The UK invests in future space innovation.

[MUSIC] [MUSIC] Every two years, the aerospace, aviation, and Every two years, the aerospace, aviation, and defense industries congregate at the Farnborough International Exhibition and defense industries congregate at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Center. Conference Center. Some come for what's sold as the world's best air show. Some come for what's sold as the world's best air show. Others head to the UK conference because it provides opportunities to build new Others head to the UK conference because it provides opportunities to build new connections, engage with thought leaders, and pioneer change. connections, engage with thought leaders, and pioneer change. All we know is that the T-minus team has major FOMO this week, All we know is that the T-minus team has major FOMO this week, and we are expecting a lot of announcements out of the UK and Europe all this week. and we are expecting a lot of announcements out of the UK and Europe all this week. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] Today is July 22nd, 2024. Today is July 22nd, 2024. I'm Maria Varmausis, and this is T-minus. I'm Maria Varmausis, and this is T-minus. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] The UK Space Agency announces a 33 million pound boost for The UK Space Agency announces a 33 million pound boost for national space programs. national space programs. ESA's Space Debris Office has published its annual Space Environment Report. ESA's Space Debris Office has published its annual Space Environment Report. Teluselenea Space to lead a demonstration of an in orbit capture and Teluselenea Space to lead a demonstration of an in orbit capture and inspection service. inspection service. And our guest today is David Vargas, And our guest today is David Vargas, founder of Astronavom. founder of Astronavom. David is focused on mentoring the next generation of aerospace employees from David is focused on mentoring the next generation of aerospace employees from Latin America, and he'll be sharing more details with us on that later in the show. Latin America, and he'll be sharing more details with us on that later in the show. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] Happy Monday everybody and a special hello to all of you. Happy Monday everybody and a special hello to all of you. Attending the Farnborough International Air Show in the UK. Attending the Farnborough International Air Show in the UK. It's from there that we kick off our top story today. It's from there that we kick off our top story today. The UK Space Agency has used the Farnborough Conference to announce a 33 The UK Space Agency has used the Farnborough Conference to announce a 33 million pound boost for national space programs. million pound boost for national space programs. Over 20 projects have been selected to receive the funding. Over 20 projects have been selected to receive the funding. Eight major projects will receive 24 million pounds of the total amount. Eight major projects will receive 24 million pounds of the total amount. These include funding for a suborbital rocket test by high impulse from These include funding for a suborbital rocket test by high impulse from Saxaverd Space Port in Shetland, support for Rolls Royce to develop Saxaverd Space Port in Shetland, support for Rolls Royce to develop microreactors to support space exploration, and backing for microreactors to support space exploration, and backing for Cambridge University spin out SuperSharp to develop and launch a heat Cambridge University spin out SuperSharp to develop and launch a heat detecting telescope to gather data that can be used to help tackle the climate detecting telescope to gather data that can be used to help tackle the climate crisis. crisis. The funding will also help support Lunasa to build and The funding will also help support Lunasa to build and test technology to help satellites safely dock with one another. test technology to help satellites safely dock with one another. Orbit Fab to develop a solution for satellite refueling and Orbit Fab to develop a solution for satellite refueling and Wayland Additive to develop an electronic propulsion system. Wayland Additive to develop an electronic propulsion system. A project led by Spire Global will further develop technology to supply A project led by Spire Global will further develop technology to supply unique weather forecasting data to global weather prediction centers, unique weather forecasting data to global weather prediction centers, while ETL systems will advance revolutionary ground equipment that while ETL systems will advance revolutionary ground equipment that links satellites to 5G and 6G mobile networks improving connectivity. links satellites to 5G and 6G mobile networks improving connectivity. An additional 15 Kickstarter projects will receive An additional 15 Kickstarter projects will receive 29 million pounds between them, and these will support technologies and 29 million pounds between them, and these will support technologies and applications that are in an earlier stage of development and increase applications that are in an earlier stage of development and increase their readiness for use in commercial and scientific endeavors. their readiness for use in commercial and scientific endeavors. And staying in the UK, Scottish based Orbex has just opened a new office in And staying in the UK, Scottish based Orbex has just opened a new office in London. London. The company is aiming to produce the UK's first ever vertical launch The company is aiming to produce the UK's first ever vertical launch commercial space rocket, which is scheduled for launch as soon as next commercial space rocket, which is scheduled for launch as soon as next year. year. Its 19 meter long two stage rocket named Prime will carry small Its 19 meter long two stage rocket named Prime will carry small satellites into low earth orbit powered by a renewable biofuel. satellites into low earth orbit powered by a renewable biofuel. Orbex recently closed a series C raise of nearly 17 million pounds, Orbex recently closed a series C raise of nearly 17 million pounds, bringing the total raised by the company to 102 million pounds to date. bringing the total raised by the company to 102 million pounds to date. The European Space Agency's Space Debris Office has published its annual The European Space Agency's Space Debris Office has published its annual Space Environment Report. Space Environment Report. The paper aims to provide a transparent overview of global space The paper aims to provide a transparent overview of global space activities and determine how well these and other international debris activities and determine how well these and other international debris reduction measures are improving the long term sustainability of space reduction measures are improving the long term sustainability of space flight. flight. The report notes that the amount of space debris in orbit continues to rise The report notes that the amount of space debris in orbit continues to rise quickly. quickly. Some 35,000 objects are now tracked by space surveillance networks, Some 35,000 objects are now tracked by space surveillance networks, and about 9,100 of these are active payloads. and about 9,100 of these are active payloads. The other 26,000 are pieces of debris that are larger than 10 centimeters The other 26,000 are pieces of debris that are larger than 10 centimeters in size. in size. The report goes on to warn that the actual number of space debris objects The report goes on to warn that the actual number of space debris objects larger than one centimeter in size, which is large enough to be capable of larger than one centimeter in size, which is large enough to be capable of causing catastrophic damage to be clear, is over one million. causing catastrophic damage to be clear, is over one million. Not the happy news we like to start the week on, but we are sure it comes as no Not the happy news we like to start the week on, but we are sure it comes as no surprise to those of us working in the industry. surprise to those of us working in the industry. Let's do better, everybody. Let's do better, everybody. The French Space Agency CNES and BPI France have selected a Telus The French Space Agency CNES and BPI France have selected a Telus Alignia space-led consortium, along with the Magellium Artel Group, to Alignia space-led consortium, along with the Magellium Artel Group, to demonstrate an in-orbit capture and inspection service. demonstrate an in-orbit capture and inspection service. It's part of a program named DIAN, which stands for It's part of a program named DIAN, which stands for DEMONSTRATION d'Inspection et Amarage Novatris Embarqué. DEMONSTRATION d'Inspection et Amarage Novatris Embarqué. You're welcome. You're welcome. The project is part of the France 2030 National Investment Plan. The project is part of the France 2030 National Investment Plan. The contract includes the demonstration of in-orbit European The contract includes the demonstration of in-orbit European robotic orbital support services satellites, or EROS, to show the robotic orbital support services satellites, or EROS, to show the feasibility of orbital rendezvous and capture operations. feasibility of orbital rendezvous and capture operations. They also plan to inspect non-collaborative satellites in low-Earth orbit. They also plan to inspect non-collaborative satellites in low-Earth orbit. Separately, Telus announced an award on July 19th for another France 2030 Separately, Telus announced an award on July 19th for another France 2030 project called CARB CHASER to develop a constellation of satellites for project called CARB CHASER to develop a constellation of satellites for high-resolution detection of CO2 emissions. high-resolution detection of CO2 emissions. CARB is in carbon, not carbohydrates. CARB is in carbon, not carbohydrates. EGEOS, a joint venture between Telespacio and ASI, has been selected to EGEOS, a joint venture between Telespacio and ASI, has been selected to lead an international consortium named Original, yes that is its name, to lead an international consortium named Original, yes that is its name, to supply space-based data services to the European Environmental Agency. supply space-based data services to the European Environmental Agency. Original stands for Operational Ground Motion INSAR Alliance, on that Original stands for Operational Ground Motion INSAR Alliance, on that acronym, y'all. acronym, y'all. And it will manage end-to-end implementation and operation of the European And it will manage end-to-end implementation and operation of the European Ground Motion Service. Ground Motion Service. The European Ground Motion Service, or EGMS, is a framework agreement The European Ground Motion Service, or EGMS, is a framework agreement of the European Environment Agency, established under the Copernicus Land of the European Environment Agency, established under the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service to detect and measure ground movements across Europe with Monitoring Service to detect and measure ground movements across Europe with millimeter precision. millimeter precision. The consortium will provide data to allow the monitoring of the structural The consortium will provide data to allow the monitoring of the structural integrity of dams, bridges, railways, and buildings, enabling urban planners to integrity of dams, bridges, railways, and buildings, enabling urban planners to make data-driven decisions about infrastructure developments and make data-driven decisions about infrastructure developments and providing useful information for the study of climate change impacts in providing useful information for the study of climate change impacts in urban areas. urban areas. China launched the Gaofeng 1105 satellite on board a Long March 4B China launched the Gaofeng 1105 satellite on board a Long March 4B carrier rocket last week. carrier rocket last week. China says the new Earth observation satellite will collect data for China says the new Earth observation satellite will collect data for civilian and military purposes, serving national defense, and act as a civilian and military purposes, serving national defense, and act as a versatile tool for land surveys, urban planning, land ownership verification, versatile tool for land surveys, urban planning, land ownership verification, road network design, crop yield prediction, and even disaster prevention road network design, crop yield prediction, and even disaster prevention and mitigation. and mitigation. The US House and Senate are back in session. The US House and Senate are back in session. The House Appropriations Committee has already completed work on all their The House Appropriations Committee has already completed work on all their bills and five have been considered on the floor. bills and five have been considered on the floor. The Commerce Justice Science Bill that funds NASA and NOAA, and the The Commerce Justice Science Bill that funds NASA and NOAA, and the Transportation HUD Bill that funds the FAA, and its Office of Commercial Transportation HUD Bill that funds the FAA, and its Office of Commercial Space Transportation, are all expected to come up next week. Space Transportation, are all expected to come up next week. GE Aerospace and Kratos use the Farnborough Air Show to announce their GE Aerospace and Kratos use the Farnborough Air Show to announce their new Memorandum of Understanding to partner on the development and new Memorandum of Understanding to partner on the development and production of small affordable engines that could potentially power unmanned production of small affordable engines that could potentially power unmanned aerial systems in similar applications. aerial systems in similar applications. The partnership builds on an existing joint development agreement and The partnership builds on an existing joint development agreement and includes full-scale engine production. includes full-scale engine production. The US Air Force has awarded Capella Space a nearly $15 million contract to The US Air Force has awarded Capella Space a nearly $15 million contract to provide synthetic aperture radar satellite systems capabilities. provide synthetic aperture radar satellite systems capabilities. The company will also integrate the system into the Air Force Research The company will also integrate the system into the Air Force Research Laboratory's global unification environment. Laboratory's global unification environment. This acquisition is the result of a competitive selection for a small This acquisition is the result of a competitive selection for a small business innovation research sequential phase two strategic funding business innovation research sequential phase two strategic funding increase contract award, say that five times fast. increase contract award, say that five times fast. Work will be performed at Kirkland Air Force Base in New Mexico and is Work will be performed at Kirkland Air Force Base in New Mexico and is expected to be completed by December 2026. expected to be completed by December 2026. Astrobotic reached some major milestones last week in their mission to Astrobotic reached some major milestones last week in their mission to create power infrastructure on the moon. create power infrastructure on the moon. It came closer to its goal by successfully demonstrating power transfer It came closer to its goal by successfully demonstrating power transfer with an ultralight cable designed specifically for lunar applications. with an ultralight cable designed specifically for lunar applications. The team successfully transmitted one kilowatt of alternating current power The team successfully transmitted one kilowatt of alternating current power through 1,000 feet of ultralight cable. through 1,000 feet of ultralight cable. These early lab tests from Astrobotic showed that the cable can These early lab tests from Astrobotic showed that the cable can throughput one kilowatt of real power at the desired transmission voltage throughput one kilowatt of real power at the desired transmission voltage and frequency. and frequency. And that is it for today. And that is it for today. This Monday's roundup of Intel just for you. This Monday's roundup of Intel just for you. Head to the selected reading section of our show notes to find links to Head to the selected reading section of our show notes to find links to further reading on all of the stories that we've mentioned. further reading on all of the stories that we've mentioned. And we've also included a link to AIAA's ascend diverse dozen op-eds on And we've also included a link to AIAA's ascend diverse dozen op-eds on space sustainability and environmentalism. space sustainability and environmentalism. And also there's a notice of a rebrand for the investment group Acorn. And also there's a notice of a rebrand for the investment group Acorn. All this and more in the show notes and at space.ntuk.com. All this and more in the show notes and at space.ntuk.com. Hey T-minus crew, every Monday we produce a written intelligence roundup Hey T-minus crew, every Monday we produce a written intelligence roundup and it is called Signals and Space. and it is called Signals and Space. So if you happen to miss any T-minus episodes and we get it, it happens. So if you happen to miss any T-minus episodes and we get it, it happens. This strategic intelligence product will get you up to speed in the fastest This strategic intelligence product will get you up to speed in the fastest way possible. way possible. It is all signal, no noise. It is all signal, no noise. And you can sign up for Signals and Space in our show notes or as always And you can sign up for Signals and Space in our show notes or as always at space.ntuk.com. at space.ntuk.com. Our guest today is David Vargas, founder of Astronavum. Our guest today is David Vargas, founder of Astronavum. And I asked David to tell us more about his background and his mentorship group. And I asked David to tell us more about his background and his mentorship group. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I have a passion for the aerospace industry, Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I have a passion for the aerospace industry, specifically the space part of that word. specifically the space part of that word. I had a what I want to be when I grow up project back in I think sixth grade. I had a what I want to be when I grow up project back in I think sixth grade. And I got together with my mom in the one and only laptop that we had in our And I got together with my mom in the one and only laptop that we had in our house at the time. house at the time. And after her mom, I love Legos, I love drawing, and I love space. And after her mom, I love Legos, I love drawing, and I love space. She put those things into Google and long story short, Aerospace Engineer She put those things into Google and long story short, Aerospace Engineer was what popped out. was what popped out. And I was very, very excited when I read the descriptions of what Aerospace And I was very, very excited when I read the descriptions of what Aerospace Engineers do. Engineers do. I had my little brochure ready for the project. I had my little brochure ready for the project. And little did my mom know that that moment when I was sitting on her lap And little did my mom know that that moment when I was sitting on her lap looking at that laptop and reading what that was, looking at that laptop and reading what that was, that 14 years later, my entire career path after that sixth grade moment would that 14 years later, my entire career path after that sixth grade moment would lead to this. lead to this. I am currently a space vehicle systems engineer. I am currently a space vehicle systems engineer. I work at a satellite factory, design develop and deploy spacecraft for I work at a satellite factory, design develop and deploy spacecraft for various customers, including the DoD, which is the site I'm on. various customers, including the DoD, which is the site I'm on. Now that I'm working full time as a spacecraft systems engineer, Now that I'm working full time as a spacecraft systems engineer, I realized I don't want other minorities and underrepresented groups to I realized I don't want other minorities and underrepresented groups to feel the way I felt coming into this. feel the way I felt coming into this. I had to be hyperconcredited. I had to be hyperconcredited. I had to do all the extracurriculars. I had to do all the extracurriculars. I had to really put myself out there to be able to compete with universities I had to really put myself out there to be able to compete with universities in the States because I was studying engineering in a little island, in the States because I was studying engineering in a little island, which most Americans don't even know where it is on the map, right? which most Americans don't even know where it is on the map, right? Many Americans don't realize a lot of things about Puerto Rico. Many Americans don't realize a lot of things about Puerto Rico. It's true. It's true. Yes. Yes. That's sort of where I come from, right? That's sort of where I come from, right? And because of that passion, because of those hardships I experienced, And because of that passion, because of those hardships I experienced, I wanted to do something to give back and to help people that I know might be I wanted to do something to give back and to help people that I know might be going through my same situation. going through my same situation. So I founded a nonprofit organization called Astronavum. So I founded a nonprofit organization called Astronavum. Basically what we do is at rock bottom prices because we're not looking Basically what we do is at rock bottom prices because we're not looking for profit, of course. for profit, of course. We offer career development services, i.e. resume reviews, LinkedIn profile reviews. We offer career development services, i.e. resume reviews, LinkedIn profile reviews. We help you prep for interviews. We help you prep for interviews. We give you career counseling, help you set up a career roadmap and stuff like that, We give you career counseling, help you set up a career roadmap and stuff like that, which most college campuses in the United States have departments for this, which most college campuses in the United States have departments for this, but they're not as intimately aware of what's going on in the industry, but they're not as intimately aware of what's going on in the industry, specifically the aerospace industry, to be able to provide personalized specifically the aerospace industry, to be able to provide personalized from industry guidance for students, right? from industry guidance for students, right? So that's what we do. So that's what we do. We offer these services tailored towards the aerospace industry. We offer these services tailored towards the aerospace industry. And I am very happy to say that a lot of our members are from Puerto Rico or And I am very happy to say that a lot of our members are from Puerto Rico or Latin American descent, and they've absolutely loved what we do. Latin American descent, and they've absolutely loved what we do. Some people call it a godsend. Some people call it a godsend. Others say that I've gone to my college's career development center Others say that I've gone to my college's career development center and they're just spewing out 500 resumes a day, copy-paste. and they're just spewing out 500 resumes a day, copy-paste. They're not there to really help me shine or outdo my competition. They're not there to really help me shine or outdo my competition. But at Astronavum, they felt that personal touch to career development, But at Astronavum, they felt that personal touch to career development, which I feel is very important, especially with this generation and the ones that come after me which I feel is very important, especially with this generation and the ones that come after me that are facing such a hard job market and a very competitive job market, right? that are facing such a hard job market and a very competitive job market, right? My parents and their parents were born with the idea that if you got a bachelor's degree, My parents and their parents were born with the idea that if you got a bachelor's degree, you automatically had a job after college guaranteed. you automatically had a job after college guaranteed. Unfortunately, that isn't the case anymore. Unfortunately, that isn't the case anymore. I really appreciate what you're doing because, especially in engineering, I really appreciate what you're doing because, especially in engineering, but also specifically within these fields, within engineering, but also specifically within these fields, within engineering, there is a lot of not just institutional knowledge that is very insider-y, there is a lot of not just institutional knowledge that is very insider-y, but there's also a cultural aspect where people are like, but there's also a cultural aspect where people are like, "Oh, everybody." It's just these unsaid things that everybody knows. "Oh, everybody." It's just these unsaid things that everybody knows. When you come in from the outside, a lot of us students, When you come in from the outside, a lot of us students, not everybody knows this stuff. This is not all understood. not everybody knows this stuff. This is not all understood. If you don't have a mentor like yourself who is in the industry, If you don't have a mentor like yourself who is in the industry, who understands these things as you're in it, who understands these things as you're in it, you are really feeling around in the dark. you are really feeling around in the dark. It is beyond intimidating. It is beyond intimidating. It's a very frustrating thing too because, for all you know, It's a very frustrating thing too because, for all you know, you're sending out the wrong signals about your competence, you're sending out the wrong signals about your competence, and you can be the best person for the job, and you can be the best person for the job, but you just don't know the right, basically, but you just don't know the right, basically, almost like a code word sometimes. almost like a code word sometimes. It's a really frustrating place to be. It's a really frustrating place to be. There are just so many different levels to that truly, There are just so many different levels to that truly, but I just love that you are giving back and offering your expertise in this way but I just love that you are giving back and offering your expertise in this way because it's hard to break into this industry, because it's hard to break into this industry, especially if you're trying to get into it sort of new. especially if you're trying to get into it sort of new. 100%, I resonate a lot with what you said about 100%, I resonate a lot with what you said about possibly having the right skills, having the right experience, possibly having the right skills, having the right experience, but not truly portraying yourself in the right manner. but not truly portraying yourself in the right manner. And universities in the States prepare very, very well their young professionals. And universities in the States prepare very, very well their young professionals. I know so many aerospace engineer students, mechanical engineer students, I know so many aerospace engineer students, mechanical engineer students, biology students, STEM students in general, biology students, STEM students in general, and even from the arts that have the skills and have the knowledge and even from the arts that have the skills and have the knowledge to really succeed in these roles, to really succeed in these roles, but universities don't teach them the other side of the coin, but universities don't teach them the other side of the coin, which is how to project yourself appropriately, which is how to project yourself appropriately, how to prepare a good professional resume, how to prepare a good professional resume, how to really put yourself out there in the correct manner. how to really put yourself out there in the correct manner. And that's where many students have shortfalls, And that's where many students have shortfalls, and that's what we're trying to tackle, and that's what we're trying to tackle, and that's the gap we're trying to bridge and that's the gap we're trying to bridge because to any student listening to me out there, because to any student listening to me out there, and I tell my mentees this, you have what it takes. and I tell my mentees this, you have what it takes. The four-year degree, the five years you spend in college are not a waste of time. The four-year degree, the five years you spend in college are not a waste of time. You are prepared. You are prepared. You just need to be able to project that and show that in a particular way, right? You just need to be able to project that and show that in a particular way, right? That's what I'm hoping to do and what I'm currently doing with the members we have. That's what I'm hoping to do and what I'm currently doing with the members we have. I've talked to a number of students in this situation I've talked to a number of students in this situation that you're sort of mentioning where they're looking at graduation in a few years, that you're sort of mentioning where they're looking at graduation in a few years, or they're coming up on it fast, or they're coming up on it fast, and it's that sort of tension between, and it's that sort of tension between, "I need to get a job at a prime," versus the risk of a startup, "I need to get a job at a prime," versus the risk of a startup, where like cool stuff is happening at a startup, but startups are risky. where like cool stuff is happening at a startup, but startups are risky. I mean, that is obviously a very personal decision people have to make, I mean, that is obviously a very personal decision people have to make, but I mean, this was not really a tension that existed a couple of decades ago. but I mean, this was not really a tension that existed a couple of decades ago. So like a lot of the older mentors out there, no offense to older people, won't understand. So like a lot of the older mentors out there, no offense to older people, won't understand. So like, what do you tell students who are facing that tension? So like, what do you tell students who are facing that tension? Because that is an interesting challenge to have. Because that is an interesting challenge to have. Great question, Maria. Great question, Maria. And it's true, you know, ten years ago, I was, wasn't even in college ten years ago, And it's true, you know, ten years ago, I was, wasn't even in college ten years ago, the ones who ruled the industry were the primes, right? the ones who ruled the industry were the primes, right? And stuff like SpaceX and Blue Origin were just starting to hop off the cradle, And stuff like SpaceX and Blue Origin were just starting to hop off the cradle, and so many others are now hopping off the cradle as well. and so many others are now hopping off the cradle as well. To students and to other professionals out there, I say, To students and to other professionals out there, I say, if you like a very fast-paced and dynamic environment, if you like a very fast-paced and dynamic environment, because let's be clear about this at a startup, because let's be clear about this at a startup, you are developing either a new technology or a new way to do something, you are developing either a new technology or a new way to do something, and it is very, very hard. and it is very, very hard. If you are a person that likes challenges and to be hyper technical and hyper competitive, If you are a person that likes challenges and to be hyper technical and hyper competitive, a startup environment might be the place for you. a startup environment might be the place for you. If you are content with what you did in college, If you are content with what you did in college, and you might not want to feel the pressure of having a whole company's future on your back, and you might not want to feel the pressure of having a whole company's future on your back, then going for more stable, medium to large aerospace companies then going for more stable, medium to large aerospace companies that have been in the game for a while is the choice for you. that have been in the game for a while is the choice for you. Now, there are pros and cons to choosing a prime versus a startup. Now, there are pros and cons to choosing a prime versus a startup. Pros for a startup is that you're going to be on the tippy edge of technology. Pros for a startup is that you're going to be on the tippy edge of technology. You're going to be there with the innovators, with the thinkers, You're going to be there with the innovators, with the thinkers, with the persons who are disrupting the industry, with the persons who are disrupting the industry, not to say that primes don't have their own research and development branches, not to say that primes don't have their own research and development branches, and that they also are on the cutting edge. and that they also are on the cutting edge. But at a startup, that is the fuel and the heart of the company, But at a startup, that is the fuel and the heart of the company, being there at the forefront, breaking through with this new technology, being there at the forefront, breaking through with this new technology, with this new rocket, with this new landing approach, with this new rover. with this new rocket, with this new landing approach, with this new rover. That's what startups are all about. That's what startups are all about. And if you want to be there, that's where you should go. And if you want to be there, that's where you should go. For college students, I will say startups are looking for very, very, very talented individuals, For college students, I will say startups are looking for very, very, very talented individuals, because they depend on you to propel the company forward. because they depend on you to propel the company forward. Okay? Okay? So getting into a startup as an entry-level employee straight out of college So getting into a startup as an entry-level employee straight out of college is a lot more difficult than entering a prime. is a lot more difficult than entering a prime. A prime knows you have the degree, you have the knowledge, A prime knows you have the degree, you have the knowledge, but they have the time and the resources to train you. but they have the time and the resources to train you. A startup, a lot of the times, might not have the time or the resources A startup, a lot of the times, might not have the time or the resources because they're dedicating time and resource to developing that technology because they're dedicating time and resource to developing that technology or that approach or that whatever it is their business model is at the moment. or that approach or that whatever it is their business model is at the moment. So do keep that in mind. So do keep that in mind. That's so valuable. That's so valuable. It's exactly it. It's exactly it. The tension between startup and prime is, I don't want to set it up as a false dichotomy, The tension between startup and prime is, I don't want to set it up as a false dichotomy, because certainly it's not like you have to do one or the other for your whole career. because certainly it's not like you have to do one or the other for your whole career. You can switch between the two, depending on where you are in life You can switch between the two, depending on where you are in life and your appetite for risk. and your appetite for risk. And people do it all the time and it's just like, And people do it all the time and it's just like, students have a really interesting path ahead of them, students have a really interesting path ahead of them, especially when they're trying to figure out the next step. especially when they're trying to figure out the next step. Is there anything else you want to leave our audiences with before we say goodbye? Is there anything else you want to leave our audiences with before we say goodbye? For sure. For sure. To any student or mid to entry level professional out there that could be listening to this To any student or mid to entry level professional out there that could be listening to this and you have a passion for the aerospace industry and you have a passion for the aerospace industry and this is where you are or want to stay or want to be in. and this is where you are or want to stay or want to be in. The 21st century has the resources for you to stay, The 21st century has the resources for you to stay, to enter and to excel in this industry. to enter and to excel in this industry. Now more than ever, reach out. Now more than ever, reach out. We want to help. We want to help. You aren't alone. You aren't alone. Your career path and development doesn't have to be something that you walk alone. Your career path and development doesn't have to be something that you walk alone. I wish you the very best to whoever can be hearing this I wish you the very best to whoever can be hearing this and I'm pretty sure you're going to have a very successful career. and I'm pretty sure you're going to have a very successful career. So keep your head on high and keep grinding like you're doing. So keep your head on high and keep grinding like you're doing. I expect great things from you. I expect great things from you. [Music] [Music] We'll be right back. We'll be right back. [Music] [Music] Welcome back. Welcome back. We love that there's new discoveries in space every day. We love that there's new discoveries in space every day. Keeps things exciting, right? Keeps things exciting, right? Take the rovers on Mars that continue to find new things on our neighboring planet. Take the rovers on Mars that continue to find new things on our neighboring planet. And the latest is a pile of yellowish green crystals. And the latest is a pile of yellowish green crystals. Yes, Curiosity found rocks made of pure sulfur after driving over a rock and cracking it open Yes, Curiosity found rocks made of pure sulfur after driving over a rock and cracking it open and finding that the crystals have not yet been spotted on the red planet before. and finding that the crystals have not yet been spotted on the red planet before. The unearthing or perhaps we should call it the unmarzing has been described by scientists at JPL The unearthing or perhaps we should call it the unmarzing has been described by scientists at JPL as quote "the strangest find of the whole mission." as quote "the strangest find of the whole mission." That is quite a high bar, I gotta say. That is quite a high bar, I gotta say. Curiosity has been exploring the Gettys-Vallis Channel since 2014. Curiosity has been exploring the Gettys-Vallis Channel since 2014. It's a winding groove that appears to have been created 3 billion years ago It's a winding groove that appears to have been created 3 billion years ago by a mix of flowing water and debris. by a mix of flowing water and debris. Some of Curiosity's discoveries such as lakes that lasted millions of years Some of Curiosity's discoveries such as lakes that lasted millions of years and the presence of organic materials have played into the rover's ultimate mission goal and the presence of organic materials have played into the rover's ultimate mission goal trying to determine whether or not Mars hosted habitable environments for life. trying to determine whether or not Mars hosted habitable environments for life. Now, scientists are on a mission to figure out what the presence of pure sulfur on Mars means Now, scientists are on a mission to figure out what the presence of pure sulfur on Mars means and what it possibly says about the red planet's history. and what it possibly says about the red planet's history. Personally, I think it means that the Gettys-Vallis Channel probably smells really, really bad. Personally, I think it means that the Gettys-Vallis Channel probably smells really, really bad. Let's hope that it remains odorless in its crystal form, Let's hope that it remains odorless in its crystal form, but also, thank goodness none of these pictures are smell-o-vision. but also, thank goodness none of these pictures are smell-o-vision. [Music] [Music] And that is it for T-Minus for July 22nd, 2024, brought to you by N2K CyberWire. And that is it for T-Minus for July 22nd, 2024, brought to you by N2K CyberWire. For additional resources from today's report, check out our show notes at space.n2k.com. For additional resources from today's report, check out our show notes at space.n2k.com. We'd love to know what you think of this podcast. We'd love to know what you think of this podcast. Your feedback ensures we deliver the insights that keep you a step ahead Your feedback ensures we deliver the insights that keep you a step ahead in the rapidly changing space industry. in the rapidly changing space industry. And if you like the show, and we really hope you do, And if you like the show, and we really hope you do, please share a rating and short review in your favorite podcast app. please share a rating and short review in your favorite podcast app. Also, please fill out the survey in the show notes or send us an email to space@n2k.com. Also, please fill out the survey in the show notes or send us an email to space@n2k.com. We're privileged that N2K CyberWire is part of the daily routine We're privileged that N2K CyberWire is part of the daily routine 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 agencies. From the Fortune 500 to many of the world's preeminent intelligence and law enforcement agencies. N2K makes it easy for companies to optimize your biggest investment, your people. N2K makes it easy for companies to optimize your biggest investment, your people. We make you smarter about your teams while making your teams smarter. We make you smarter about your teams while making your teams smarter. Learn how at N2K.com. Learn how at N2K.com. This episode was produced by Alice Carouse, our associate producer is Liz Stokes. This episode was produced by Alice Carruth, our associate producer is Liz Stokes. We are mixed by Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester, with original music by Elliot Peltzman. We are mixed by Elliot Peltzman and Trey Hester, with original music by Elliot Peltzman. Our executive producer is Jennifer Iben. Our executive producer is Jennifer Eiben. Our executive editor is Brandon Karpf. Our executive editor is Brandon Karpf. Simone Petrella is our president. Peter Kilby is our publisher. Peter Kilby is our publisher. And I am your host, Maria Varmasas. And I am your host, Maria Varmasas. Thank you for listening. Thank you for listening. Happy Monday, and we will see you tomorrow. Happy Monday, and we will see you tomorrow. [Music] [Music] [Music] [Music] [MUSIC] [MUSIC]