Sirotin Intelligence Briefing: Jan 27 - Feb 2, 2025: Trump's Iron Dome, $71m Orbital Warehouses & 53 Nations Join Artemis

In a week that reshaped America's space defense posture, Trump's "Iron Dome for America" initiative signals a dramatic shift in missile defense strategy, while private companies secure major contracts for orbital warehouses. Meanwhile, U.S.-Canada space cooperation strengthens, and the Artemis Accords reach a milestone 53 signatories. Here's your essential briefing on the developments driving space policy, technology, and security.

🛡️ Defense & Policy Highlights

January 27, 2025 – Strengthening U.S.-Canada Space Cooperation

Lieutenant General Steve Boivin, Commander of the Canadian Joint Operations Command, visited U.S. Space Command at Peterson Space Force Base. The visit emphasized the importance of bilateral collaboration in space defense, reinforcing shared goals in maintaining secure and sustainable access to space.

January 28, 2025 – Trump’s “Iron Dome for America” Executive Order

President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Pentagon to develop a next-generation missile defense system. This initiative includes:

• Space-based interceptors
• A custody layer for continuous missile tracking
• Advanced kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities

The plan is expected within 60 days and marks a significant shift in U.S. missile defense policy.

January 29, 2025 – Trump Administration's Space Force Focus

President Trump has signaled a renewed emphasis on bolstering the U.S. Space Force in his second term. The administration is expected to prioritize increased funding and resources for the Space Force, aiming to enhance its capabilities and strengthen America’s position in space

January 30, 2025 – Logistics Innovations at U.S. Space Command

U.S. Space Command highlighted key logistical successes during the Logistics Officer Association Symposium. These advancements aim to enhance operational readiness and mobility for defending critical space infrastructure in cislunar space and beyond.

Ongoing – National Space Council in Jeopardy

Reports suggest that President Trump may dissolve the National Space Council following lobbying from SpaceX. Critics argue this could hinder coordination between civil, commercial, and national security space activities, while proponents claim existing frameworks suffice for advancing U.S. space leadership.

🛰️ Technology & Commercial Developments

January 27-30, 2025 – Commercial Space Week Highlights

Orlando, Florida hosted Commercial Space Week, bringing together over 5,000 attendees from 80+ countries. Key discussions included:

• Expanding launch capacity
• Updates on Artemis II
• Advances in commercial space tech like reusable rockets and private space stations

Speakers included Jim Bridenstine (former NASA Administrator), and executives from Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin.

January 31, 2025 – Orbital Warehouses Gain Momentum

SpaceWERX awarded a $71 million contract to a California-based startup to develop orbital warehouses capable of delivering cargo anywhere on Earth within 30 minutes. These warehouses are expected to enhance strategic logistics, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

January 31, 2025 – European Space Investments

During the European Space Conference, EU Commissioner Kubilius emphasized the role of space in Europe’s security and economic future. The EU is increasing investments in satellite constellations and new services to bolster its global competitiveness in space.

January 31, 2025 – NASA Prepares for Intuitive Machines Moon Flight

NASA announced the upcoming Intuitive Machines IM-2 mission, set to deliver the PRIME-1 experiment to the Moon’s south pole. This mission will test technologies for extracting water ice from lunar regolith.

🚀 Launch Recap & Upcoming Missions

January 27, 2025 – Starlink Mission

SpaceX launched 22 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base. This marked the 200th orbital launch from the pad and continues SpaceX’s rapid expansion of its satellite internet constellation.

January 29, 2025 – SpainSat NG-1 Launch

SpaceX successfully launched Spain’s government telecommunications satellite into medium Earth orbit from Kennedy Space Center. The mission supports secure communications for Spanish defense and governmental operations.

Upcoming – February 27, 2025 – NASA’s SPHEREx Mission

NASA’s SPHEREx mission is set to launch aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. This space telescope will create the first all-sky spectroscopic survey in near-infrared light, mapping over 450 million galaxies to study the origins of the universe.

🌐 Policy & Legal Shifts

January 2025 – Artemis Accords Milestone

As of January, 53 nations have signed the Artemis Accords, which outline principles for peaceful and cooperative exploration of the Moon and beyond. This reflects growing international interest in lunar exploration and resource utilization.

January 27, 2025 – Trump Administration Executive Orders

President Trump issued several executive orders impacting federal agencies involved in space activities. These include changes to personnel policies that could affect hiring across NASA and other agencies, as well as directives aimed at streamlining commercial space regulations.

Ongoing – Commercial Space Regulation Extensions

The FY2025 NDAA extended key commercial spaceflight regulations through 2028 while establishing a Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve to bolster private-sector contributions to national security space operations.

📅 Looking Ahead

• February 3, 2025 – 🌌 Planetary Alignment Viewing: Stargazers can enjoy a rare alignment of six planets—Saturn, Venus, Neptune, Uranus, Jupiter, and Mars. The crescent moon will also align with Venus and Uranus for optimal viewing conditions.
• February 7, 2025 – 🚀 SpaceX Starlink Launch: SpaceX is scheduled to launch another batch of Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral, continuing its efforts to expand global internet coverage.
• February 10, 2025 – 🚀 Rocket Lab plans to launch its next Electron mission from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula, carrying a commercial payload into low Earth orbit.
• February 15, 2025 – 🔭 Final preparations for the SPHEREx mission will take place ahead of its February 27 launch. This infrared space telescope will map the cosmos to study galaxy formation and cosmic origins.

🎤 Our Next Guest

Tomorrow, we feature an exclusive interview with Michael J. Listner, founder of Space Law & Policy Solutions and expert in space lawfare strategy.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• How nations are using legal frameworks to gain advantages in orbit
• China & Russia’s strategic use of international institutions
• The legal battles shaping the future of space governance

Don’t miss this deep dive into the legal challenges driving humanity’s expansion into space.

Stay ahead with Sirotin Intelligence Briefing—your weekly insight into the forces shaping the final frontier.