Space Strategy (Space Pod)
Explore every episode of Space Strategy
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03 Feb 2022 | 32. Henry Sokolski: A China-U.S. war in space: The after-action report | 00:46:01 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Henry Sokolski, Executive Director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, about their recent China-U.S. wargame. They discuss the impetus for the game, who was involved, the force structure, how the game unfolded, the surprises, and the key takeaways. Key takeaways included the need for bodyguard satellites, 'self-executing' norms that allow self-defense, the emerging importance of orbits above GEO and in Cislunar, the space domain awareness required to keep track of dual-use servicing assets, the need to work and share with allies, and to engage South Korea on space cooperation. Henry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-sokolski-3b5409ab https://npolicy.org/leadership-staff/henry-d-sokolski/ NPEC: @NuclearPolicy A China-US war in space: The after-action report https://thebulletin.org/premium/2022-01/a-china-us-war-in-space-the-after-action-report/ https://npolicy.org/china-waging-war-in-space-an-after-action-report-occasional-paper-2104/ https://npolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/2104-China-Space-Wargame-Report.pdf What a space war might look like Circa 2030: Why Cislunar Is Important and Hard: https://spaceforcejournal.org/posturing-space-forces-for-operations-beyond-geo/ Federalist Papers on Public Debate: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/01-10-02-0178 | |||
| 05 Jan 2022 | 29. Dean Cheng: Wake Up! | 00:46:26 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Dean Cheng, a Senior Research Fellow with the Heritage Foundation on Chinese political and security affairs. They discuss modern China, whether it is a peer or near-peer, whether it is totalitarian or a dictatorship, what are its national interests, and how the regime thinks about space. They examine China's global and space ambitions, the reasons for its behavior and adversarial stand, its Lunar, Mars, Space station and anti-satellite and orbital hypersonic program and its capabilities, its military reorganization, whether it can innovate and what policymakers and the Space Force must do in response. Dean Cheng: https://www.heritage.org/staff/dean-cheng https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-cheng-b340221 Cyber Dragon: Inside China's Information Warfare and Cyber Operations https://www.amazon.com/dp/1440835640/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_a_JWEQ8803R313FX73EJ1X Lawfare https://www.heritage.org/asia/report/winning-without-fighting-chinese-legal-warfare | |||
| 01 Jun 2021 | 10. Steven Butow: "Think The Expanse": How DIU is enabling the nation to do "interesting things" in Space | 00:59:35 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews General Steve "Bucky" Butow, Director of the Space Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit. They discuss DIU's efforts to leverage the commercial sector to build dual-use logistics, infrastructure, and make use of space commodities. They discuss the importance of the Space Domain, the coming revolution in access & human presence, the richness of the Moon as Earth's 8th Continent, how U.S. space primacy is in jeopardy -- and what is at stake. Gen Butow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-butow-32724a27/ https://www.diu.mil/team/Steven-Butow DIU Space https://www.diu.mil/solutions/portfolio#Space Multi-Orbit Logistics https://blog.executivebiz.com/2020/02/diu-seeks-vehicles-fuel-depots-for-space-logistics/ Outpost http://spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=52649 Remote Sensing https://insidedefense.com/insider/diu-seeks-commercial-remote-sensing-technology SETI Institute Space Futures Workshop https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1101899.pdf State of the Space Industrial Base 2020 | |||
| 16 Jun 2021 | 12. Joel Sercel: 'There is Gold in Them Hills!': A Deep Dive Into Asteroid Mining & Space Logistics | 02:42:51 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Joel Sercel, Founder and CEO of TransAstra Corporation. They discuss TransAstra's plans for Space Logistics, including the placement and servicing of as many as 100,000 satellites in LEO, its flex-fuel Omnivore solar-thermal engine, its broader architecture for Asteroid mining, and approach to agile engineering. They discuss how water is the ultimate future-proof safe bet for space logistics, the coming age of mega-sats in GEO, human spaceflight, the wealth and carrying capacity of the Asteroid belt, and the ultimate big picture of spreading Earth life. They discuss the specifics of asteroid mining and Lunar mining for water ice, the different scales of ambition between NASA and the private sector, and the need for NASA and Space Force to leverage the private sector to enable efficiencies approaching 10x. Joel provides a grand vision of our future, and lays out the key roles for NASA, FAA, Commerce, and Space Force. They also discuss the threats of Coronal Mass Ejections and Asteroid strikes -- and how TransAstra's Sutter Telescope network and Apis architecture could provide solutions. Joel Sercel info: https://spacesettlementsummit2019.nss.org/home/speakers/joel-sercel/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelsercel/ TransAstra: https://www.transastracorp.com/ TransAstra Video Gallery (where you can see the architecture & optical mining): https://www.transastracorp.com/gallery Stepping Stones Study: https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/eso_final_report.pdf https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/eso_final_report_1.pdf http://fiso.spiritastro.net/telecon16-18/Sercel_8-16-17/Sercel_8-16-17.pdf Sunflower / Lunar Propellant Mining Outpost: https://www.transastracorp.com/lunar-power-generation http://fiso.spiritastro.net/telecon/Sercel_1-20-21/ Fast Space Study: https://www.defensedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/post_attachment/157919.pdf Sutter Telescope Network: https://www.transastracorp.com/sutter-survey https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/niac/2017_Phase_I_Phase_II/Gold_Rush_in_Space/ | |||
| 17 Jan 2022 | 30. Wayne White: The Space Pioneer Act | 00:50:20 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Wayne White, author of the Space Pioneer Act. They discuss the utility of real property rights in space, consistence with the Outer Space Treaty, and how national legislation can help set norms and enable U.S. leadership. They outline the contents of the Space Pioneer act and the next steps for the draft legislation. Wayne White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynenwhite/ https://independent.academia.edu/WhiteWayne Space Pioneer Act (Full Act): https://www.academia.edu/45290412/The_Space_Pioneer_Act Space Pioneer Act (FAQ): https://www.academia.edu/49138575/The_Space_Pioneer_Act_Frequently_Asked_Questions Space Pioneer Act (Outline Only): https://www.academia.edu/49138580/The_Space_Pioneer_Act_Outline Real Property Rights in Space: http://www.space-settlement-institute.org/Articles/research_library/WayneWhite98-2.pdf https://www.academia.edu/9176166/Real_Property_Rights_in_Outer_Space_unpublished_long_version_1985 Salvage Law for Outer Space: https://www.academia.edu/6983159/Salvage_Law_for_Outer_Space National Space Society (About): https://space.nss.org/nss-statement-of-philosophy/ NSS Space Settlement Library: | |||
| 08 Dec 2021 | 27. Todd Harrison: Priority 1: Defending Our Space Systems | 00:48:56 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Todd Harrison, Director of Defense Budget Analysis, Director of the Aerospace Security Project, and Senior Fellow with the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS). They discuss the role of thinking tanks in helping policymakers ask the right questions, and what Todd sees as the most important question at present: How to improve protection of our critical space assets. Their talk focuses on the importance of space to our nation both militarily and economically. They cover the history and emergence of the Space Force and Todd's thoughts on a separate department and consolidation of the NRO. They discuss the changed orientation and priorities of the Biden administration and what major policy initiatives are left undone, including on norms, regulation and licensing. They assess the recent Chinese hypersonic and perhaps fractional orbital bombardment test, the contribution of a sensing layer to missile defense, the technical concerns with space-based missile defense. They close by speaking about Space Force Acquisition reform, and end with a discussion of a space agenda worthy of the nation. Todd: https://www.csis.org/people/todd-harrison https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-harrison-7832461/ CSIS: CSIS Aerospace: CSIS Space Threat Assessment 2021 | |||
| 12 Feb 2022 | 33. Dennis Wingo: The Strategic Importance of the Moon | 01:06:02 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Dennis Wingo, CEO of SkyCorp, Inc. and author of Moonrush. They discuss the strategic rationale for space development and industrialization, the strategic importance of the Moon, the grand strategy consequences of failure, and the proper division of labor between government and the private sector. Dennis lays out a vision for Lunar development, and concrete policy steps to mobilize private capital and accelerate Lunar industrial development. Dennis Wingo: NDU Towards A Theory of Spacepower (see Chapter 8): Moonrush: The Early Path Not Taken: The Lunar Industrial Facilty: Dr. John Lewis' Mining the Sky Dr. Paul Spudis The Value of the Moon Skycorp: | |||
| 24 Nov 2021 | 25. George Pullen: A Four Trillion Dollar Space Economy | 01:40:02 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews George Pullen, Chief Economist of Milky Way Economy, a Fifth Industrial Revolution think tank and boutique consultancy based in Washington, DC. They discuss alternate markets, the space industry, and the space economy—its size and how it is expected to grow to exceed $4T, and why it is important to US national security. They examine the coming 5th industrial revolution in space, including the expectation of 6-12 commercial space stations engaged in biotech and extreme high purity products, and eventually large-scale manufacturing and the use of space resources, including rare earths. They outline important roles for government to help create supporting infrastructure (including the 'guard rails' on transportation), ensure freedom of movement, establish international norms of behavior, and provide search and rescue functions. They put forward visions for settlement, and the increasing maturity of Space Solar Power. They discuss the Space Force and its need to balance its dual role to support the other terrestrial armed forces as well as to 'extend out. They consider the opportunity that a US-India partnership offers for the brightest future. Finally, they conclude discussing what is a space agenda worthy of the nation, and what it would take to get there. George Pullen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgepullen/ Milky Way Economy: https://www.milkywayeconomy.com/ The Space Economy Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR63DCdyLNLUYOlzbHoVxRA Book: Blockchain & The Space Economy https://www.milkywayeconomy.com/store https://www.amazon.com/Blockchain-Space-Economy-George-Pullen/dp/B084QMCCP5 Book: The Space Economy https://www.amazon.com/Space-Economy-Book-Zero/dp/1638778973 | |||
| 19 Apr 2023 | 38. Daniel Suarez: What Can U.S. Spacepower and USSF Learn from Hard Science Fiction? | 01:55:20 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with science fiction author Daniel Suarez about his latest novel Critical Mass, which depicts humanity’s transition from a climate-imperiled, Earthbound civilization to one that utilizes the resources and energy from deep space to secure a promising, sustainable future. They discuss what it means to be a spacefaring civilization, what is the value proposition for developing Cislunar, the new Space Race, what will be the determinants of spacepower both soft & hard, and what ought to be our national priorities. Daniel is clear that, “They [China] have basically declared that they want to have a space race with us. I say we take them up on it” and that “We need to get busy, and we really need to be focused on outcomes,” that “We Need an Apollo Level of Urgency,” and “And if that space race can inspire us to get busy and get moving well, then good. Then it and it's going to have a good catalyzing effect.” They analyze what the Space Force should assume about Cislunar, space resources, humans in space, and requirements for guardians in space. They delve into what the new capabilities mean for competitive endurance and a theory of success, and the opportunities afforded by space mobility and logistics. They explore the concept of space infrastructure, and the criticality of on-orbit mass for spacepower advantage. They assess how the scenario in his latest book ought to give the USSF pause, “And if this scenario gives them [USSF] nightmares…then, hopefully, that will urge some action.” They touch on cryptocurrency in space, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and the space commodities exchange. They cover Asteroid Mining, Solar Power Satellites to Mass Drivers, to Lunar Cyclers, Spin-Gravity Space Stations—and enabling U.S. policy. They discuss the utility of Science Fiction as ‘cost-effective prototyping the future’, the utility of narrative, and the constraint that ‘you can’t build something until you can imagine it.’ They close by examining the future roles and missions for the Space Force in a developing Cislunar economy in the context of the technology in his novels DeltaV and Critical Mass. | |||
| 03 Jul 2021 | 14. Dr. "Coyote" Smith: Space Force Mission is a better tomorrow. | 02:17:15 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Dr. M.V. "Coyote" Smith, a leading intellectual father of the Space Force, spacepower advocate, and professor of strategic studies at the Department of Spacepower's Schriever Scholars, where he educates America's Future Space Strategists. They discuss the Schriever Scholars Strategy Seminar, the increasing strategic importance of space, and space as a domain of commerce. They explore the needs and rationale for the Space Force and the continued need to drive toward full departmental independence. Dr. Smith provides an overview of spacepower theory and book recommendations for those interested in spacepower. They also touch on advanced propulsion, active debris removal, space solar power and planetary defense. They examine the value of bold, risk-taking leadership, and its role in innovative thought such as the NSSO Space Solar Power report and Fast Space Report. Finally, they outline the expanded roles and mission, actions available to the Administration and Congress, and the long-term mission of the Space Force. Coyote: The Grand Vision: America Needs a Space Corps Avoiding the Dragon's Trap (national debt & space resources Schriever Scholars Space Solar Power Study SSPIDR SSP Library FAST Space Study Billion Year Plan AFRL's new Primer on Cislunar Space: Rocket Cargo: | |||
| 12 May 2021 | 8. Kara Cunzeman: Abundance, Aspiration, and Strategic Foresight | 01:35:12 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews Kara Cunzeman, a thought leader and Futurist at The Aerospace Corporation. They discuss strategic foresight, multiple futures, anticipatory policymaking, acquisition reform, and space guard missions including planetary defense and rescue. Kara calls for a more aspirational tone, and enumerates how the National Space Council, Space Force, and NASA have opportunities to plant seeds for an abundant future. Kara Cunzeman bio: Pathfinder's Guide to the Space Enterprise https://aerospace.org/aerospace-presents-pathfinders-guide-space-enterprise Space Force's Space Futures Workshop https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1101899.pdf Strategic Foresign https://aerospace.org/paper/strategic-foresight-addressing-uncertainty-long-term-strategic-planning Agenda 2021 Aerospace Space Policy Show https://aerospace.org/thespacepolicyshow Herman Kahn's https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19780004167/downloads/19780004167.pdf Avi Loeb's book Extraterrestrial on Oumuamua https://www.amazon.com/Extraterrestrial-First-Intelligent-Beyond-Earth/dp/0358278147 Solar Gravity Lens Mission https://aerospace.org/article/solar-gravity-lens-looks-exoplanets Space Force S&T Spending https://www.afpc.org/uploads/documents/Defense_Technology_Briefing_-_Issue_23.pdf | |||
| 05 May 2021 | 7. John Mankins: 2045: Moon Bases, Power Satellites, Reusable Transporation System, a Multi-trillion Dollar Space Economy & Space Diplomacy | 01:41:17 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews John Mankins. They discuss John's ambitious prediction for 2045, and what steps the United States must take to keep pace with global competition--both technically and diplomatically. John explains the value of the Moon, the possibility and desirability of Space-Based Solar Power satellites, the proliferation of reusable space transportation, and emerging roles for the Space Force. John outlines the state of international competition and potential Space Policy Directives to keep the US on track. John Mankins https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mankins-a89a7130/ Space Solar Power https://space.nss.org/space-solar-power/ John's Book: The Case for Space Solar Power https://www.amazon.com/Case-Space-Solar-Power-ebook/dp/B00HNZ0Z96 ESA 2025 Vision https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Introducing_ESA_Agenda_2025 Moon Village Association https://moonvillageassociation.org/ National Space Society Development & Settlement Vision https://space.nss.org/nss-statement-of-philosophy/ Global Lunar Space Exploration (GLEX) https://www.iafastro.org/events/global-series-conferences/glex-2021/ John's companies: Solar Space Technologies https://www.solarspacetechnologies.com.au/ Artemis innovation: http://www.artemisinnovation.com/aboutus.html Kepler Space Institute: | |||
| 05 Dec 2024 | 46. Jim Keravala: The Fastest Era of Economic growth in Human History; 25% of Global GDP by 2050 | 01:26:43 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Jim Keravala, co-founder and CEO of OffWorld, inc. The conversation opens with the truly grand scale of ambition in space, beginning with interstellar migration before working back to Cislunar development. This leads into an exploration of political and environmental pressures, highlighting the need to double or quadruple our energy inputs through Space Solar Power. Jim shares his past efforts with Shacketon energy to create an $18B sovereign wealth fund for developing Lunar infrastructure and building solar power Satellites. The conversation shifts to examining the genesis of OffWorld, its success in terrestrial mining, and plans for swarm mining of end-of-life mines. The dialogue emphasizes the criticality of Cislunar space, establishing how U.S. economic prosperity is absolutely tied to our Cislunar competence. This opens up a broader conversation about why Cislunar development is urgent today and how to catalyze it in alignment with the Oil & Gas industry. The focus then turns to Cislunar's importance for national security and the future roles of the Space Force. As the conversation progresses, attention shifts to the opportunity of building and leading the foundation of expansion into Cislunar space during this era of unprecedented technological advancement—comparable to the discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel. The discussion expands to cover starship, self-replication, synbio, AI, AI ethics, and the incredible opportunity facing the new administration. The episode concludes with a compelling scenario of what we're likely to see unfold if we make the right decisions. | |||
| 15 Mar 2022 | 34. Howard Bloom: The Infrastructure of Imagination: Garden the Solar System, Green the Galaxy | 01:27:19 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews best-selling author Howard Bloom and founder of the Space Development Steering Committee. They discuss fundamental motivations for developing and settling space—humanity's destiny—and the roles that NASA and the Space Force are called to play to support that purpose. They focus on how to balance near-term threats and priorities vs. the power of Cislunar to determine the future. Howard discusses the opportunity cost of the current expandable architecture, and the possibilities suggested by reusable systems like a SpaceX’s Starship. He ends with an urgent plea to the Administration to get Starship flying without delay. About Howard: https://www.howardbloom.net/about-howard-bloom/ Screw Sustainability https://lifeboat.com/ex/screw.sustainability China Silk Road vs America's Platinum Highway in the Sky https://othjournal.com/2018/09/24/chinas-new-silk-road-vs-americas-platinum-highway-in-the-sky/ Garden the Solar System - Green the Galaxy Humanity's Destiny Howard's Books and Articles The Space Development Steering Committee http://spacedevelopmentsteeringcommittee.org/ The 2 billion dollar Moon Prize https://www.newsweek.com/one-small-step-toward-2-billion-moon-prize-opinion-1476945 https://www.politico.com/story/2019/08/19/newt-gingrich-michael-jackson-moon-1466853 The Howard Bloom Institute | |||
| 17 Oct 2024 | 45. Mike Snead and Jess Sponable: SpacePlanes! America's Unrealized Dream | 01:30:54 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Mike Snead and Jess Sponable about why America doesn't yet have true spaceplanes and their promise and importance. They cover nuances of what counts as a spaceplane, what sorts of things a spaceplane can do, the major categories of spaceplanes (TSTO, SSTO, VTOL, HOTOL, VTHL, rocket/airbreathing, air collection, hot & cold structures). The guests review the history of US efforts from X-20 DynaSoar, TAV (Boeing) to Cooper Canyon to X-30 NASP, Have Region, DC-X, X-33/Venture Star, XS-1/XSP and more). They explain that for decades the U.S. industrial base could have built rocket-powered spaceplanes and discuss the geo-strategic and political regions it has not. The conversation explores the reasons for failure, the sad demise of X-planes, and some of the positive trends in industry. They discuss policies that might advance spaceplanes as well as their military implications. Toward the end, Mike and Peter also discuss the interactions between spaceplanes, space solar power, and the implications of China's spaceplane, Lunar and Space Solar Power programs. The consider how a mature 'astroelectricity'and 'astrologistics' infrastructure would fundamentally change the game for the U.S. Space Force and military power. | |||
| 04 Nov 2021 | 23. Tim Chrisman: The Space Corporation to Unlock Millions of Jobs and Trillions of Dollars of Economic Activity | 00:50:56 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Tim Chrisman, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Foundation for the Future (F4F). They discuss the need for space infrastructure and logistics and associated financing. Tim describes the Foundation for the Future's Space Corporation concept, efforts by the Foundation to create a broader conversation about space infrastructure, as well as several big infrastructure ideas. They outline the challenge the US faces in China, and the critical role space will play in the determination of the future our children will live in. Finally, they cover what sort of space agenda is worthy of the nation, and how F4F is working with Congress to create a new arm to enable a brighter future and millions of new jobs. Tim: The Space Corporation Act: Infrastructure for the Future: | |||
| 31 Jan 2022 | 31. Jean-Jacques Tortora: A European Perspective | 01:11:10 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Jean-Jacques Tortora, Director of the European Space Policy Institute in Vienna. They talk about European space policy, the organization and roles of the European Space Agency (ESA), European Commission (EC), NATO, and member states. They discuss changes in how Europe is thinking about the security dimension of space. They also cover European perspectives on natural and man-made threats (Near Earth Objects, Solar Flares, Debris, Congested Traffic, ASATs), and a vision for global governance in space. They discuss the Russian ASAT test, change in NATO posture, French Defense Space Strategy, China & Russia's International Lunar Research Station, the Artemis program, Artemis Accords, a vision for space commerce, and opportunities for U.S.-European space cooperation. Jean-Jacques: EU Space Policy Web Page: European Space Strategy: NATO: Space as an Operational Domain NATO’s Overarching Space Policy :"Such attacks could lead to the invocation of Article 5. A decision as to when such attacks would lead to the invocation of Article 5 would be taken by the North Atlantic Council on a case-by-case basis"https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/official_texts_190862.htm French Defense Space Strategy: UK Proposal: | |||
| 13 Aug 2021 | 18. Bhavya Lal: "Incorporating the Solar System into Our Economic Sphere" - The Relevance of Artemis and NASA to National Strategy and National Security | 02:04:21 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Dr. Bhavya Lal, senior advisor to the NASA Administrator on Budget and Finance. They discuss NASA's Artemis Lunar Program, the Chinese Space Program and Commercial Sector, why the Moon and human presence is important, the promise of nuclear power and propulsion, and NASA's relevance to the Climate Change task force. They examine the soft-power implications of sustained presence and how leadership translates into benefits that accrue to the first-mover. They consider how NASA is fulfilling its charter to maximize commercial participation through investments in space commercialization, space industrialization, the scale of space resources, in-situ resource utilization and on-orbit servicing assembly and maintenance (OSAM), public-private-partnerships, and the role of government in building a vibrant commercial sector. They review whole-of-nation tie-ins to Artemis, including DOE, USGS, and cooperation memos with USSPACECOM and USSF. They cover the key technologies the US must advance for a spacefaring future of development and settlement. They examine NASA's role in planetary defense and resource mapping. They discuss NASA's charter to " to the maximum extent possible, the fullest commercial use of space." They conclude with the actions necessary for America to sustain its leadership. Bhavya Lal: China International Lunar Research Station: NASA-USSF MOU: | |||
| 15 Oct 2021 | 20. Col Eric Felt, USSF: The Space Force's Lab, Strategy & Technology and "the opportunity to shape the opportunity" | 00:57:22 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Col. Eric Felt, Director of Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate--The Space Force's Lab. Col. felt provides an overview of the role of the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Space Vehicles, its size, budget, and relation to the Space Force. They discuss how AFRL cooperates with funding agencies and partner agencies (SDA, Space RCO, AF RCO, SSC, DARPA, DIU) as well as with the commercial sector. Next, they dive into AFRL's past successes such as DSX, Eagle/Mycroft and their impact on deterrence, as well as current experiments such as NTS-3, SPIDER, and CHPS. Then the focus shifts to a discussion on how the Space Force is considering an exciting future of Cislunar commerce, the possibility of space mining, power beaming, settlements and on-orbit servicing, assembly and maintenance (OSAM), and future roles and missions including the defense of commerce, planetary defense, search and rescue which might arise. They provide a definition for the meaning of "warfighting" and how it forms a lens for investment to ensure deterrence. Finally the close with a discussion on the working culture of both Space Force and AFRL, and the "opportunity to shape the opportunity." Col Felt: Space Force (and Recruiting): AFRL (and Recruiting): "One Lab Two Services": Space Vehicles: Primer for S&T: Space Technology Funding: NTS-3: Eagle/Mycroft: | |||
| 03 Dec 2021 | 26. Gen "Bucky" Butow: The State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 | 00:55:12 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews General Steve "Bucky" Butow, Director of the Space Portfolio at the Defense Innovation Unit. They discuss the recently released State of the Space Industrial Base Report 2021 and its findings, with particular emphasis on the commercial sector, its importance and needs. Gen. Steve Butow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-butow-32724a27/ https://www.diu.mil/team/Steven-Butow State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 https://www.diu.mil/latest/state-of-the-space-industrial-base-2021 Formal Release of Report at Atlantic Council https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/state-of-the-space-industrial-base-2021/ State of the Space Industrial Base 2020 DIU Space https://www.diu.mil/solutions/portfolio#Space Multi-Orbit Logistics https://blog.executivebiz.com/2020/02/diu-seeks-vehicles-fuel-depots-for-space-logistics/ Outpost http://spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=52649 Remote Sensing https://insidedefense.com/insider/diu-seeks-commercial-remote-sensing-technology Space Futures Workshop | |||
| 19 Oct 2021 | 21. Dr. Scott Pace: America’s Space Agenda - Seeking to Expand our Civilization and Ensure Space will be a Home of Free People | 01:03:21 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Dr. Scott Pace, Director of the Space Policy Institute at the George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs and former Deputy Assistant to the President and Executive Secretary of the National Space Council from 2017-2020. They discuss the criticality of broad and bipartisan consensus to sustainable space exploration and development. Next, follows a discussion on exploration policy, space as a warfighting domain, China, spacepower theory (Dolman’s Astropolitics vs Bowen’s Continental Seapower), arms control, the record of the National Space Council’s space policy directives, their rational and significance. The speakers cover the possible futures in space depending on whether we can live off the land and pay our own way leading to different analogies: settlements, ‘Everest’, ‘McMurdo’, and deep sea drilling platforms. They provide details about space property rights, development and industrialization, asteroid defense and how it is getting worked into the missions of the agencies such as NASA and DoD. Finally, they discuss opportunities available to the new administration and space council and define a space agenda worthy of our nation and its values. Dr. Pace: GWU Space Policy Institute Report on National Space Council Activities National Space Policy A New Vision for Deep Space Exploration and Development National Near Earth Object Strategy and Action Plan Spacepower Doctrine Artemis Accords Collected Space Space Policy Directives | |||
| 15 May 2023 | 39. Dr. Ezinne Uzo-Okoro: To go far, we go together...one foot in front of the other. | 00:54:24 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson meets with Dr. Ezinne Uzo-Okoro of the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). They discuss the White House space policies in the context of the Administration Priorities, including climate, economy and jobs, restoring US global leadership, COVID and infrastructure, and the intention to lead by example. They delve into the broad context of the White House Space Priorities Framework and its emphasis on sustainability, norms and behaviors, earth observation for climate change. They examine the plethora of policy documents and the 'nuts and bolts' of what is involved in originating and coordinating such documents, including aligning with presidential intent, 'reading the room,' bringing together and educating stakeholders, and soliciting feedback including from industry and academia, making a case for guidance, always with the intent to maintain US preeminence at least 10-20 years down the road. They address how such documents are used by federal agencies, allies, and industry, and the relationship of OSTP to the National Space Council (NSpC), National Security Council (NSC), and Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and sometimes the National Economic Council (NEC) and Climate office...as well as the need for patience and grace throughout the 6-12 month coordination process. They explore the historic nature of the National Cislunar Science and Technology Strategy and the deliberate choice of the language of 'settlement' in the new National Low Earth Orbit Research and Development Strategy, and the consistent industry-friendly themes across documents of new products and scalable infrastructure, and economic growth. They touch on In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing National Strategy and National In-Space Servicing Assembly, and Manufacturing Implementation Plan, as well as the National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing and Interagency Roadmap to Support Space-Related STEM Education and Workforce. They also cover the James Webb Telescope and exciting DART mission, the recently updated National Preparedness Strategy & Action Plan for Near-Earth Object Hazards and Planetary Defense—"what's cooler than planetary defense." Along the way they discuss Space-Based Solar Power, Exoplanets, Settlement, Space Weather, regulating novel space activities. They review Ezinne's own career and journey, and her reasons for optimism and philosophy of hard work. They conclude talking about how easy it is to become involved in space, because it is a small community where anyone can play, and secrets of success such as: if you want to go far, go together; that success comes from putting one foot in front of the other; the utility of patience and grace, and that there is plenty of work, so grab an oar!
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| 08 Apr 2023 | 37. Dr. Kurt "Spuds" Vogel: NASA's Moon to Mars Objectives - A Blueprint for Sustained Human Presence in the Solar System | 01:01:44 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Dr. Kurt "Spuds" Vogel, NASA Director of Space Architectures, about NASA's Moon to Mars Objectives and NASA's just-released Blueprint for Sustained Human Presence and exploration throughout the Solar System. They discuss the NASA organization, the difference between an objective vs capabilities based approach, what it means to 'architect from the right and execute from the left, the significance of the objectives, and the collaborative process to get there. They outline how the plan seeks to be robust across administrations and alternate budget futures. They close by focusing on the significance of objectives for science, applied science, science enabling, and infrastructure objectives, and in particular the step-change of including a 'robust Cislunar economy' and an explicit NASA goal to enable 'Commerce and Space Development' by deliberately fostering 'the expansion of the economic sphere beyond Earth orbit to support U.S. industry and innovation.' | |||
| 24 Sep 2024 | 44. Ilan Berman: Our Digital Competition with China Heats Up | 00:30:20 | |
In this episode, AFPC Senior Vice President, and host of the Disinformation Wars podcast, speaks with Col. Peter Garretson, AFPC Senior Fellow in Defense Studies and former chief futurist for the U.S. Air Force, regarding China’s recent strides forward in space internet, and what it might mean for the unfolding “great power competition” between Washington and Beijing. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: — Ilan Berman, “The Fight for Informational Freedom Is Moving to Space,” Newsweek, September 4, 2024, https://www.newsweek.com/fight-informational-freedom-moving-space-opinion-1948104 — Richard M. Harrison and Peter Garretson, The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy (Praeger Security International, 2023), https://www.amazon.com/Next-Space-Race-Blueprint-International/dp/1440880808 — Peter Garretson and Richard M. Harrison, “Reacting to Major Space Events at or Below Geostationary Orbit - After Action Report 1,” AFPC Special Report, July 5, 2024, https://www.afpc.org/publications/special-reports/reacting-to-major-space-events-at-or-below-geostationary-obit-after-action-report-1. — Peter Garretson and Richard M. Harrison, “Reacting to Major Space Events on the Moon and in Cislunar Space - After Action Report 2,” AFPC Special Report, September 24, 2024, https://www.afpc.org/uploads/documents/Workshop_2_-_After_Action_Report_-_9.16.24.pdf. | |||
| 30 Jul 2021 | 16. Victoria Samson: Constructing International Norms for Space | 02:05:03 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Victoria Samson, Washington Office Director for Secure World Foundation. They discuss 'space sustainability,' The Consortium for Execution of Rendezvous and Servicing Operations (CONFERS), the problem of space debris, the construction of international norms through unilateral precedent, bilateral and multilateral fora, the Artemis Accords, arms control theory, the status global counter-space and anti-satellite weapons, classification issues, space traffic management, Space Force roles and missions, and a positive agenda for international cooperation and space norms. Victoria Samson: https://swfound.org/about-us/our-team/victoria-samson/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-samson-6338aa13/
https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA887-2.html SWF Biden administration briefing book: | |||
| 17 Dec 2024 | 47. Christopher Mason: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds and the Embryogenesis of Humanity | 01:03:20 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Christopher Mason, a Professor of Genomics, Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of the WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, and principal investigator for the NASA Twins Study. The conversation explores the ideas in his book, The Next 500 Years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds. The episode opens with Chris' thought experiment for long-term thinking, and the realization that the span of life on Earth is finite and its implications. The discussion delves into key concepts from his book such as his "deontogenic ethics," the human purpose as shepherds of life, the duty to engineer, the 'metaspecies,' engineering astronauts, settlers, and their companion microbes, terraforming, and the nuts and bolts of his 500 year plan to engineer ourselves, the biospheres of planets in our solar system and settling new Earths, setting sail for second Suns. Mason shares insights from the NASA Twins Study, and highlights work in his lab such as creating radiation resistant cells by transplanting tardigrade DNA into human cells. The conversation covers planetary protection, longevity, synthetic biology, functional genomics, reproduction in space, AI & biological digital twins, and science fiction. Together, they explore what it means to codify such purpose in national policy, and how to encourage US leadership in the new space race in science and technology policy. Chris ends on a note of high optimism for the future of humanity. | |||
| 15 Apr 2021 | 4. Rick Tumlinson: A Far-Reaching Vision for Space | 01:49:14 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Rick Tumlinson, Founder of SpaceFund, EarthLight Foundation, New Worlds and Space Frontier Foundation. They discuss Rick's far-reaching vision for space, his current and past ventures as a founder, entrepreneur, activist, and now venture capitalist. Rick outlines the respective roles of government and private industry, and what policies are required to secure American leadership and develop the frontier. Rick Tumlinson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricktumlinson/ SpaceFund: https://spacefund.com/ Space Frontier Foundation: http://newspace.spacefrontier.org/ Earthlight Foundation: https://earthlightfoundation.org/ Space Studies Institute: https://ssi.org/ SEDS: https://seds.org/ New Worlds Conference: https://earthlightfoundation.org/newworlds/ ISDC Conference: https://isdc2021.nss.org/ Gerry O'Neill: https://thehighfrontiermovie.com/ High Frontier Book: https://www.amazon.com/High-Frontier-Human-Colonies-Apogee/dp/189652267X For questions and comments email: spacepod@afpc.org | |||
| 24 Jun 2021 | 13. James Cartwright: 'A Domain for Commerce': Moving from a discovery architecture to a sustained and commerce-centric architecture | 00:57:28 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews General James Cartwright, Harold Brown Chair in Defense Policy Studies for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, former commander of USSTRATCOM, and former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They discuss the Atlantic Council's The Future of Security in Space report, and why a 30-year vision and strategy is a necessity. They also touch on the massive shifts in scale and focus, and the movement from discovery-centric to commerce-centric approaches and architectures, and the role policy and the military can play to promote a rules-based order. They explore the necessity of taking a Cislunar approach, and the posture necessary to leverage the private sector to remain competitive. They examine re-usable space logistics architectures including rocket cargo, and the imperative for the Secretary of the Air Force to work the seam between Air and Space to make sure requirements allow interoperability and transit between the two domains. They assess who has agency in the Joint Requirements System to build the architecture of tomorrow. Gen Cartwright provides insights on how USSPACECOM will be a supported domain and how space is unique and different because of our reliance on machines and eventually AI. Finally, Gen Cartwright stresses the importance for the nation to focus on the transition to a commerce-centric approach to the Space domain and the critical role of the Space Force in supporting commerce. General Cartwright: https://www.csis.org/people/james-e-cartwright OpEd: https://breakingdefense.com/2021/03/the-space-rush-new-us-strategy-must-bring-order-regulation/ Atlantic Council Report: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/TheFutureofSecurityinSpace.pdf USCC testimony (starting page 13): https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/2019-10/April%2025%202019%20Hearing%20Transcript.pdf Work on Space Domain Awareness to Cislunar: https://www.afrl.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002556344/mediaid/4752579/ Work to extend PNT to Cislunar: https://www.xplore.com/press/releases/2020/04.06.2020_xplore_receives_usaf_award.html AFRL's new Primer on Cislunar Space: Rocket Cargo: https://www.airforcemag.com/rocket-cargo-air-force-fourth-vanguard/ https://www.defensedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/post_attachment/157919.pdf | |||
| 28 Apr 2021 | 6. Brent Ziarnick: A Spacepower Marathon: Maximizing Total National Spacepower | 02:59:42 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews spacepower theorist Dr. Brent Ziarnick. In this marathon discussion, they cover the origins of Space Force, the foundations of spacepower theory, the founding and curriculum of the Space Force's Schriever Scholar Strategy Seminar, "bluewater" and "brownwater" philosophies of spacepower, the criticality of rank and reserves to agility and boldness, the military utility of heavy re-usable lift like Starship, the possibility of Space Force Astronauts, the grand destiny of American spacefaring, strategic will, and what the Space Force must "be prepared to" do. Schriever Scholars Strategy Seminar https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/ACSC/Display/Article/1688390/schriever-scholars-program/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMOmjh-v358 Space Force Journal (SFJ) and Dr. Ziarnick's Guide to Spacepower https://spaceforcejournal.org/a-practical-guide-for-spacepower-strategy/ Book: Developing National Power in Space https://www.amazon.com/Developing-National-Power-Space-Theoretical/dp/0786494999 Strategic Vision and Futures https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/460469-the-space-force-strategic-vision-emerges Bluewater & Brownwater Spacepower Philosophies & the Battle for the Soul of the Space Force https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/458509-the-battle-for-the-soul-of-the-space-force https://ndiatvc.org/images/downloads/SMDWG_September_2019/2019_sept_ndia_ziarnick_space_lecture.pdf Ranks https://www.politico.com/story/2019/07/26/space-corps-naval-rank-1433541 https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/07/space-force-brent-ziarnick-392297 The Importance of the Reserves Reserve Book: To Rule the Skies: General Thomas Power and the Rise of the Strategic Air Command in the Cold war https://www.amazon.com/Rule-Skies-Strategic-Military-Aviation/dp/1682475875 | |||
| 09 Jun 2021 | 11. Oriana Skylar Mastro: Chinese Space Ambition | 00:57:34 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews China expert Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro. They discuss how China views space, why space is key to any military conflict, and Taiwan in particular, how China is incentivized to attack U.S. space assets, and Chinese lines of anti-satellite research. Oriana discusses China's approach to negotiation, deterrence, diplomacy, and inducements; the potential for misunderstanding and escalation in targeting U.S. space assets; and the considerations that impact U.S.-China space cooperation. She also explains how freedom in space is critical to avoiding foreign dependence and how the U.S. must build both a resilient military space architecture and must not surrender global leadership in pursuing aspirational and inspirational space goals. Oriana: https://www.orianaskylarmastro.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/oriana-skylar-mastro-0442779/ The Taiwan Temptation https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/china/2021-06-03/china-taiwan-war-temptation | |||
| 21 May 2021 | 9. Joshua Carlson: Explore-Expand-Exploit-Exclude: Space Development Theory and the Value of Vision | 01:33:01 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews Josh Carlson, author of Spacepower Ascendant. They discuss spacepower theory, space development theory, Space Force roles and missions, US-China competition, and why the Space Force needs a broad vision. Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-carlson-19ba0167/ Josh's Book Spacepower Ascendant https://www.amazon.com/Spacepower-Ascendant-Development-Theory-Strategy-ebook/dp/B08BY52LFN Space Force Journal https://spaceforcejournal.org/ Dr. Goswami's Testimony on China https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/Namrata%20Goswami%20USCC%2025%20April.pdf Space Force Advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXtkq07oUaM Space Futures Workshop 2060 Report https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1101899.pdf China's Space Solar Power Plan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhgJwnpYRGc Planetary Defense: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7KAsv57Rpw Where Starship Could take US: Dr. Ziarnick's Book https://www.amazon.com/Developing-National-Power-Space-Theoretical/dp/0786494999 Dr. Dolman's Book https://www.amazon.com/Astropolitik-Classical-Geopolitics-Strategy-History/dp/0714681970 Dr. Goswami's Book https://www.amazon.com/Scramble-Skies-Competition-Control-Resources/dp/1498583113 | |||
| 09 Apr 2021 | 3. Doug Lovero: Former NASA and DoD Official Discusses the Importance of Space | 01:06:40 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Mr. Douglas Loverro, President of Loverro Consulting LLC, and former Associate Administrator for Human Exploration and Operations for NASA, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. They discuss the near and short-term importance of space, the National Space Council, Space Force, infrastructure, threats to US space primacy, the relevance of space to preserving Earth, how the US can maintain international leadership, and the need for a national vision for space exploration and development. Doug also shares his thoughts on leadership from below in government, and strategies to advance policy conversations. Doug Loverro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglas-loverro-b6615230/ CSIS "Defense Against the Dark Arts in Space": https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/publication/210225_Harrison_Defense_Space.pdf?N2KWelzCz3hE3AaUUptSGMprDtBlBSQG Artemis: https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/ Space Force: https://www.spaceforce.mil/ Space Solar Power: https://space.nss.org/space-solar-power/ L1 Sunshade: https://www.pnas.org/content/103/46/17184 Asteroid Defense: https://aerospace.csis.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/OSTP-NEO-Strategy-Action-Plan-Jun18.pdf National Space Council Activities: https://rntfnd.org/wp-content/uploads/Final-Report-on-the-Activities-of-the-National-Space-Council-01.15.21.pdf National Space Council Vision: https://fas.org/spp/eprint/new-era-2020.pdf Artemis Essay Contest: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/stem/artemis-essay-contest For questions and comments email: spacepod@afpc.org | |||
| 24 Mar 2021 | 1. Richard Harrison: AFPC and the new Space Policy Initiative | 00:25:44 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Vice President of Operations Richard M. Harrison about AFPC's new Space Policy Initiative. They discuss the impetus and goals for the initiative and podcast, and touch on the recent publication of the book Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space. Links to the material discussed: AFPC Space Policy Initiative - https://www.afpc.org/programs/space-policy-initiative Scramble for the Skies: https://www.amazon.com/Scramble-Skies-Competition-Control-Resources/dp/1498583113 Follow the authors: @GarretsonPeter @namygoswami AFPC Internships: https://www.afpc.org/about/internships For questions and comments email: spacepod@afpc.org | |||
| 31 Mar 2021 | 2. Coen Williams: Junior Space Force Guardians and the 602 Club | 00:40:55 | |
AFPC Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews Coen Williams, Director of Outreach for The 602 Club, a grass-roots professional military association for junior Space Force Guardians and military space professionals. Topics discussed include the 602 Club, the U.S. Air Force Academy "I5" Space Strategy and Policy Club, Space Force Journal, and how members of 602 are trying to forge a bold and innovative Space Force culture called for by the Space Force Doctrine. | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | 42. Jim Bridenstine: The Space Renaissance—Marshaling Space Commercialization in a Virtuous Cycle of Innovation | 01:17:40 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson has a discussion with former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. They delve into the strategic importance of space to our economy and security and counter-space threats. They review how Bridenstine got into space via the Rocket Racing League, how his interests in promoting commercial space resulted in his introducing the Space Renaissance Act while in Congress. The two discuss the big ideas for Cislunar contained in his 2016 policy speech, This is Our Sputnik Moment. They cover how he moved ideas from the Google Lunar XPrize to create the NASA CLPS program. They address the creation of Artemis Program goals for a sustainable presence on the Moon and on the progress of Planetary Defense. They discuss the DIME (Diplomatic Informational Military Economic) theory of national power, and the roles that NASA, the commercial sector, and the Space Force play, including the creation of an economic and industrial base to win economic and strategic competition in the space domain. Additionally, they assess the naval-like role for the United States Space Force. They conclude talking about the informational and public diplomacy aspect of spacepower, how PRC initiatives in Lunar infrastructure, space nuclear power, and space solar power satellites and demos, and the need for the US to continue to reach for big audacious projects which impress the world. | |||
| 01 Nov 2021 | 22. Theresa Hitchens: Space Resources, Space Militarization, Weapons, Norms, SciFi, Humans as a Migratory Species & The Expanse as a Cautionary Tale | 01:50:50 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Theresa Hitchens, space pundit, NATO and nuclear war expert, former UN diplomat, and now space reporter for Breaking Defense. They discuss her essay, "How ‘The Expanse’ Is A Cautionary Tale For Real World Space Commercialization," exploring its parallels to current commercial space development and regulation, and parallels to history. Next, they address the utility of science fiction to strategy, and why strategists should read scifi. They cover the benefits space brings to understanding our reality, to economic benefits today, to future economic benefits from space resources, the human need as a migratory species to expand and explore and to ensure survival. They outline the importance of sustaining space as a resource for human betterment; avoiding conflict that may be unnecessary over resources, dampening tensions and misunderstandings among nation states. Additionally, they detail the PRC's space weapons program and the utility of norms. They also discuss Space Force, 'warfighting,' military space doctrine, nuclear deterrence, SDI, norms and commercial regulation. Finally, they close by talking about opportunities before the National Space Council and Space Force / USSPACECOM leadership to address current problems as well as shape the far future. Theresa: Theresa's Journalism at Breaking Defense: To Boldly Go: Strategy Strikes Back Winning Westeros Forwarding Multilateral Space Governance: Next Steps CISSM: OST: Chinese test of a FOB?: | |||
| 11 Sep 2023 | 41. Gen. Pete Worden: Cislunar, Interstellar, Artemis, Aliens, Space-Based Missile Defense, Asteroid Mining, Planetary Defense, Space Force 'Bluewater' Ops | 01:26:24 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson speaks with Simon “Pete” Worden (Brig Gen, USAF, Ret, PhD), Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation. They discuss the purpose of spacefaring, the importance of Cislunar, the Moon, Clementine, the Near-Earth and Main-Belt Asteroids, NASA's Artemis mission, Moon-to-Mars Objectives and Artemis Accords, DARPA (and it's NOM4D, DRACO, B-SURE and LunA-10 effort), "Bluewater Spacepower," movement & maneuver in deep space, the need to protect commerce, and the U.S. Space Force, 'War Prevention' vs Warfighting'. They explore dissuasion, deterrence, the recent Fractional Orbital Bombardment Test, SDI and Space-Based Missile defense. They delve into how Breakthrough is going after the big questions of is there life, is there intelligent life, and can we reach other star systems through Breakthrough Watch, Breakthrough Listen, Breakthrough Starshot (including its StarChips, Solar Sails and Gigawatt Lasers). They assess the importance of asteroids to science, as a resource, and as a threat, discussing his role in starting Luxembourg Space Agency's Space Resources program for Asteroid Mining, his long-standing role in planetary defense, what became DART. They close discussing Boyd's OODA Loop and philosophy of officership, and the attitude it takes to do innovation. | |||
| 22 Apr 2021 | 5. Bob Zubrin: Our World Comes with an Infinite Sky -- Mars Beckons | 01:35:51 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Robert Zubrin, founder of the Mars Society, Pioneer Astronautics, and other of the Case for Mars and the Case for Space. They discuss the reasons for America to lead life to be spacefaring and becoming multi-planetary, how spaceflight opens up a limitless future, and how spacefaring ensures a vibrant civilization and culture. They discuss the rise of the private sector, international competition, and the necessary incentives to ensure U.S. leadership. Bob Zubrin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-zubrin-30775b5/ @robert_zubrin Mars Society: https://www.marssociety.org/ Pioneer Astronautics: http://www.pioneerastro.com/ The Case for Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet and Why We Must: https://www.amazon.com/Case-Mars-Plan-Settle-Planet/dp/145160811X The Case for Space: How the Revolution in Spaceflight Opens Up a Future of Limitless Possibility: https://www.amazon.com/Case-Space-Revolution-Spaceflight-Possibility/dp/1633885348 | |||
| 06 Aug 2021 | 17. Mandy Vaughn: Space is the Infrastructure for Economic Development...but 'Are we persuaded to act?' | 01:14:35 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Mandy Vaughn, founder and CEO of GXO, and former CEO of VOX Space. They discuss the return of the National Space Council with its new Secretary, Chirag Parikh, and Vice President Kamala Harris, the User's Advisory Group, and continuities that will likely remain a priority. They also highlight the recent State of the Space Industrial Base event. Mandy describes a broad vision for space economic development involving private spaceflight, in-space logistics, and in-space manufacturing. Mandy discusses the challenges brought by lowered cost of access and the global competitiveness challenges associated with the 'rise of the rest.' They discuss the implications of seeing space as critical infrastructure, the need for a 'Northstar Vision' (and how to socialize it for bi-partisan sustainment), the need for STEM builders to enable scale, and how to knit together international partnerships. They end by discussing a number of potential topics ripe for consideration as executive orders, the urgent need for action...and whether we are persuaded to act. Mandy Vaughn: State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 EVENT: State of the Space Industrial Base 2020 Report: National Space Council User's Advisory Group: Virgin Galactic Launch: Blue Origin Launch: Inspiration 4: Activities of Last Space Council: A New Vision for Deep Space Exploration and Development: VOX Space: | |||
| 14 Feb 2025 | 48. Christopher Stone: Space Warfare 101—Counterspace & Iron Dome: Dominance and victory on our terms | 01:26:22 | |
In this episode, Peter Garretson speaks with Christopher Stone, Senior Fellow for Space Deterrence at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, and former Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Stone, author of Reversing the Tao: A Framework for Credible Space Deterrence and host of the host of Real Space Strategy Podcast joins Garretson for a wide-ranging discussion on space policy and defense. The conversation begins with an analysis of the new administration’s space-focused appointees and their potential impact, before diving into 'Space Warfare 101.' This comprehensive overview covers Earth-to-space weapons, space-to-space weapons (including the rationale and strategic importance of co-orbital counterspace and maneuver capabilities), and space-to-Earth weapons. The discussion then explores arms control, deterrence strategy, and the implications of the President's "Iron Dome for America" executive order, including its impact on space-based missile defense, potential bureaucratic 'failure modes,' and potential challenges for the Space Force. The episode concludes with an examination of strategic objectives and threats in Cislunar space area of responsibility (AOR). | |||
| 18 Nov 2021 | 24. Gen. John Olson: Becoming a True Spacefaring Nation: The Bold Vision of the 2021 State of the Space Industrial Base Report | 00:16:10 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews General John Olson from Headquarters Space Force. They discuss the new 2021 State of the Space Industrial Base Report and its findings and recommendations, including the hybrid space architecture, JADC2, space mobility and logistics, and the space super highway, and the need to build a Cislunar Econosphere and ensure its ecurity. They also cover the strong sense of urgency felt by the participants at this inflection point in history, and the need for a bold 'North Star' vision to unite all elements of national power to become a true spacefaring nation. Gen Olson: State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 Formal Release of Report at Atlantic Council (Last Year's) State of the Space Industrial Base 2020 US Space Force US Space Force Doctrine US Space Force CSO Planning Guidance Space Futures Workshop | |||
| 25 Sep 2021 | 19. Tyler Bates, USSF: "Fortune Favors the Bold" Cislunar Mission Concepts for the DoD | 01:19:58 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Tyler Bates, a Captain in the USSF about his article in The Space Force Journal about Cislunar Mission Concepts for the Department of Defense. They discuss the strategic importance of the Moon, China's activities, and potential U.S. Space Force roles in enabling and securing commerce. They delve into specific mission concepts of satellite communication, precision navigation and timing, space domain awareness, Lunar surface awareness, as well as deep space search and rescue and planetary defense. They also cover how Tyler got interested in Cislunar, what made him join the Space Force, what it is like to be a guardian, and how the Space Force's culture is evolving. Tyler Bates: The Space Force Journal: The Guardian Ideal Gray Zone Project: DARPA DRACO: | |||
| 15 Dec 2021 | 28. Kevin O'Connell: The Space Economy Rising! | 01:37:46 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Kevin O'Connell, Founder and CEO of Space Economy Rising, and former Director of the Office of Space Commerce. They discuss the Kevin's time at Commerce, including the three types of entrepreneurs: the disruptors, the inventors, and the infrastructure builders. Kevin details the history and future of the Office of Space Commerce, and the appropriate roles for government within markets. They outline work to improve the methodology for measuring the space economy and the U.S. proportion of the broader $450 billion space economy, which enables >$5 Trillion in economic value to the U.S. They cover the various current and emerging space sectors, the problems and opportunities of proliferating satellite mega constellations, debris, space traffic management and active debris removal. They predict how reusability and On-Orbit Servicing, Assembly and Maintenance will change the economics of space. They detail the imperative to regulate at the speed of business, and how the U.S. may lose companies overseas if its regulation is too tight. They speak to the potential for the cislunar economy and the need for enabling infrastructure, resource exploration, and new services to better life on Earth. Next, they discuss space resources, asteroid mining, the Starship Singularity, and the challenge of China. Kevin outlines the need to energize the human capital talent base, and in general, that this is "a game of offense not defense" and that the U.S. needs to run faster. Finally, they close with a discussion on the possibility of space settlements, the role of U.S. states, a space agenda worthy of the nation, and what work remains undone and opportunities for the new administration's space council. Kevin O’Connell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-o-connell-092a684/ https://spaceeconomyrising.com/about Space Economy Rising: https://spaceeconomyrising.com/ Dept of Commerce Office of Space Commerce https://www.space.commerce.gov/ Efforts to Elevate Office: State of the Space Industrial Base 2021 https://www.diu.mil/latest/state-of-the-space-industrial-base-2021 | |||
| 29 Mar 2023 | 36. Dr. Avi Loeb: Light-Sails, UAPS, Extraterrestrial Objects and Seeding the Milky Way | 01:32:36 | |
In this episode, Peter Garretson hosts Dr. Avi Loeb, Director of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics’ Institute for Theory and Computation, head of the Galileo Project, and Chair of the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative Advisory Committee. They discuss recent discoveries of extraterrestrial objects (Oumuamua, Comet Borisov, and 2 meteors). Avi provides insights into the big ideas in his book Extraterrestrial, including the hypothesis that Oumuamua might be a lightsail from an alien civilization. Interestingly, Avi’s team is trying to create one via the Breakthrough StarshotInitiative–Avi hopes to achieve 10% the speed of light with a laser-lightsail carrying a Starchip to get to our closest neighbor star Proxima Centauri. They address the story of the 2014 meteor, journal rejection, as well as, the story behind the USSPACECOM release of the data on the extraterrestrial meteor, and Avi’s plans to recover it. They cover Avi’s recent paper, ‘PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS ON UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENA’ for the Pentagon’s AARO, the controversial headline it created (‘Pentagon UFO chief says alien mothership in our solar system possible’), and why the subject of UAP’s or extraterrestrial civilization is a puzzlingly taboo subject in the science community despite significant public and government interests. They consider UAP’s, and the efforts of Project Galileoto capture anomalous signatures, and what sort of funding would be required to deploy at scale. They review the White House tasking to DoD for Planetary Defense, and the utility of looking for extraterrestrial signatures as part of an in-space Space Domain Awareness (SDA) sensor architecture. Finally, they question what potential discoveries might arise from attempting to test the extraterrestrial hypothesis, a long-term vision for the preservation of humanity and its values and seeding the galaxy with life and intelligence, as well as short-term opportunities for policy to align government (and perhaps even USSF) funding on extraterrestrial objects, SETI, and UAP with public interests. | |||
| 19 May 2022 | 35. Gen. John Shaw: Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea - Space as a Military Area of Responsibility | 00:49:26 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews Lieutenant General John E. Shaw, Deputy Commander of United States Space Command (USSPACECOM). They begin by explaining the role and responsibilities of USSPACECOM. They examine Gen. Shaw's new article, Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Space as a Military Area of Responsibilities (AOR), including its key propositions: the importance of Earth; the insufficiency of the term "global"; the need to re-imagine strategic terrain (upwell, downwell, cislunar); and the importance of the AOR to everyone. They detail the role of a COCOM in peace and in war. Next, they discuss the utility of a naval / maritime analogy for Spacepower, and the potential new missions. They touch on Gen. Shaw's book, Whither Space Power, and where it has proved prescient. They outline interagency challenges ahead such as rescue of space tourists and deflecting asteroids—including a recent NASA-FEMA-USSF-USSPACEOM tabletop exercise (TTX). Finally, they conclude with a vision of humanity's future in space if we play our cards right, and an invitation to young people to join the adventure through service in the United States Space Force. About Gen. John Shaw: USSPACECOM: Article: Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea Book: Whither Space Power USSPACECOM Posture Statement Planetary Defense TTX: Gen. Shaw Presenting on Planetary Defense at Space Symposium: Gen. Shaw Wired Interview Gen. Shaw OpEd | |||
| 23 Aug 2023 | 40. Gen. Chance Saltzman: Competitive Endurance, Proposing a 'Theory of Success' for the Space Domain | 00:44:43 | |
In this episode, Peter Garretson meets with General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations (CSO) for the United States Space Force. They discuss the role of CSO within the broader space ecosystem, and the opportunities and threats that occupy his thoughts. They examine the changes in the space domain, and how to respond to a contested domain. They touch on 'theories of success' and 'theories of victory.' Gen Saltzman discusses "Competitive Endurance" and its tenets of: 1) avoiding operational surprise; 2) denying first-mover advantage; and 3) responsible counterspace campaigning. They go in-depth on counterspace campaigning and its relationship to deterrence, integrated campaigning, and implications for the security dilemma. They delve into how adversary space systems now have the capability to enable targeting of U.S. forces. Followed by a discussion on offense and defense, its meaning, how technology has shifted the balance in military history, and in the space domain. They converse about what the concept of 'denying first mover advantage' means and what it does not, and its relationship to deterrence and stability. They go over the USSF mission statement and just what it means to 'Protect the interests of the United States in Space" as enshrined in US Code Title X. They discuss requirement to access, control and exploit space his three lines of effort (LOEs): 1) Fielding Combat Ready Forces; 2) Amplifying the Guardian Spirit; and 3) Partnering to Win. Gen Saltzman ends with a message to junior Guardians and a powerful recruiting message to join the Space Force.
THREAT & TRENDS DIA Challenges to Security in Space Space Futures Workshop: The Future of Space 2060 Space Futures Workshop: Commercial Planning Assumptions
THEORY OF SUCCESS, COMPETITIVE ENDURANCE & TENANTS 2023 AFA Warfare Keynote "Guardians in the Fight" (TRANSCRIPT) 2023 AFA Warfare Keynote "Guardians in the Fight" (VIDEO) CSIS Theory of Success: A Conversation with General Saltzman
CSO C-Notes and Priorities: LOE #1 Field Combat-ready Forces (C-Note 1) LOE #2, Amplify the Guardian Spirit (C-Note 2) LOE #3 Partnering to Win (C-Note 5)
SPACE FORCE DOCTRINE USSF STARCOM Doctrine Page & Digital Library (more up to date) Space Capstone Publication: Spacepower: Doctrine for Space Forces SDP 5.0 Planning (discusses competition continuum) SDP 3.0 Operations (discussed competition continuum)
USSF Recruiting / Joint USSF: | |||
| 22 Jul 2021 | 15. Bill Bruner: Our Hypersonic Future | 01:31:15 | |
In this episode, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies Peter Garretson interviews Bill Bruner, CEO and co-founder of New Frontier Frontier Aerospace. They discuss New Frontier Aerospace's vision of a reusable rocket-based mach-8 hypersonic suborbital cargo system. The discussion covers the Space Force doctrine, X-15, DC-X, seams in air and space power projection, Space Tourism's recent successes with Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, equity concerns with billionaire rocket programs and their answer, Space Force's Rocket Cargo program, China's hypersonic program, the movement and settlement of space, commercial roles, the drive of commercial space to make humanity multiplanetary, advanced space propulsion, and next steps for U.S. space policy. Bill Bruner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-bruner-490b098 https://dbb.defense.gov/Members/Bill-Bruner/ New Frontier Aerospace National Security Implications of Inexpensive Space Access https://fas.org/spp/eprint/bruner.htm FAST Space Study https://www.thespacereview.com/article/3193/1 Rocket Cargo: https://www.airforcemag.com/rocket-cargo-air-force-fourth-vanguard/ https://www.defensedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/post_attachment/157919.pdf Chinese Hypersonics (airbreathing): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzNhrUQ_Qls Al Globus' High Frontier: An Easier Way https://www.amazon.com/High-Frontier-Easier-Way-ebook/dp/B07FYWM41W NASA Nuclear Thermal: https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-announces-nuclear-thermal-propulsion-reactor-concept-awards DARPA Nuclear Thermal: https://www.darpa.mil/program/demonstration-rocket-for-agile-cislunar-operations Dusty Plasma Fission Fragment Rocket Engine: https://www.nasa.gov/pdf/718391main_Werka_2011_PhI_FFRE.pdf X-15 https://www.nasa.gov/specials/60th/x-15/ DC-X AFWERX | |||
| 08 Aug 2024 | 43. Dr. Greg Autry: From Red Moon Rising to the Opening and Welcoming Nature of the Space Movement | 01:02:03 | |
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Dr. Greg Autry, Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida, and former member of the 2016 NASA Agency Review Team and White House Liaison to NASA in 2017. They discuss a number of ideas in Dr. Autry's new book Red Moon RISING: How America Will Beat China on the Final Frontier. They touch on how Dr. Autry moved from being a software entrepreneur into the New Space movement, including his early work in China on human rights, the impact of his earlier book Death By China, and what are the stakes of Space Race 2.0. They also delve into Dr. Autry's recent testimony on the stakes of the in-space mineral supply chain, including relegating the U.S. to an economic backwater, and potentially existential threat to the US. They explore the big idea of Space Settlement, Millions of people living and working in space on new space stations, the surface Moon and Mars, and why we should populate Mars, and how China's decision to turn inward multiplied rather than solved their problems. They talk about the contribution of space toward our understanding of climate and the environment, and toward offering solutions, and Autry's contention that America can afford to have a future in space. They assess communism, authoritarianism, capitalism, billionaires, nuclear power, and the remarkable bipartisanship in space. They discuss how cooperation is boring and has resulted in very little comparative progress. They converse about NASA's tragic plans to trash the ISS, and alternatives for this tremendous piece of human heritage. They evaluate the progress of NASA's Artemis vs the tasking in the National Space Policy, and the historical reasons for its complexity and schedule delay, and concerns of a lack of urgency, and that the US may be losing in the race with China. Bridging on Dr. Autry's recent review of the Republican Platform space strategy, Greg discusses what is a vision worthy of our nation and what must be done to move forward. They conclude by discussing ways for individuals to get in involved in the Space Movement, including the National Space Society (NSS), Mars Society, Moon Village Association, and the open & welcoming nature of the Space Movement and ways to seek the education to become a space leader, such as University of Arizona's Thunderbird Executive Master of Global Management: Space Leadership Business and Policy. More of Dr. Autry's thinking can be found in his regular Forbes Science Column and Foreign Policy, and New Space Articles. | |||