Two members of the Astrobotic team join me for a conversation: Laura Klicker, Payload Systems Management Lead, and Daniel Gillies, Mission Director for the Griffin/VIPER mission. We talk about Astrobotic’s first Peregrine mission coming up next year, the very exciting VIPER mission to the south pole of the Moon in 2023, payload management across multiple flights, the technical aspects of their various vehicles, and a whole lot more.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and seven anonymous—and 397 other supporters.TopicsAstroboticCareers | AstroboticPeregrine Lander | AstroboticGriffin Lander | AstroboticAstrobotic Awarded $79.5 Million Contract to Deliver 14 NASA Payloads to the Moon | AstroboticAstrobotic Awarded $5.6 Million NASA Contract to Deliver Autonomous Moon Rover | AstroboticAstrobotic Awarded $199.5 Million Contract to Deliver NASA Moon Rover | AstroboticAstrobotic to Develop New Commercial Payload Service for NASA’s Human Landing System | AstroboticThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

Main Engine Cut Off

T+166: Laura Klicker and Daniel Gillies, Astrobotic

Caleb Henry of SpaceNews returns to the show to talk about the OneWeb acquisition and related fallout, Starlink antennas, the ongoing C-band drama including the satellite-buying bonanza, and he helps us understand the FCC-GPS-Ligado situation.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and seven anonymous—and 397 other supporters.TopicsCaleb Henry, SpaceNewsCaleb Henry (@CHenry_SN) / TwitterBritish government and Bharti Global buy OneWeb, plan $1 billion investment to revive company - SpaceNewsBritish military finalizes Skynet-6A contract with Airbus - SpaceNewsWyler claims breakthrough in low-cost antenna for OneWeb, other satellite systems - SpaceNewsNew details and images emerge of SpaceX’s Starlink user antennas and planned beta testing - The VergeSatellite Bonanza: Ten GEO Satellites Ordered in Prep for C-Band Clearing, More Coming - Main Engine Cut OffIntelsat orders four satellites from Maxar, two from Northrop Grumman, for C-band clearing - SpaceNewsBoeing, Northrop Grumman win SES C-band satellite orders - SpaceNewsSES files $1.8 billion claim against Intelsat over splitting C-Band Alliance - SpaceNewsCoalition of GPS user groups joins fight against FCC’s Ligado decision - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+165: Caleb Henry on the OneWeb Acquisition, Starlink Antennas, C-Band Drama, and More

To start, there’s exciting news! My son is due at the end of August, and so I’ll be taking some time off after he arrives. Before that, I wanted to check in on two storylines.Professional shit-stirrer Dmitry Rogozin made it pretty clear that Russia is not interested in the Artemis Program, while various countries around the world partner with NASA on it. And we’re only a few weeks out from the NSSL Phase 2 awards and there is some related budgetary considerations being debated, so it’s a good time to circle back on that.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and seven anonymous—and 392 other supporters.TopicsRogozin Not Interested in Cooperating with U.S. on Lunar Program, Prefers China – SpacePolicyOnline.comSpace Exploration Transcends All Terrestrial Borders – Administrator Jim BridenstineNASA Administrator Signs Declaration of Intent with Japan on Artemis | NASABuilding the next Canadarm - Canada.caAustralian Government Commits to Join NASA in Lunar Exploration | NASANASA Artemis AccordsEpisode T+158: Doug Loverro Resigns, and a Bit About the Artemis Accords - Main Engine Cut OffAir Force awards launch vehicle development contracts to Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, ULA - SpaceNewsULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman submit bids for national security launch procurement contract - SpaceNewsSmith encouraged by Senate NDAA proposal to increase funding for space launch technology - SpaceNewsIndependent study of launch market says U.S. Air Force should support three domestic providers - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+164: An Announcement, and a Check-in on International Space Policy and NSSL Phase 2

NASA recently established the Suborbital Crew office within the Commercial Crew Program, which will focus on developing a plan to fly personnel on suborbital spaceflights. At the same time, Virgin Galactic signed an agreement with NASA to provide private orbital spaceflights to the ISS.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and seven anonymous—and 385 other supporters.TopicsNASA Developing a Plan to Fly Personnel on Suborbital Spacecraft | NASAVirgin Galactic to fly Italian Air Force research mission - SpaceNews.comVirgin Galactic Signs Space Act Agreement with NASA for Private Orbital Spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) - Virgin GalacticThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+163: Suborbital Crew, Virgin Galactic to ISS

Grant Bonin, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Spaceflight joins me to talk about everything they’ve been up to lately, including being acquired, signing deals with SpaceX for rideshares on Starlink missions and on dedicated flights to SSO, signing deals with new launch companies and international providers, and a lot more including manifesting satellites, last-mile services, and about what makes Spaceflight unique.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and seven anonymous—and 385 other supporters.Topicsdonate.offnominal.spaceGrant Bonin (@grantbonin) / TwitterGrant Bonin - SpaceflightWelcome to Spaceflight Grant! - SpaceflightSpaceflight Industries Signs Definitive Agreement to Sell Spaceflight, its Rideshare Launch Services Provider, to Japan’s Mitsui & Co., Ltd and Yamasa Co., Ltd. - SpaceflightSpaceflight Inc. Acquisition Finalized - SpaceflightSpaceflight to Launch Its First Rideshare Payloads on a SpaceX Starlink Mission - SpaceflightSpaceflight Inc. Signs Multi-Launch Agreement with SpaceX for Rideshare Services - SpaceflightSpaceflight Readies 28 Payloads for Inaugural Rideshare Launch on Arianespace’s Vega - SpaceflightSpaceflight Inc. Closes 2019 with Three Successful Launches in One Week Across Three Continents - SpaceflightFirefly Aerospace and Spaceflight Inc. Sign Launch Services Agreement - SpaceflightReality Rating | SpaceFundSynergy Ornithocket (@ornithocket) / TwitterThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+162: Grant Bonin, SVP of Business Development at Spaceflight

Mark Wiese, Manager of NASA’s Gateway Deep Space Logistics, joins me to talk about the logistics architecture for Gateway and, specifically, the selection of SpaceX and Dragon XL for missions in the future. He even lets me get really nerdy and responds to some of my complaints and questions from past episodes!This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and seven anonymous—and 384 other supporters.TopicsMark Wiese (@MW_go4launch) / TwitterMark D. Wiese, Manager, Deep Space Logistics, Gateway Program | Kennedy Biographies | NASAAbout Gateway Deep Space Logistics | NASANASA Awards Artemis Contract for Gateway Logistics Services | NASASource Selection Statement for the Gateway Logistics Services ContractEpisode T+152: SpaceX’s Dragon XL Wins Gateway Logistics Services Contract - Main Engine Cut OffNASA Seeks Information for Gateway Cargo Delivery ServicesGateway Logistics Services - Main Engine Cut OffEpisode T+124: Gateway Logistics Services, FY2020 NDAA, and Small GEO Satellites - Main Engine Cut OffGateway Logistics Services - Draft RFP - beta.SAM.govThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+161: Mark Wiese, Manager of NASA’s Gateway Deep Space Logistics

Northrop Grumman was awarded $187 million for the Gateway Habitat design, which caps off NASA’s 2020 budget work for Artemis components. Additionally, Kathy Lueders was named head of human spaceflight at NASA, which is huge and fantastic news. We take a look at the Artemis program’s acquisitions so far and the road ahead under Lueders’ leadership.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and seven anonymous—and 377 other supporters.Topicsdonate.offnominal.spaceLet’s Make Space Better. | Off-NominalOrigins: Jim Bridenstine | Off-NominalWeMartians PodcastNASA to sole source Gateway habitation module to Northrop Grumman - SpaceNews.comNASA Awards Northrop Grumman Artemis Contract for Gateway Crew Cabin | NASANASA selects Maxar to build first Gateway element - SpaceNews.comFirst Two Gateway Elements to Launch Together - Main Engine Cut OffKathy Lueders Selected to Lead NASA’s Human Spaceflight Office | NASAEpisode T+158: Doug Loverro Resigns, and a Bit About the Artemis Accords - Main Engine Cut OffEpisode T+159: SpaceX Demo-2 Carries Crew to ISS - Main Engine Cut OffNASA Selects Blue Origin, Dynetics, SpaceX for Artemis Human LandersNASA Awards Artemis Contract for Gateway Logistics Services | NASAThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+160: Lueders Leads HEO, Northrop Grumman Awarded HALO Contract

It happened! American astronauts on American rockets from American soil. Bob and Doug successfully launched, docked to the ISS, and joined Expedition 63. I talk about what this means for SpaceX, NASA, space policy, and where things go from here.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and six anonymous—and 371 other supporters.TopicsNASA Astronauts Launch from America in Test of SpaceX Crew Dragon | NASAStation Welcomes First SpaceX Crew Dragon with Astronauts | NASASpaceX DM-2 Launch! Hang out and watch the prep, launch, and early orbital operations. - YouTubeCrew Demo 2 (Launch) - YouTubeCrew Demo 2 (Approach and Docking) - YouTubeMain Engine Cut Off on Twitter: “Fantastic clip, and a wonderful event from Dragon this morning”After troubled first flight, Boeing will refly Starliner without crew | Ars TechnicaMichael Baylor on Twitter: “SpaceX has been given NASA approval to fly flight-proven Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon vehicles during Commercial Crew flights starting with Post-Certification Mission 2, per a modification to SpaceX's contract with NASA.”Michael Sheetz on Twitter: “Axiom Space CEO Mike Suffredini said his company's private trip to the ISS with SpaceX is scheduled for October 2021, so Demo-2 helped ‘our customers know that it's going to be real.’ Axiom plans to announce the 3 passengers in a month or so.”Space Adventures Announces Agreement with SpaceX to Launch Private Citizens on the Crew Dragon Spacecraft - Space AdventuresCurrent and former NASA leadership share credit for commercial crew - SpaceNews.comThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+159: SpaceX Demo-2 Carries Crew to ISS

The head of human spaceflight at NASA resigned last week, just before the most important crewed launch the agency has seen in a decade. However, it appears as though the resignation is related to the Artemis program and its landers. I give some thoughts on the implications of the departure, and also cover a recent development in international space politics—the Artemis Accords.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and six anonymous—and 371 other supporters.TopicsNASA human spaceflight head Loverro leaves agency - SpaceNews.comHere’s why NASA’s chief of human spaceflight resigned—and why it matters | Ars TechnicaDoug Loverro Resigns - SpacePolicyOnline.comHead of NASA’s human exploration program demoted as agency pushes for Moon return - The VergeEpisode T+126: The NASA Ousters - Main Engine Cut OffEpisode T+157: Blue Origin, Dynetics, and SpaceX Win NASA Lunar Lander Contracts - Main Engine Cut OffNASA Artemis AccordsNASA Unveils “Artemis Accords” - SpacePolicyOnline.comThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+158: Doug Loverro Resigns, and a Bit About the Artemis Accords

NASA announced three contract awards for the Artemis Progam’s Human Landing System—a Blue Origin-led team, Dynetics, and SpaceX’s Starship. I talk through some thoughts on each landing system and what the future might hold for NASA, regarding both politics and decisions.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and six anonymous—and 363 other supporters.TopicsNASA Selects Blue Origin, Dynetics, SpaceX for Artemis Human LandersNASA Names Companies to Develop Human Landers for Artemis Missions | NASABlue Origin's HLS National Team Mission to the Moon to Stay with NASA - YouTubeDynetics Lander Infographic (PDF, 5.1MB)SpaceX on Twitter: “A lunar optimized Starship can fly many times between the surface of the Moon and lunar orbit without flaps or heat shielding required for Earth return”House members criticize NASA lunar lander awards - SpaceNews.comEpisode T+152: SpaceX’s Dragon XL Wins Gateway Logistics Services Contract - Main Engine Cut OffNASA Announces Industry Partnerships to Advance Moon, Mars Technology | NASANew Companies Join Growing Ranks of NASA Partners for Artemis Program | NASAThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+157: Blue Origin, Dynetics, and SpaceX Win NASA Lunar Lander Contracts

Sean Mahoney, CEO of Masten Space Systems joins me to talk about everything they’ve been up to lately, from flights of their terrestrial vehicles out in Mojave, NASA’s Lunar CATALYST program, their recent Commercial Lunar Payload Services task order award, and some other projects like DARPA’s XS-1, the Broadsword engine, and XEUS.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and six anonymous—and 361 other supporters.TopicsMasten Space SystemsMasten Space Systems (@mastenspace) / Twittermastenspace - YouTubeWhats the Point? — Masten Space SystemsLunar CATALYST | NASAXL-1 — Masten Space SystemsNASA Awards Contract to Deliver Science, Tech to Moon | NASAMasten Space Systems Will Deliver NASA and Commercial Payloads to the Lunar Surface in 2022 — Masten Space SystemsMasten Space Systems selected by Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for XS-1 Program — Masten Space SystemsMasten Achieves First Hot-Fire of Broadsword Rocket Engine — Masten Space SystemsXEUS — Masten Space SystemsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+156: Sean Mahoney, CEO of Masten Space Systems

Peter Beck, Founder, CEO, and CTO of Rocket Lab returns to the show to talk about how the industry is dealing with the pandemic, and to update us on their busy past few months, including their acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary, flying missions to the Moon and beyond, and their work towards reusability.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and six anonymous—and 357 other supporters.TopicsPeter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) | TwitterRocket Lab | Frequent and reliable access launch is now a reality | Rocket LabRocket Lab (@RocketLab) | TwitterRocket Lab - YouTubeEpisode T+138: Peter Beck, Founder of Rocket Lab - Main Engine Cut OffRocket Lab executive says company is well positioned to weather crisis - SpaceNews.comRocket Lab Expands Footprint with New Long Beach Headquarters and Production Complex | Rocket LabRocket Lab to Acquire Satellite Hardware Manufacturer Sinclair Interplanetary | Rocket LabSinclair InterplanetaryRocket Lab Selected by NASA to Launch Pathfinder Mission to the Moon | Rocket LabRocket Lab’s Electron Launch Vehicle Certified by NASA | Rocket LabRocket Lab Debuts Fully Autonomous Flight Termination System | Rocket LabRocket Lab Opens Launch Complex 2, Confirms U.S. Air Force Payload as First Electron Mission from U.S. Soil | Rocket LabRocket Lab launches milestone tenth mission, completes major success for reusable rocket program | Rocket LabRocket Lab Successfully Completes Electron Mid-Air Recovery Test   | Rocket LabRocket Lab to Launch Dedicated Mission for Japanese Space Industry Start-up Company Synspective | Rocket LabThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+155: Peter Beck on the Pandemic’s Effect on the Industry and Rocket Lab’s Busy Few Months

Tim Ellis, CEO and Cofounder of Relativity joins me for an in-depth discussion about Relativity’s status and work towards their first launch. We cover everything from their company vision, funding, new headquarters, wider fairing, customer backlog, potential west coast launch site, and dive into the details of Stargate and Relativity’s materials work.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and six anonymous—and 354 other supporters.TopicsRelativity SpaceTerran — Relativity SpaceStargate — Relativity SpaceRelativity Space (@relativityspace) / TwitterTim Ellis (@thetimellis) / TwitterRelativity Space raises $140 million - SpaceNews.comRelativity to move headquarters to Long Beach - SpaceNews.comRelativity Space on Twitter: “Good afternoon from Los Angeles - this is our Stage 2 Iron Bird, which will be the first additively manufactured tank to feed propellants to a rocket engine.”Relativity Space has big dreams. Is the company for real? | Ars TechnicaRelativity Signs Telesat, Eyes Polar Launch Site - Main Engine Cut OffThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+154: Tim Ellis, CEO and Cofounder of Relativity

A flurry of Commercial Crew news hit last week: new crew members were announced for SpaceX Crew-1, Jim Bridenstine shed some light on the DM-2 schedule, and Boeing will refly the Starliner uncrewed test flight. I break down each of those and talk through why those stories are more connected than was hinted at by NASA and others.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and six anonymous—and 352 other supporters.TopicsNASA selects astronauts for Crew Dragon mission - SpaceNews.comNASA, SpaceX to launch astronauts in May despite coronavirus pandemicBoeing will refly botched Starliner test flight, setting back its hopes for sending people into space this year - The Washington PostBoeing Statement on Starliner's Next FlightBoeing to Refly Starliner’s Uncrewed Test This Fall, Potentially After SpaceX Crew-1 - Main Engine Cut OffThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+153: Boeing to Refly Starliner Uncrewed Test, While SpaceX Crew Plans Firm Up

NASA selected SpaceX and their new Dragon XL vehicle as the first Gateway Logistics Services provider. I take some time to think through why SpaceX is interested in this program, what they might want to get out of it, and what we could see Dragon XL doing in the future.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, and six anonymous—and 352 other supporters.TopicsNASA Awards Artemis Contract for Gateway Logistics Services | NASANASA Seeks Information for Gateway Cargo Delivery ServicesEpisode T+124: Gateway Logistics Services, FY2020 NDAA, and Small GEO Satellites - Main Engine Cut OffNASA to pay more for less cargo delivery to the space station | Ars TechnicaSpaceX reveals the controls of its Dragon spacecraft for the first time | Ars TechnicaThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to anthony@mainenginecutoff.comFollow @WeHaveMECOListen to MECO HeadlinesJoin the Off-Nominal DiscordSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhereSubscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off NewsletterBuy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off ShopMusic by Max Justus

T+152: SpaceX’s Dragon XL Wins Gateway Logistics Services Contract

A short, weekly podcast about spaceflight, exploration, policy, and strategy in the modern era and near future.

hubhopper

Main Engine Cut Off

hubhopper