Main Engine Cut Off

Christian Davenport, reporter at The Washington Post, joins me to talk about the aborted SLS Green Run hot fire, the space policy landscape as we enter a new administration, Axiom’s Ax-1 mission and its crew, and Virgin Orbit’s first successful launch to orbit.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Matt, Space Exploration Engineering, and seven anonymous—and 473 other supporters.TopicsChristian Davenport (@wapodavenport) / TwitterChristian Davenport - The Washington PostThe Space Barons: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos - Bookshop.orgThe Space Barons: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and the Quest to Colonize the Cosmos - AmazonOfficials had doubts about likely success of NASA SLS test, briefing notes show - The Washington PostTrump pushed NASA to land astronauts on the moon by 2024. It’s not going to happen. - The Washington PostMeet the private citizens who'll pay $55 million each to fly to the International Space Station - The Washington PostEpisode 32 - Well Within the Kill Zone | Off-NominalRichard Branson's Virgin Orbit rocket reaches space - The Washington PostThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Meagan Crawford, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of SpaceFund and host of the Mission Eve podcast, joins the show to talk about the financing side of space. We talk about recent rounds of fundraising, acquisitions, holding companies, and she helps me sort through my thoughts on the whole Special Purpose Acquisition Company trend.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 36 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Matt, and seven anonymous—and 466 other supporters.TopicsMeagan Crawford (@MeaganMCrawford) / TwitterSpaceFund Venture Capital - Funding the Future | SpaceFund‎Mission Eve on Apple PodcastsMission Eve | Podcast on SpotifySpaceX raises $1.9 billion in equity - SpaceNewsRelativity Space raises $500 million - SpaceNewsOneWeb raises $400 million - SpaceNewsRemote sensing satellite firm completes huge funding round as Chinese space sector activity accelerates - SpaceNewsChina’s Landspace raises $175 million for Zhuque-2 launch vehicles - SpaceNewsChina's First Commercial Rocket Company Raises USD181 Mln to Develop Kuaizhou Series of Carrier RocketsLockheed Martin to Acquire Aerojet Rocketdyne, Strengthening Position as Leading Provider of Technologies to Deter Threats and Help Secure the United States and its Allies - Dec 20, 2020Space holding company Voyager to acquire Nanoracks, which added an airlock to the space station | Voyager Space HoldingsRedwire acquires Made In Space - SpaceNewsRichard Branson’s Virgin Turns to SPAC to Raise Cash - WSJMomentus to go public with Stable Road Acquisition Corp. - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Andrew Jones returns to the show for the third time to talk about China’s current missions and future plans, including Chang’e-5, Tianwen-1, the Chinese Space Station, and the international politics surrounding it. And then we dig into the Chinese commercial market a bit—launch companies and remote sensing companies are raising a ton of money, but it’s not yet clear what effect that will have on the global market.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 36 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Matt, and seven anonymous—and 460 other supporters.TopicsAndrew Jones (@AJ_FI) / TwitterAndrew Jones, SpaceNewsAndrew Jones, Space.comAndrew Jones, The Planetary SocietyChang’e-5 spacecraft prepare for historic lunar orbit rendezvous, sample relay - SpaceNewsChina recovers Chang’e-5 moon samples after complex 23-day mission - SpaceNewsChang’e-5 orbiter embarks on extended mission to Sun-Earth Lagrange point - SpaceNewsTianwen-1 launches for Mars, marking dawn of Chinese interplanetary exploration - SpaceNewsChina’s CASC targets more than 40 space launches in 2021 - SpaceNewsChina gears up for space station, cargo and crewed mission launches - SpaceNewsChinese reusable experimental spacecraft releases object before returning to Earth - SpaceNewsChina pushes ahead with super-heavy-lift Long March 9 - SpaceNewsChina’s Landspace raises $175 million for Zhuque-2 launch vehicles - SpaceNewsRemote sensing satellite firm completes huge funding round as Chinese space sector activity accelerates - SpaceNewsSpacety shares first images from small C-band SAR satellite - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

NASA awarded Venture Class Launch Services contracts to Astra, Firefly, and Relativity. Astra almost made orbit with its most recent test flight of Rocket 3.2. And something is up at Firefly, but I don’t know what yet.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 35 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, Donald, Lee, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, Grant, David, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd (the Everyday Astronaut!), Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, and six anonymous—and 447 other supporters.TopicsNASA Awards Venture Class Launch Services Demonstration 2 Contract | NASANASA Awards Venture Class Launch Services Contracts | NASAAstra, Relativity, and Firefly Win NASA Venture Class Launch Services Contracts - Main Engine Cut OffVirgin Orbit on Twitter: “Our vehicles, hardware, and software are all ready to go. With two rehearsals already complete, one final wet dress rehearsal is all that remains for us to do. However, the Covid-19 pandemic is impacting our ability to safely operate, and thus our schedule.”Astra narrowly misses reaching orbit on second launch - SpaceNewsAstra’s smallsat launcher reaches space on second test flight – Spaceflight NowAstra on Twitter: “A quick video recap of our 8.5-minute flight to space today!”A Small-Rocket Maker Is Running a Different Kind of Space RaceAt Astra, failure is an option | Ars TechnicaMain Engine Cut Off on Twitter: “Something is up at @Firefly_Space, though. Max Polyakov and Mark Watt have been removed from Firefly’s about page within the last month or two. Here it is on the Wayback Machine from October…”About - Firefly AerospaceAbout - Firefly Aerospace (as of October, 2020)Savage Memes and Lunar Dreams: Deceptive Dating Sites' Intimate Ties to Firefly AerospaceThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Starship SN8 took flight last week on a mostly-successful mission to test its final descent phase. I share some thoughts on the test, the state of Starship development, and what that all means for the near future of Starship.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 36 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, 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, and seven anonymous—and 438 other supporters.TopicsOn the Spectacular Flight of Starship SN8 and the Future of Starship Development - Main Engine Cut OffStarship | SN8 | High-Altitude Flight Test - YouTubeSpaceX on Twitter: “Starship landing flip maneuver”September 2019 Starship Update - YouTubeU.S. Transportation Command to study use of SpaceX rockets to move cargo around the world - SpaceNewsEpisode T+149: Let’s Talk About Starship with Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut - Main Engine Cut OffStarship SN5 Flew, So Let’s Check In on Some Predictions - Main Engine Cut OffSenate bill offers NASA only a fraction of requested lunar lander funding - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

A lot of big, long-running projects have faced delays recently, and it seems like as good a time as any to check in and share some related thoughts. I cover a lot in this one: the Orion PDU issue, Ariane 6, Japan’s H3, Dream Chaser, Vulcan, and New Glenn.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 36 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, 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, and seven anonymous—and 434 other supporters.TopicsComponent failure in NASA’s deep-space crew capsule could take months to fix - The VergeUpdate on Orion Final Assembly and Transfer – ArtemisNew Artemis 1 schedule uncertainty as NASA EGS ready to continue SLS Booster stacking - NASASpaceFlight.comNASA ‘Go’ for Green Run Wet Dress Rehearsal – ArtemisAriane 6 Slips to 2022, Needs Another €230 Million - Main Engine Cut OffESA requests €230 million more for Ariane 6 as maiden flight slips to 2022 - SpaceNewsJapan’s new H3 launcher delayed by rocket engine component issues - SpaceNewsFirst Dream Chaser mission slips to 2022 - SpaceNewsULA: Dream Chaser schedule slip not a setback to Vulcan certification - SpaceNewsULA on Twitter: “Off to the pneumatic test facility! This time lapse really shows the size of the #VulcanCentaur booster stage as it was transported to pressure testing. The booster is 5.4 m (17.7 ft) in diameter compared to #AtlasV’s common core booster that is 3.8 m (12.5 ft).”World's largest launch pad takes shape at Cape CanaveralStephen Marr on Twitter: “You literally never know what you’ll see in port! This morning, I spotted something that looks an awful lot like a launch mount, with a hole in the middle that looks big enough for a New Glenn!”The ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

SpaceX Crew-1 successfully launched and docked last week, kicking off a new era of the ISS. It’s a good time to zoom out and look at the ISS program overall, and what it means for the future of space development.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 36 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Ryan, 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, and seven anonymous—and 430 other supporters.TopicsCREW-1 MISSION - SpaceX - UpdatesNASA's SpaceX Crew-1 Mission | NASACrew-1 Mission | Launch - YouTubeCrew-1 Mission | Rendezvous and Docking - YouTubeNASA safety panel raises doubts about Starliner test flight schedule - SpaceNewsAxiom Space finalizing first commercial ISS mission - SpaceNewsNext-Generation Airlock Prepped for SpaceX CRS-21 Launch – Kennedy Space CenterFirst Dream Chaser mission slips to 2022 - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

With a massive amount of news happening in the week following the election here in the US, it’s a good opportunity to give everyone a listen in on MECO Headlines. I run through all the stories of the week each and every weekend just like this for the supporters of MECO, so if you like what you hear, join the Headlines tier or higher!This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, 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, and seven anonymous—and 421 other supporters.TopicsU.S. Department of Defense > Contract (SpaceX NSSL fleet surveillance)Airbus, Raytheon protest Space Development Agency satellite contract awards - SpaceNewsBlue Canyon Technologies - Small Satellite Leader Blue Canyon Technologies To Be Acquired By Raytheon TechnologiesNew Propulsive Sherpa OTVs Coming in 2021 - SpaceflightArecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is at risk of collapsingArecibo Radio Telescope: Warning of Structure Collapse (Updated)2020 NASA Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO) Selections | NASANorthrop Grumman Awarded Additional Cargo Resupply Missions to the International Space Station | Northrop GrummanILOA-IM Announce Agreement for 2021 Lunar Landing and Milky Way Galaxy Center ImagingSenate Appropriators Approve Far Less for HLS Than Needed to Meet 2024 Goal - SpacePolicyOnline.comBiden-Harris Transition Team Names Landing Party Members - SpacePolicyOnline.comVirgin Galactic executive to lead Australian Space Agency - SpaceNewsUkraine signs NASA Artemis Agreement to study Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids - Ukraine signs agreement with NASA to study Moon, Mars, comets, and asteroids - 112.internationalChinese rocket firm Galactic Energy succeeds with first orbital launch, secures funding - SpaceNewsCeres-1 maiden launch - YouTubeIndian PSLV deploys 10 satellites in first launch since start of pandemic - Spaceflight NowLong March 3B lofts second Tiantong-1 spacecraft - NASASpaceFlight.comULA Atlas 5 launches National Reconnaissance Office satellite - SpaceNewsSatTrackCam Leiden (b)log: NROL-101: probably a HEO missionThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Last week, IAC 2020 brought a flurry of announcements and statements to digest. It’s a good time to check in on current and future lunar politics, with some statements by the ever-antagonistic Rogozin, seven countries signing onto the Artemis Accords, a handful of lunar development contracts announced, and the US election within sight.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, 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 414 other supporters.TopicsRogozin Wants ISS Extension, Gateway Too U.S.-Centric - SpacePolicyOnline.comShared Standards are a Vital Part of Future Space Exploration - Administrator Jim BridenstineNASA Artemis AccordsEpisode T+158: Doug Loverro Resigns, and a Bit About the Artemis Accords - Main Engine Cut OffNASA, International Partners Advance Cooperation with Artemis Accords | NASAEight Countries Sign Artemis Accords - SpacePolicyOnline.comESA awards contracts for moon and Mars exploration - SpaceNewsChina’s Statement on Artemis Accords, via Andrew Jones on Twitter (@AJ_FI)NASA Announces Industry Partnerships to Advance Moon, Mars Technology | NASANASA Announces Partners to Advance 2020 ‘Tipping Point’ Technologies | NASANASA Selects Partner to Land Water-Measuring Payload on the Moon | NASADemocratic platform calls for continuity in NASA programs - SpaceNewsCurrent and former NASA leadership share credit for commercial crew - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

The Space Development Agency has selected L3Harris and SpaceX to produce satellites for a missile warning constellation. I break down the details of the SDA project, the technical aspects, and what it means to see SpaceX enter the world of satellite manufacturing and sales.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, 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 402 other supporters.TopicsL3Harris, SpaceX win Space Development Agency contracts to build missile-warning satellites - SpaceNewsSDA Awards Contracts for the First Generation of the Tracking Layer – Space Development AgencySDA RFP Seeks Industry Proposals for Launch Services – Space Development AgencySDA Tranche 0 Launch Services - beta.SAM.govLockheed Martin, York Space to produce 20 satellites for Space Development Agency - SpaceNewsGriffin’s departure stirs questions about the future of the Space Development Agency - SpaceNewsxkcd: StandardsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

I’m back after a few wonderful weeks offline with my newly-arrived son, Will! I figured I’d jump back in with a rundown of the important and notable bits of news that happened while I was gone.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, 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 402 other supporters.TopicsMy son has arrived! Signing off for a few weeks. - Main Engine Cut OffMain Engine Cut Off on Twitter: “It’s Space Shirt Friday over in the @offnom Discord and I’m guessing @JimBridenstine will appreciate Will’s first participation in it.”Discovery of noxious gas on Venus could be a sign of life - The VergeWhat the future of Venus exploration could look like following major discovery - The VergeVenus is One Stop in Our Search for Life - Administrator Jim BridenstineRocket Lab Launches First In-house Designed & Built Photon Satellite | Rocket LabNASA signs agreement with Italy to cooperate on Artemis - SpaceNewsNASA Publishes Artemis Plan to Land First Woman, Next Man on Moon | NASABridenstine Optimistic About Full HLS Funding - SpacePolicyOnline.comSenate Hearing Offers No Hints on Prospect for Artemis Funding - SpacePolicyOnline.comAnother Senate Hearing, But Still No Clue on Likely Fate of Artemis Funding - SpacePolicyOnline.comSpace Resources are the Key to Safe and Sustainable Lunar Exploration - Administrator Jim BridenstinePurchase of Lunar Regolith and/or Rock Materials from Contractor - beta.SAM.govNASA Moon Rocket Stage Passes Simulated Countdown Test | NASAJim Bridenstine on Twitter: “More progress on @NASA_SLS Green Run Hot Fire! @NASA_Stennis teams completed the sixth test of the Green Run test series – the simulated countdown – on Sunday, validating the stage for the sequence of events leading up to an Artemis launch.”OneWeb secures additional financing as bankruptcy restructuring continues - SpaceNewsBankruptcy court approves OneWeb sale - SpaceNewsSpaceX wins launch contract for NASA space science mission - SpaceNewsAfter second hop, SpaceX preps for next phase of Starship testing - Spaceflight NowStarship SN8 prepares for test series - First sighting of Super Heavy - NASASpaceFlight.comSuper Heavy waiting in the wings amid Starship testing - NASASpaceFlight.comSpaceX on Twitter: “Completed a full duration test fire of the Raptor Vacuum engine at SpaceX’s rocket development facility in McGregor, Texas”SpaceX launches the first south-bound rocket from Florida in decades - The VergeEpisode T+167: Phillip Hargrove, NASA Launch Services Program - Main Engine Cut OffSpaceX to Fly to Polar Orbit from Florida - Main Engine Cut OffSoftware fix could position Astra for another launch attempt by end of year - Spaceflight NowVideo of Astra Flight 3 from Jennifer CultonRichard Branson’s Virgin Orbit is Seeking Investors - Parabolic ArcExoTerra to develop upper stage for Virgin Orbit LauncherOne - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

There have been a ton of recent updates from commercial small launch companies, like increased payload mass and volume from Rocket Lab, contracts and funding from ABL, solved vibration issues from Virgin Orbit, and a few others. With a handful of vehicles on the verge of their first launch, it’s a good time to take a higher-level look at these competitors.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, 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 399 other supporters.TopicsRocket Lab Increases Electron Payload Capacity, Enabling Interplanetary Missions and Reusability | Rocket LabABL Space Systems begins RS1 stage testing and reaches $90mm in fundingSmall launch startup ABL secures over $90 million in new funding and Air Force contracts - SpaceNewsWrapping Up Our First Launch Demo, and Looking Ahead to Launch Demo 2 | Virgin OrbitFirefly suffers anomaly during launch vehicle test - SpaceNewsFirefly Aerospace on Twitter: “Yesterday evening we attempted to hotfire test the Alpha first stage for the first time. Unfortunately, after the four Reaver engines ignited, an engine bay fire developed (flame jet to the left in video). The system immediately shut itself down and the fire was quickly…”Relativity wins Iridium contract, selects West Coast launch site - SpaceNewsThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

The long-awaited news is finally here! ULA and SpaceX have won the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 launch contracts from the US Department of Defense, which leaves Blue Origin’s New Glenn and Northrop Grumman’s OmegA out in the cold. I talk through what this means for each company and launch vehicle, and where things will go from here on all sides of the issue.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, 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 398 other supporters.TopicsU.S. Department Of Defense > Contracts For Aug. 7, 2020Pentagon picks SpaceX and ULA to remain its primary launch providers - SpaceNewsAir Force to end agreements with Blue Origin and Northrop Grumman, prepares for launch contract protests - SpaceNewsULA, SpaceX Win NSSL Phase 2 Awards – SpacePolicyOnline.comHouse and Senate Make Progress on the FY2021 NDAA – SpacePolicyOnline.comNational Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement (LSP) Request for Proposal (RFP) FA8811-19-R-0002 - GovTribeAir Force funding three new rockets to compete with SpaceX but only intends to buy launch services from two providers - SpaceNewsAir Force requests bids for space launch services, will select two companies in 2020 - SpaceNewsEpisode T+79: Orbital ATK’s OmegA, NASA’s Bridenstine - Main Engine Cut OffThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Phillip Hargrove, a Launch Vehicle Trajectory Analyst at NASA joins me to talk about NASA’s Launch Services Program. We discuss how LSP interacts with mission teams like Mars 2020 Perseverance, launch providers like United Launch Alliance and SpaceX, and what kind of work they tackle in their unique role tying it all together.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Brandon, Matthew, Simon, Lauren, Melissa, 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 398 other supporters.TopicsOff-Nominal - YouTubeOff-Nominal32 - Well Within the Kill Zone | Off-NominalEpisode 32 - Well Within the Kill Zone (with Richard Garriott) - YouTubePhillip H (@FlightMastrPhil) / TwitterLaunching Rockets | NASAPhillip H on Twitter: “LOL you can see me and @MicWoltman walking across the street in the last 8 seconds. This was right after we got there and we realized “oh...that’s @torybruno @JimBridenstine and @Dr_ThomasZ “ and then “oh...that’s an interview” 🏃🏾‍♂️😂 #oops”Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover - NASA MarsWatch the Launch of Mars 2020 Perseverance with us! - WeMartians PodcastLow-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) | NASAJoint Polar Satellite SystemNASA Awards IXPE Launch to SpaceX for $50.3 Million - Main Engine Cut OffNASA Awards Psyche Launch to SpaceX, Who Now Has Its First Mars Launch on the Books - Main Engine Cut OffSpaceX to Fly to Polar Orbit from Florida - Main Engine Cut OffEpisode T+136: Starship to GTO, SSO from Florida - Main Engine Cut OffSpaceX Selected for PACE Launch to SSO from Cape Canaveral - Main Engine Cut OffCape Canaveral Prepares for First Polar Launches in 60 Years - Scientific AmericanThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

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 [email protected] @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

After a tumultuous past few years, DARPA has selected a new partner for RSGS. It is none other than Northrop Grumman, who has found early success with their satellite servicing ventures.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 349 other supporters.TopicsMEV-1 Docks with Intelsat 901 - Main Engine Cut OffMaxar/SSL Cancels DARPA RSGS Satellite Servicing Agreement - Main Engine Cut OffDARPA picks Northrop Grumman as its commercial partner for satellite servicing program - SpaceNews.comNorthrop Grumman’s Wholly Owned Subsidiary, SpaceLogistics, Selected by DARPA as Commercial Partner for Robotic Servicing Mission | Northrop GrummanNorthrop Grumman Successfully Completes Historic First Docking of Mission Extension Vehicle with Intelsat 901 Satellite | Northrop GrummanEpisode T+93: NASA Goddard and Restore-L - Main Engine Cut OffThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

SpaceX recently signed two agreements: one with Axiom Space to fly a private mission up to the ISS, and one with Space Adventures for a free-flying tourist flight up to 1,000 kilometers. I discuss these two missions and why agreements like this are key to SpaceX’s long-term strategy.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 347 other supporters.TopicsAxiom Space plans first-ever fully private human spaceflight mission to International Space StationEpisode T+147: Mike Suffredini, President & CEO of Axiom - Main Engine Cut OffSpace Adventures Announces Agreement with SpaceX to Launch Private Citizens on the Crew Dragon Spacecraft - Space AdventuresNASA Awards Psyche Launch to SpaceX, Who Now Has Its First Mars Launch on the Books - Main Engine Cut OffFarewell, Red Dragon - Main Engine Cut OffThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Tim Dodd, the Everyday Astronaut, joins me to talk all about SpaceX’s Starship, its history thus far, it’s nearly-impossible-to-keep-up-with development in the open, and what we may see in the coming months. We make some timeline predictions, talk about the predicament of Boca Chica, and both randomly stumble into completely unsupported theories.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, 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 345 other supporters.TopicsEveryday AstronautEveryday Astronaut (@Erdayastronaut) / TwitterEveryday Astronaut - YouTubeStarship | SpaceXStarship Development Thread - r/spacexA conversation with Elon Musk about Starship - YouTubeIs SpaceX's Raptor engine the king of rocket engines? - YouTubeAre Aerospikes Better Than Bell Nozzles? - YouTubeThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Long-time head of human spaceflight at NASA, Bill Gerstenmaier, has joined SpaceX as a consultant, but everyone is excited for the wrong reasons. And SpaceX missed a booster landing on their most recent Starlink launch, which prompted a new round of debates over whether booster recovery is part of mission success or not.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, 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 335 other supporters.TopicsSpaceX hires former NASA official William GerstenmaierGerst the Politician, Gerst the Engineer - Main Engine Cut OffStarlink Mission - YouTubeSpaceX launches fifth batch of Starlink satellites, misses booster landing - SpaceNews.comThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Mike Suffredini, President and CEO of Axiom, joins me to talk about their recent announcement: Axiom has been selected by NASA for access to an ISS port. They will build out Axiom Station as an expansion of the ISS, and eventually operate it as a free-flying space station. Before Axiom, Mike was NASA’s ISS Program Manager for a decade.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, 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 328 other supporters.TopicsAxiom SpaceAxiom Space - Overview and TeamNASA Selects First Commercial Destination Module for Space Station | NASAAxiom selected by NASA for access to International Space Station portAssembly Sequence: Watch the Axiom Segment of the ISS constructed module-by-moduleNASA Selects Axiom for ISS Node 2 Expansion - Main Engine Cut OffEpisode T+120: Dr. Mike Baine, Axiom Space - Main Engine Cut OffNextSTEP K: Commercial Destination Development in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Free Flyer | NASAThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Loren Grush of The Verge joins me to talk about a whole host of current topics—SpaceX’s in-flight abort test, Starliner’s shaky first test and its fallout, space traffic, Starlink, the NASA Authorization bill, and why ”Space is hard” is the worst mantra.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 37 executive producers—Brandon, 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 329 other supporters.TopicsLoren Grush (@lorengrush) | TwitterLoren Grush Profile and Activity - The VergeVerge Science - YouTubeSpaceX successfully tests escape system on new spacecraft — while destroying a rocket - The VergeBoeing and NASA are forming an investigation team to figure out cause of spacecraft mishap - The VergeStarliner’s thruster performance receiving close scrutiny from NASA | Ars TechnicaStop saying ‘space is hard’ - The VergeThe era of satellite-repairing robots is here - YouTubeLeoLabs, Inc. on Twitter: “Our latest update this morning for IRAS / GGSE 4 shows a 12m miss distance, with a Probability of Collision (Pc) back to 1 in 100.”Mesmerizing graph shows uncomfortably close encounters between space junk - The VergeSpaceX successfully launches its fourth batch of internet-beaming Starlink satellites - The VergeHouse Draft NASA Authorization Bill is the Greatest Hits of Terrible, Dead-End Space Policy - Main Engine Cut OffA proposed House bill is threatening to rework NASA’s Moon plans - The VergeChristian Davenport on Twitter: “Show of force? NASA Administrator @JimBridenstine is at the House space subcommittee mark up. Says he’s here ‘because it’s open to the public.’”The ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Caleb Henry of SpaceNews joins me to talk about the recent happenings in the satellite industry, including new ITU milestones for megaconstellations, SpaceX’s big year for Starlink, OneWeb’s progress, and DirecTV’s battery issue.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Brandon, 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 325 other supporters.TopicsCaleb Henry, SpaceNews.comCaleb Henry (@CHenry_SN) / TwitterITU sets milestones for megaconstellations - SpaceNews.comSpaceX becomes operator of world’s largest commercial satellite constellation with Starlink launch - SpaceNews.comDirecTV fears explosion risk from satellite with damaged battery - SpaceNews.comBoeing says Spaceway-1 battery failure has low risk of repeating on similar satellites - SpaceNews.comThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

A look back at 2019 through the lens of “Who actually did something that matters this year?”This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 325 other supporters.The ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Starliner’s flight test did not go as planned, and the US 2020 budget was passed, which creates Space Force and has big implications for NASA’s work.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 317 other supporters.TopicsStarliner anomaly to prevent ISS docking - SpaceNews.comNASA, Boeing Complete Successful Landing of Starliner Flight Test | NASAThoughts on Starliner - Main Engine Cut OffTrump Signs FY2020 Appropriations Into Law – SpacePolicyOnline.comArtemis Wins Only Lukewarm Support in Final NASA FY2020 Appropriation – SpacePolicyOnline.comTrump signs defense bill establishing U.S. Space Force: What comes next - SpaceNews.comThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Last week, I took a ride out to the AGI offices and sat down with Josh Poley and T.S. Kelso. We shot a handful of videos for AGI’s YouTube channel, the longest of which was this interview right here.I talked with T.S. Kelso about the history of CelesTrak.com and satellite tracking on the internet as a whole, as well as a few topics relevant to the modern day: satellite tracking and orbit reporting among operators, conjunction and collision monitoring, and space debris mitigation and management.Be sure to follow along with AGI’s channel as the rest of the videos go live throughout the week!This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 314 other supporters.TopicsAnalytical Graphics, Inc. (AGI)ComSpOC | AGIAnalytical Graphics, Inc. - YouTube35 Years of Tracking Satellites - Spacecast Ep25 - YouTubeT.S. Kelso (@TSKelso) | TwitterCelesTrakDr. T.S. Kelso, CelesTrakThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Dylan Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Voyager Space Holdings, joins me to talk about the new company, how it fits into the industry, his vision for space, and their first acquisition (and past MECO guest!), Altius Space Machines.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 314 other supporters.TopicsVoyager Space HoldingsDylan Taylor - Voyager Space HoldingsVoyager Space Holdings (@VoyagerSH) | TwitterDylan Taylor (@SpaceAdvisor) | TwitterAltius Space MachinesEpisode T+82: Jon Goff, Altius Space Machines - Main Engine Cut OffOneWeb and OneWeb Satellites bolster commitment to Responsible Space with advanced grappling technology from Altius Space Machines | OneWebSpace Holding Co. co-founder on why space a smart investing moveThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Blue Origin successfully protested the US Air Force’s RFP for the National Security Space Launch program, which will have big implications for the way the current round of contract awards plays out. NASA added five new providers to the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, including SpaceX and Blue Origin, and I’ve got some thoughts about the inclusion of those options in what is quickly becoming my favorite NASA program.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 310 other supporters.TopicsAir Force to revise selection criteria for launch procurement in wake of Blue Origin’s successful protest - SpaceNews.comRedacted GAO Decision (PDF)New Companies Join Growing Ranks of NASA Partners for Artemis Program | NASASpaceX Starship suffers testing setback - SpaceNews.comCommercial lunar lander company terminates NASA contract - SpaceNews.comNew VIPER Lunar Rover to Map Water Ice on the Moon | NASAThe ShowLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Richard Duke from the Surrey Space Center joins me to talk about their RemoveDEBRIS mission, which launched last year and carried out 4 different tests focused on space debris removal and management.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 308 other supporters.Surrey Space Centre | University of SurreyRemoveDEBRIS | University of SurreyRemdeb Mission Highlights - YouTubeRemoveDebris Mission - YouTubeSurrey Nanosats SSC Mission Delivery Team - YouTubeLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Peter Beck, Founder, CEO, and CTO of Rocket Lab, joins me to talk about what they’ve been up to with Electron and Photon, as well as some of their new offerings like ground station support through KSAT and Photon missions to the Moon.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 296 other supporters.Peter Beck (@Peter_J_Beck) | TwitterRocket Lab | Frequent and reliable access launch is now a reality | Rocket LabRocket Lab (@RocketLab) | TwitterRocket Lab - YouTubeRocket Lab | Electron - satellite launch vehicle | Rocket LabPhoton | Rocket LabRocket Lab successfully launches ninth Electron mission, deploys payload to highest orbit yet | Rocket LabRocket Lab partners with Kongsberg Satellite Services for Electron and Photon ground station support | Rocket LabRocket Lab to deliver payloads to the Moon and beyond with Photon | Rocket LabRocket Lab | Become a pioneerLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

Artemis and international politics were on display on the first day of IAC 2019, followed by strange-yet-politically-minded partnerships on the second day.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 38 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Julian and Lars from Agile Space, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 295 other supporters.Pence calls for American-led cooperation in space exploration - SpaceNews.comBlue Origin | Blue Origin Announces National Team for NASA’s Artemis Human Landing SystemBlue Origin teams up with Lockheed Martin and more for human lunar lander design - The VergeLike the show? Support the show!Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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

A few bits of follow-up on Starship to GTO, the Bridenstine-Musk show at SpaceX HQ, and flying to polar orbits from Florida.Meetup alert! Sunday, October 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. Hang out with me, Jake, and a ton of amazing people of space the night before IAC 2019 kicks off. Details at events.offnominal.space.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Rui, Julian, Lars, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 284 other supporters.SpaceX targets 2021 commercial Starship launch - SpaceNews.comWATCH LIVE: Elon Musk and NASA chief give an update on SpaceX's astronaut spacecraft – 10/10/2019 - YouTube45th Space Wing commander: Changes underway to support commercial launch - SpaceNews.comMichael Baylor on Twitter: “The official government website states that Cape Canaveral is the launch site for SAOCOM 1B, and I have verified that this is not an error. SAOCOM 1A was launched out of Vandenberg last October.”Flight Club on Twitter: “This one’s better. 97°”Canaveral’s Polar Express - Main Engine Cut OffEmail your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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 ShopLike the show? Support the show!Music by Max Justus

Jake Robins, host of WeMartians and my co-host on Off-Nominal, joins me for Part 2 of our conversation about SpaceX’s 2019 Starship update. Part 1 can be found over on WeMartians.Meetup alert! Sunday, October 20, 2019 in Washington, DC. Hang out with me, Jake, and a ton of amazing people of space the night before IAC 2019 kicks off. Details at events.offnominal.space.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Rui, Julian, Lars, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 276 other supporters.65 - Starship on Course (feat. Anthony Colangelo) - WeMartians Podcast — Part 1 of our Starship conversationJake Robins (@JakeOnOrbit) | TwitterHome - WeMartians PodcastOff-NominalStarship | SpaceXStarship Update - YouTubeJim Bridenstine on Twitter: “My statement on @SpaceX’s announcement tomorrow”Jim Bridenstine on Twitter: “I had a great phone call with @elonmusk this week, and I’m looking forward to visiting @SpaceX in Hawthorne next Thursday. More to come soon!”Off-Nominal EventsEmail your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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 ShopLike the show? Support the show!Music by Max Justus

I’ve got a special preview of MECO Headlines for the main feed this week, with news on Orion, NASA’s FY2020 budget, NEOCam’s legacy, Starship, and more.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Rui, Julian, Lars, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 272 other supporters.HeadlinesOff-Nominal Events: Meetup in DC—Sunday, October 20th!NASA Commits to Long-term Artemis Missions with Orion Production | NASASenate appropriators advance bill funding NASA despite uncertainties about Artemis costs - SpaceNews.comNASA to develop mission to search for near-Earth asteroids - SpaceNews.comElon Musk on Twitter: “Three Raptors on a Starship”Elon Musk on Twitter: “Adding the rear moving fins to Starship Mk1 in Boca Chica, Texas”BocaChicaGal photosLauncherOne: Shaping Up and Shipping Out | Virgin OrbitSoyuz ferries three crew members to space station – Spaceflight NowFresh batteries, experiments on the way to the International Space Station – Spaceflight NowTwo more satellites launched into China’s Beidou navigation fleet – Spaceflight NowRussia launches missile warning satellite – Spaceflight NowKeep an eye on upcoming launches with rocketlaunch.live.Show InfoEmail your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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 ShopLike the show? Support the show!Music by Max Justus

Kurt Klaus, Chair of the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group’s Commercial Advisory Board, joins me to talk about NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, and the wider potential for commercial flights to the Moon and beyond.This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Rui, Julian, Lars, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 271 other supporters.Mr. Kurt K. KlausLunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG)Commercial Lunar Payload Services | NASANASA Selects First Commercial Moon Landing Services for Artemis | NASANASA Selects 12 New Lunar Science, Technology Investigations | NASANASA Selects Experiments for Possible Lunar Flights in 2019 | NASAEpisode T+129: Steve Altemus and Dr. Tim Crain, Intuitive Machines - Main Engine Cut OffEmail your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] @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 ShopLike the show? Support the show!Music by Max Justus

SpaceX updated their SmallSat launch offering—dropping the price and increasing the number of flights. It certainly looks like they’ll be a force to be reckoned with in the small launch market. This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 39 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Rui, Julian, Lars, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 269 other supporters. SpaceX - Smallsat Program SpaceX revamps smallsat rideshare program - SpaceNews.com SpaceX plans 24 Starlink launches next year - SpaceNews.com Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] Follow @WeHaveMECO Listen to MECO Headlines Join the Off-Nominal Discord Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhere Subscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off Newsletter Buy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off Shop Like the show? Support the show! Music by Max Justus

Andrew Rush, CEO of Made in Space, joins me to talk about their big new NASA contract for Archinaut One and the history, present, and future of in-space manufacturing. This episode of Main Engine Cut Off is brought to you by 40 executive producers—Kris, Pat, Matt, Jorge, Brad, Ryan, Jamison, Nadim, Peter, Donald, Lee, Chris, Warren, Bob, Russell, John, Moritz, Joel, Jan, David, Grant, Mike, David, Mints, Joonas, Robb, Tim Dodd the Everyday Astronaut, Frank, Rui, Julian, Lars, Tommy, Adam, Sam, and six anonymous—and 265 other supporters. Made In Space | Build Above NASA Funds Demo of 3D-Printed Parts Made, Assembled in Orbit | NASA Made In Space Awarded NASA Contract For Robotic Manufacturing And Assembly Flight Demo Mission | Made In Space Archinaut One Solar Array Deployment - YouTube Made In Space, Inc. Completes Successful Ground-Based Manufacturing & Assembly Testing For Archinaut Program | Made In Space Archinaut NASA seeks to break the “tyranny of launch” with in-space manufacturing | Ars Technica NASA Administrator and Made In Space CEO share vision for on-orbit manufacturing, assembly - SpaceNews.com Email your thoughts, comments, and questions to [email protected] Follow @WeHaveMECO Listen to MECO Headlines Join the Off-Nominal Discord Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Spotify, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn or elsewhere Subscribe to the Main Engine Cut Off Newsletter Buy shirts and Rocket Socks from the Main Engine Cut Off Shop Like the show? Support the show! Music by Max Justus