyond members because the need for Space Force just continues to grow in such a massive way.

Force just continues to grow in such a massive way.

And then today we had the very defense focus.

And then today we had the very defense focus.

And how do we acquire the necessary solutions for our defense needs as a nation?

And how do we acquire the necessary solutions for our defense needs as a nation?

And then tomorrow and Thursday we have our SpaceCom program that we produced in collaboration And then tomorrow and Thursday we have our SpaceCom program that we produced in collaboration with the 50th Space Congress. with the 50th Space Congress.

This event is a little more focused on the commercial aspect of things and how we take This event is a little more focused on the commercial aspect of things and how we take off-planet technologies and apply them to bettering our planet, bettering humankind off-planet technologies and apply them to bettering our planet, bettering humankind and ensuring that our way of life is sustained, as well as, of course, our NASA exploration and ensuring that our way of life is sustained, as well as, of course, our NASA exploration initiative, and getting to the moon, getting to Mars, and beyond that. initiative, and getting to the moon, getting to Mars, and beyond that.

And all of the programming is aligned in ways that is relevant to your subject matter.

And all of the programming is aligned in ways that is relevant to your subject matter.

So if you're into the infrastructure and the building of the infrastructure, we have a So if you're into the infrastructure and the building of the infrastructure, we have a track-specific on that. track-specific on that.

We also have a track-specific to commerce as well.

We also have a track-specific to commerce as well.

Well, I am so excited to see Jose Fernandez.

Well, I am so excited to see Jose Fernandez.

So Jose Fernandez, an amazing person and human being, is a former NASA astronaut who applied So Jose Fernandez, an amazing person and human being, is a former NASA astronaut who applied to the NASA program 12 times before he was accepted. to the NASA program 12 times before he was accepted.

They were just a movie released about him, a film about his life and his journey, which They were just a movie released about him, a film about his life and his journey, which is truly remarkable and has done many, many amazing things contributing to the space industry. is truly remarkable and has done many, many amazing things contributing to the space industry.

He is now also the CEO of Tierra Luna Engineering, so he will help us kick off the morning along He is now also the CEO of Tierra Luna Engineering, so he will help us kick off the morning along with folks from all of the NASA centers. with folks from all of the NASA centers.

So how many are you expecting for SpaceCom?

So how many are you expecting for SpaceCom?

We are anticipating about 4,000 people in total throughout the week, though.

We are anticipating about 4,000 people in total throughout the week, though.

The way things are looking, we don't know where we'll end up, but we're hoping that The way things are looking, we don't know where we'll end up, but we're hoping that we'll be well over that 4,000 number. we'll be well over that 4,000 number.

We're very, very excited because it is our largest turnout to date, which just really We're very, very excited because it is our largest turnout to date, which just really shows that our missions are aligning and everyone is really coming together and realizing the shows that our missions are aligning and everyone is really coming together and realizing the importance of face-to-face interaction and collaboration so that we continue to be competitive importance of face-to-face interaction and collaboration so that we continue to be competitive and a leader in space. and a leader in space.

Thank you, Izzy.

Thank you, Izzy.

The first female astronaut from the United Arab Emirates is due to graduate from NASA's The first female astronaut from the United Arab Emirates is due to graduate from NASA's training program in March. training program in March.

Mechanical engineer Nora Al-Matrushi, her colleague Mohammed Al-Mola, and 11 American astronaut Mechanical engineer Nora Al-Matrushi, her colleague Mohammed Al-Mola, and 11 American astronaut candidates will graduate as part of the NASA astronaut class of 2023. candidates will graduate as part of the NASA astronaut class of 2023.

They will then become eligible for space missions, including to the International Space Station, They will then become eligible for space missions, including to the International Space Station, as well as any other future U.S.-led missions, such as trips to the moon planned under NASA's as well as any other future U.S.-led missions, such as trips to the moon planned under NASA's Artemis program.

Artemis program.

And that concludes our briefing for today.

And that concludes our briefing for today.

You'll find links to further reading in our show notes, along with a few extras that we You'll find links to further reading in our show notes, along with a few extras that we always include for you, and one's on how investment from the private sector is powering commercial always include for you, and one's on how investment from the private sector is powering commercial lunar payload services contracts. lunar payload services contracts.

And there's another on the past, present, and future of inflatable space habitats.

And there's another on the past, present, and future of inflatable space habitats.

Very cool.

Very cool.

And all these stories and more can be found by heading to our website, space.ntuk.com, And all these stories and more can be found by heading to our website, space.ntuk.com, and clicking on this episode title. and clicking on this episode title.

Hey, T-Minus Crew, if you're just joining us, be sure to follow T-Minus Space Daily in Hey, T-Minus Crew, if you're just joining us, be sure to follow T-Minus Space Daily in your favorite podcast app. your favorite podcast app.

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[MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] Our guest today is Yashas Karanam, Director of the LaTrix Aerospace.

Our guest today is Yashas Karanam, Director of the LaTrix Aerospace.

[MUSIC PLAYING] [MUSIC PLAYING] We are a nine-year-old startup mainly working on the satellite propulsion area and also We are a nine-year-old startup mainly working on the satellite propulsion area and also other technologies which aid in orbit mobility, right?

other technologies which aid in orbit mobility, right?

So that is the key focus, work on disruptive technologies for in orbit mobility.

So that is the key focus, work on disruptive technologies for in orbit mobility.

We are based in Bangalore in India, and our main focus is on four different kinds of propulsion We are based in Bangalore in India, and our main focus is on four different kinds of propulsion technologies that can cater to all kinds of satellite propulsion requirements. technologies that can cater to all kinds of satellite propulsion requirements.

So we start off with something that can address the needs of the nanosatellites and CubeSats So we start off with something that can address the needs of the nanosatellites and CubeSats and then go all the way up to geostationary satellites. and then go all the way up to geostationary satellites.

So we have a diverse portfolio of products addressing the smallest to the largest kind So we have a diverse portfolio of products addressing the smallest to the largest kind of satellites. of satellites.

And we are also working on orbital transfer vehicles over and above the propulsion system And we are also working on orbital transfer vehicles over and above the propulsion system tick offering, which can also help in deploying satellites to that last mine and also offer tick offering, which can also help in deploying satellites to that last mine and also offer posted payload services. posted payload services.

We have set up our own infrastructure.

We have set up our own infrastructure.

We have been supplying to the India Space Program, ISRO, and we have been supplying We have been supplying to the India Space Program, ISRO, and we have been supplying to them since 2016. to them since 2016.

So it's been quite a journey for us here as one of early entrepreneurs in India starting So it's been quite a journey for us here as one of early entrepreneurs in India starting off as one of the first private space tech companies to coming to the stage where I think off as one of the first private space tech companies to coming to the stage where I think now recently we had the space qualification and we also were able to test two innovative now recently we had the space qualification and we also were able to test two innovative products on a single launch. products on a single launch.

Thank you for that wonderful introduction and yes, your recent news about your space Thank you for that wonderful introduction and yes, your recent news about your space qualification was very exciting to see. qualification was very exciting to see.

Please tell me more about that.

Please tell me more about that.

Yeah, thanks.

Yeah, thanks.

So out of the four products that we have developed, I think all of them have been ground qualified So out of the four products that we have developed, I think all of them have been ground qualified and we were waiting for a suitable opportunity to space qualify them. and we were waiting for a suitable opportunity to space qualify them.

So we flew two of our systems.

So we flew two of our systems.

One was a high performance green propulsion system.

One was a high performance green propulsion system.

We call it the Rudra engine.

We call it the Rudra engine.

And this was a one Newton thruster chemical propulsion based on our own proprietary fuel, And this was a one Newton thruster chemical propulsion based on our own proprietary fuel, proprietary catalyst. proprietary catalyst.

And it was a brand new thruster trying to solve some of the problems with existing technologies.

And it was a brand new thruster trying to solve some of the problems with existing technologies.

So that was one thing that was tested.

So that was one thing that was tested.

And second, we also tested our own Hall effect thrusters.

And second, we also tested our own Hall effect thrusters.

And this was a 200 watt class Hall effect thruster that we actually tested out.

And this was a 200 watt class Hall effect thruster that we actually tested out.

So both these had a lot of unique elements and some of words first were also tested.

So both these had a lot of unique elements and some of words first were also tested.

For example, with the electric propulsion that we flew, it was called the RKA propulsion For example, with the electric propulsion that we flew, it was called the RKA propulsion system. system.

So this also featured the world's first heaterless hollow cathode on a Hall thruster in space.

So this also featured the world's first heaterless hollow cathode on a Hall thruster in space.

So there have been some experiments on this at the laboratory levels globally, but I think So there have been some experiments on this at the laboratory levels globally, but I think this was the first one to be flown in space and tested. this was the first one to be flown in space and tested.

So that kind of opens up a lot of possibilities for this technology.

So that kind of opens up a lot of possibilities for this technology.

Basically the main advantage of this heaterless hollow cathode is that the cathode does not Basically the main advantage of this heaterless hollow cathode is that the cathode does not require a heater as the name indicates. require a heater as the name indicates.

And that really increases the reliability of the system, reduces cost, reduces weight, And that really increases the reliability of the system, reduces cost, reduces weight, and then overall increases the lifespan for a thruster. and then overall increases the lifespan for a thruster.

So that is one of the things.

So that is one of the things.

Both components of the qualification are fantastic.

Both components of the qualification are fantastic.

The propulsion system has gotten a lot of press and I'm fascinated also.

The propulsion system has gotten a lot of press and I'm fascinated also.

Green propulsion system, please tell me more about that, what that means.

Green propulsion system, please tell me more about that, what that means.

So basically almost all satellites which have been launched till today have used chemical So basically almost all satellites which have been launched till today have used chemical propulsion that has been the norm and only in the last eight to 10 years, I think electric propulsion that has been the norm and only in the last eight to 10 years, I think electric propulsion is a picking up field in the satellite propulsion area. propulsion is a picking up field in the satellite propulsion area.

So if you look at chemical propulsion, predominantly there is a fuel called hydrazine which has So if you look at chemical propulsion, predominantly there is a fuel called hydrazine which has been used in almost all these missions. been used in almost all these missions.

But hydrazine comes with its own set of disadvantages despite being very reliable, very robust.

But hydrazine comes with its own set of disadvantages despite being very reliable, very robust.

So when you look at hydrazine systems, the main nightmare or the challenge comes in handling So when you look at hydrazine systems, the main nightmare or the challenge comes in handling the field because it's very toxic and carcinogenic. the field because it's very toxic and carcinogenic.

You can't hand it like any other chemical out there.

You can't hand it like any other chemical out there.

You need to produce hydrazine almost close to the launch site because transportation You need to produce hydrazine almost close to the launch site because transportation of hydrazine at larger quantities is real nightmare. of hydrazine at larger quantities is real nightmare.

It could be explosions, leakages which could be very dangerous for humans operating it.

It could be explosions, leakages which could be very dangerous for humans operating it.

And also for persons operating hydrazine in their plants and facilities, very cumbersome And also for persons operating hydrazine in their plants and facilities, very cumbersome activity and a very expensive activity to handle and produce hydrazine. activity and a very expensive activity to handle and produce hydrazine.

People go inside hydrazine production plants wearing suits called hazmat suits which literally People go inside hydrazine production plants wearing suits called hazmat suits which literally look like astronaut capsules with even oxygen cylinders on their backs. look like astronaut capsules with even oxygen cylinders on their backs.

So it's that hard and all those actually act to the overheads of handling these kinds of So it's that hard and all those actually act to the overheads of handling these kinds of fuels. fuels.

So we want to solve that.

So we want to solve that.

So we have developed our own proprietary fuel which is much safer.

So we have developed our own proprietary fuel which is much safer.

You can probably handle it with your hands here in a normal room or you don't require You can probably handle it with your hands here in a normal room or you don't require any specific safety considerations in mind. any specific safety considerations in mind.

So you can just work like you're working with any other kind of fuel.

So you can just work like you're working with any other kind of fuel.

Just the way you work with petroleum, for example.

Just the way you work with petroleum, for example.

So it's that safe and that really changes the paradigm because you can actually fill So it's that safe and that really changes the paradigm because you can actually fill in all the propellant at the satellite integration site or whenever you're seeing the propulsion in all the propellant at the satellite integration site or whenever you're seeing the propulsion system you can fill it with fuel and ship the entire propulsion system with fuel. system you can fill it with fuel and ship the entire propulsion system with fuel.

It's very easy to even air carry the entire system.

It's very easy to even air carry the entire system.

So that changes the way logistics for these chemical propulsion systems work.

So that changes the way logistics for these chemical propulsion systems work.

That's a theme I'm picking up with your technology that you're developing is there's a lot of That's a theme I'm picking up with your technology that you're developing is there's a lot of paradigm changes which is just fantastic to hear what you're innovating. paradigm changes which is just fantastic to hear what you're innovating.

That's just wonderful.

That's just wonderful.

Thank you.

Thank you.

So among green fuels there are also other options out there in the market.

So among green fuels there are also other options out there in the market.

So people use bi-propylene systems, green bi-propylene systems where two green gases So people use bi-propylene systems, green bi-propylene systems where two green gases are used and then when the two gases come in contact with each other there is a combustion are used and then when the two gases come in contact with each other there is a combustion line that gives you the thrust. line that gives you the thrust.

That is one of the systems and these are bi-propylene systems and then you come back to monopropylene That is one of the systems and these are bi-propylene systems and then you come back to monopropylene systems and within monopropylene systems also you have companies which offer hydrogen peroxide systems and within monopropylene systems also you have companies which offer hydrogen peroxide as a fuel. as a fuel.

But we were focused on trying to cater to a solution which is reliable, which gives you But we were focused on trying to cater to a solution which is reliable, which gives you a very long life. a very long life.

You need a propellant which is very stable over a long period of time.

You need a propellant which is very stable over a long period of time.

Hydrogen peroxide if you look at it, I think its vapor pressure is quite high and it's Hydrogen peroxide if you look at it, I think its vapor pressure is quite high and it's not feasible for missions which last very long. not feasible for missions which last very long.

If you look at the Russian crew modules, they are fueled with hydrogen peroxide but the If you look at the Russian crew modules, they are fueled with hydrogen peroxide but the lifetime of these missions is less than six months because you can't use hydrogen peroxide lifetime of these missions is less than six months because you can't use hydrogen peroxide on such missions for more than six months. on such missions for more than six months.

Whereas R fuel can be an effective replacement for that.

Whereas R fuel can be an effective replacement for that.

And if you also look at performance, so our systems are not only greener, it's not the And if you also look at performance, so our systems are not only greener, it's not the only the green incentive that you show to our customer to switch but there is also performance only the green incentive that you show to our customer to switch but there is also performance increment there. increment there.

So compared to our hydrogen system which gives you 200 to 210 seconds of specific impulse, So compared to our hydrogen system which gives you 200 to 210 seconds of specific impulse, our systems can go up to 30 to 250 seconds of specific impulse depending on the size our systems can go up to 30 to 250 seconds of specific impulse depending on the size and the way you operate your system. and the way you operate your system.

So that's a considerable improvement in performance for a system like this.

So that's a considerable improvement in performance for a system like this.

You have these innovative technologies.

You have these innovative technologies.

You've had the the poem three space qualification which just happened earlier this month.

You've had the the poem three space qualification which just happened earlier this month.

There must be a lot on your mind about potential applications are the next steps.

There must be a lot on your mind about potential applications are the next steps.

I would love to know what you all are planning.

I would love to know what you all are planning.

So I think we have been an Indian company so far.

So I think we have been an Indian company so far.

So we want to be a multinational company after this.

So we want to be a multinational company after this.

So we want to like also work with clients in Europe as well as US and try to look at So we want to like also work with clients in Europe as well as US and try to look at how our offering can actually come in and provide value to our customers. how our offering can actually come in and provide value to our customers.

Overall, as a company as Bellatrix, we are a little less known in the international circles.

Overall, as a company as Bellatrix, we are a little less known in the international circles.

Definitely known well within Indian circles because we have been supplying to Indian customers Definitely known well within Indian circles because we have been supplying to Indian customers here in the market. here in the market.

But I think the goal is big space industry is collaborative and then we believe some But I think the goal is big space industry is collaborative and then we believe some of our technologies can fit into some of the strategic missions and we are trying to build of our technologies can fit into some of the strategic missions and we are trying to build strong reliability into our systems. strong reliability into our systems.

So we follow almost all he's a qualified standard and we maintain strict quality control measures So we follow almost all he's a qualified standard and we maintain strict quality control measures within the company as well. within the company as well.

So our value proposition is three forts.

So our value proposition is three forts.

So first in terms of technology itself.

So first in terms of technology itself.

So we are offering a better technology because that was a new product and we built the product So we are offering a better technology because that was a new product and we built the product looking at all the shortcomings in the market, talking to a lot of potential customers who looking at all the shortcomings in the market, talking to a lot of potential customers who are already buying incumbent solutions and facing some issues with it. are already buying incumbent solutions and facing some issues with it.

So we have tried to address all of that with our technology and at the same time promise So we have tried to address all of that with our technology and at the same time promise a superior performance. a superior performance.

That is one.

That is one.

And second in terms of need times, we are able to significantly cut down the lead times And second in terms of need times, we are able to significantly cut down the lead times because we have like built all of this in-house. because we have like built all of this in-house.

There is a complete suit of IP that we have built in-house for all our products.

There is a complete suit of IP that we have built in-house for all our products.

So there are a lot of companies which buying all the sub components integrate them and then So there are a lot of companies which buying all the sub components integrate them and then build a complete propulsion system around it. build a complete propulsion system around it.

But our approach was very different.

But our approach was very different.

We wanted to build every element of the propulsion system in-house.

We wanted to build every element of the propulsion system in-house.

So that really helps us reduce the lead time from almost like upwards of 10 months to under So that really helps us reduce the lead time from almost like upwards of 10 months to under four months. four months.

That is the entire goal.

That is the entire goal.

And we not only just built the technologies, we also built the facilities which are required And we not only just built the technologies, we also built the facilities which are required for production of these at a larger scale. for production of these at a larger scale.

So we also have that infrastructure and facility chain with us in-house, which can help us So we also have that infrastructure and facility chain with us in-house, which can help us both manufacture and test these systems in-house. both manufacture and test these systems in-house.

So that is there.

So that is there.

And with all of that, we are able to also like the third vertical we are trying to focus And with all of that, we are able to also like the third vertical we are trying to focus is on the cost. is on the cost.

With all of this, we are able to reduce the cost.

With all of this, we are able to reduce the cost.

Yeah, so what kind of customers are you looking to support?

Yeah, so what kind of customers are you looking to support?

If someone's listening and goes, "That sounds like that's the solution for me," who are If someone's listening and goes, "That sounds like that's the solution for me," who are you looking for?

you looking for?

So anybody making a satellite, right?

So anybody making a satellite, right?

So we can work with that every satellite manufacturer, be it a government operator to maybe actual So we can work with that every satellite manufacturer, be it a government operator to maybe actual governments or even the satellite construction players. governments or even the satellite construction players.

And we also can be good partners for even university satellite missions and all of these.

And we also can be good partners for even university satellite missions and all of these.

[Music] [Music] We'll be right back.

We'll be right back.

[Music] [Music] Welcome back and an update for everyone as personally invested in the California Science Welcome back and an update for everyone as personally invested in the California Science Center's Air and Space Museum news as I am.

Center's Air and Space Museum news as I am.

The Space Shuttle Endeavour is now vertical and basically fully stacked again for the The Space Shuttle Endeavour is now vertical and basically fully stacked again for the first time since May 2011. first time since May 2011.

Much like my grandmother's living room furniture, the shuttle was fully wrapped in protective Much like my grandmother's living room furniture, the shuttle was fully wrapped in protective vinyl in advance of its big move. vinyl in advance of its big move.

And this was just to protect it from the elements and pollution.

And this was just to protect it from the elements and pollution.

No amount of shrink wrap is going to protect an orbiter from a big oopsie, like, I don't No amount of shrink wrap is going to protect an orbiter from a big oopsie, like, I don't know, dropping it. know, dropping it.

And so last night, Endeavour was hoisted to its new home at the Cal Science Air and Space And so last night, Endeavour was hoisted to its new home at the Cal Science Air and Space Museum after being on display horizontally at Cal Science for years.

Museum after being on display horizontally at Cal Science for years.

And just like with the real launch, the weather was always a concern.

And just like with the real launch, the weather was always a concern.

But last night's move actually started 30 minutes earlier than expected.

But last night's move actually started 30 minutes earlier than expected.

Real launches don't usually do that because the winds were so calm and the moving team Real launches don't usually do that because the winds were so calm and the moving team wanted to take advantage. wanted to take advantage.

It took two cranes, one of which was 450 feet tall, four excruciating hours to slowly, slowly It took two cranes, one of which was 450 feet tall, four excruciating hours to slowly, slowly lift the Endeavour 200 feet into the air and then rotate it and then lower it back down lift the Endeavour 200 feet into the air and then rotate it and then lower it back down again into its new home. again into its new home.

Stacked with a real shuttle fuel tank and two boosters already waiting for it.

Stacked with a real shuttle fuel tank and two boosters already waiting for it.

This was a surgical maneuver with an orbiter.

This was a surgical maneuver with an orbiter.

And at one point the rudder got within 20 feet of a platform, but thankfully all is And at one point the rudder got within 20 feet of a platform, but thankfully all is well. well.

My proverbial hat is off to the crane operators working this one.

My proverbial hat is off to the crane operators working this one.

I cannot even imagine how nerve-wracking that was.

I cannot even imagine how nerve-wracking that was.

Most high stakes claw game ever.

Most high stakes claw game ever.

So yes, as of the wee hours this morning in LA, it's official.

So yes, as of the wee hours this morning in LA, it's official.

Endeavour is in position in her final home and everything is looking good.

Endeavour is in position in her final home and everything is looking good.

Now the work begins to actually mate the orbiter to the fuel tank and remove the crane attachment Now the work begins to actually mate the orbiter to the fuel tank and remove the crane attachment from the orbiter. from the orbiter.

And then the shuttle will be freely standing on its own.

And then the shuttle will be freely standing on its own.

And then the work building the 20-story ocean center up and around it will take a few years.

And then the work building the 20-story ocean center up and around it will take a few years.

So it is off limits to the public for a good while.

So it is off limits to the public for a good while.

You'll have to wave hello to Endeavour as you drive past on the Harbor Freeway.

You'll have to wave hello to Endeavour as you drive past on the Harbor Freeway.

Visit for T-minus for January 30th, 2024.

Visit for T-minus for January 30th, 2024.

For additional resources from today's report, check out our show notes at space.ntuk.com.

For additional resources from today's report, check out our show notes at space.ntuk.com.

We're privileged that N2K and podcasts like T-minus are part of the daily routine of many We're privileged that N2K and podcasts like T-minus are part of the daily routine of many of the most influential leaders and operators in the public and private sector. of the most influential leaders and operators in the public and private sector.

From the Fortune 500 to many of the world's preeminent intelligence and law enforcement From the Fortune 500 to many of the world's preeminent intelligence and law enforcement agencies. agencies.

This episode was produced by Alice Carruth, mixing by Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester, This episode was produced by Alice Carruth, mixing by Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester, with original music and sound design by Elliot Peltzman. with original music and sound design by Elliot Peltzman.

Our executive producer is Jen Iban.

Our executive producer is Jen Iban.

Our VP is Brandon Karp.

Our VP is Brandon Karp.

And I'm Maria Varmazes.

And I'm Maria Varmazes.

Thanks for listening.

Thanks for listening.

We'll see you tomorrow.

We'll see you tomorrow.

[MUSIC] [MUSIC] T-minus.

T-minus.

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