Podcasts about Space force

Episode Summary: In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, JV Venable, and Jeff Rowlison about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Our team digs into newly released FY26 budget details. There are some key issues to track for both the Air Force and Space Force. Seeking to retire 340 aircraft, while only procuring 76 is a high-risk strategy. Will Congress buy into it? Putting so much of the Space Force's budget in reconciliation is proving contentious. They also explore comments by DARPA leadership regarding the future of stealth and discuss whether it's smart to kill the E-7. We wrap with an extensive conversation regarding readiness: the numbers are bleak. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin  Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International Guest: Guest: Jeff "Rowli" Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs Read: 1. A spectacular airstrike on Iran — and a sobering warning 2. Why Airpower Plays A Key Role In Israel's Military Campaign Links: Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/ #MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #TheHill #Rendezvous #Budget

Send us a textPeaches returns with a scorched-earth breakdown of America's latest military moves—and screwups. From counter-UAS task forces to the Pentagon's $330M-per-jet regrets, this episode tears into drone threats, Space Force drama, and Operation Midnight Hammer's massive flex… that also accidentally exposed all our weak spots. We're talking fleet gaps, busted tankers, munitions shortages, and decision-makers who keep canceling the wrong programs. Plus: the Air Force ditches sit-up alternatives (again), the F-47 enters the chat, and Iran just keeps poking the bear. If you want strategic insights laced with sarcasm, this is your ammo drop.

00:00:00 – World UFO Day & Technical Woes The crew returns with technical issues and motel check-ins. It's World UFO Day, which kicks off conversation on aliens, Space Force, and secret society conspiracies. They also feature the wild “Alex Jones Clips of the Week” full of out-of-context chaos and shirtless declarations. 00:10:00 – Joe's Absence & Independence Day Speech Updates on former co-host Joe's financial challenges and Rumble revenue efforts. In his honor, the team plays an edited “Independence Day” speech with Joe's voice, reflecting on UFO lore and the symbolism of July 2nd and 4th. 00:20:00 – World UFO Day: History and Celebrations They discuss the meaning of World UFO Day, rooted in the Roswell crash, and propose celebration ideas like alien parties, UFO movie marathons, and amateur skywatching. Independence Day is dubbed “Independence David” in a nod to the movie's characters. 00:30:00 – Top UFO Sightings Around the World The hosts go through a Times of India list of 7 shocking UFO sightings: Kenneth Arnold's 1947 report, Roswell, the Phoenix Lights, O'Hare Airport sighting, the Ariel School event, and Belgium's black triangle wave. Each case is unpacked with theories and skepticism. 00:40:00 – Nazi Tech and Demonic Aliens? Dive into various Roswell theories: alien crash, Nazi remnants, Soviet psy-ops, Project Mogul, and even demonic constructs. The hosts explore government secrecy, witness credibility, and the psychological imprint of the Roswell legend. 00:50:00 – Mount Shasta Mysteries: Giants and Lemurians A deep exploration of JC Brown's story of tunnels in Mt. Shasta filled with giant skeletons and gold. The tale blends with Lemurian mythology, local Native legends, and ongoing paranormal reports around the mountain. 01:00:00 – Ancient Artifacts and Lost Expeditions More on Brown's planned expedition that never happened after he mysteriously vanished. They connect it to other fringe legends of Egyptian relics in the Grand Canyon, lost civilizations, and automatic writing channeled books on Lemuria. 01:10:00 – Velvet Sundown: AI Band or Music Industry Plant? Analysis of “The Velvet Sundown,” a band accused of being AI-generated. Debate centers on whether AI is replacing real artists, Spotify's algorithmic favoritism, and the ethical questions of AI music trained on real songs. 01:20:00 – Protest Music, FBI Warnings & AI Delusions UK protest band Bob Vylan has their visa revoked over anti-Israel chants. The hosts discuss political expression in music. FBI/DHS warnings about July 4 lone wolf attacks and rising cases of “ChatGPT psychosis” (AI-induced delusions) are explored. 01:30:00 – Swamp Crotch TSA Alerts & Chuck E. Cheese for Adults TSA scanners misidentify sweaty groins as threats—dubbed “swamp crotch” alerts. Chuck E. Cheese launches an adult arcade called “Chuck's Arcade,” possibly a Dave & Buster's competitor with animatronics. Hosts suggest it as an Obedient Meetup venue. 01:40:00 – Fast Food Confessionals: Taco Bell Don'ts A list from Taco Bell employees reveals 8 menu items you should never order. Insider tips for fans of late-night Crunchwraps, including which ingredients sit out too long or are rarely cleaned properly. Cautionary tales from behind the counter. 01:50:00 – Rollercoaster News: Cedar Point's Big Drop Staying on the theme of guilty pleasures, the crew covers Cedar Point's latest rollercoaster update. New thrills, tall drops, and a nod to their love of theme parks. Sentimental moment as Mike shares how amusement parks hold a special place in his heart.   Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research ▀▄▀▄▀ CONTACT LINKS ▀▄▀▄▀ ► Phone: 614-388-9109 ► Skype: ourbigdumbmouth ► Website: http://obdmpod.com ► Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/obdmpod ► Full Videos at Odysee: https://odysee.com/@obdm:0 ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/obdmpod ► Instagram: obdmpod ► Email: ourbigdumbmouth at gmail ► RSS: http://ourbigdumbmouth.libsyn.com/rss ► iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/our-big-dumb-mouth/id261189509?mt=2      

Send us a textThe Air Force is bleeding instructors, CENTCOM's next boss is a mystery wrapped in vagueness, and the B-2 is getting a glow-up because, well, the B-21 still isn't ready. In this Daily Drop, Jared dives into the military's latest budget frenzy, Iran's Cold War cosplay, and why creatine is now part of his mental warfare toolkit. From wildfires pulling Guard troops off security gigs to Cyber Command begging for updated dial-up, it's another day of chaos, caffeine, and congressional cash grabs. Oh—and Space Force is building GPS knockoffs just in case things get really spicy. Buckle up, nerds.

On this customer spotlight episode of All Quiet on the Second Front, TJ Rowe sits down with John Conafay, Co-Founder and CEO of Integrate—a platform built to manage complex programs for the world's most ambitious hardware. Today, it's helping the Space Force move faster.John shares what it took to move from fragmented workflows and siloed tools to a secure, scalable solution now deployed across defense and commercial space programs. They also dig into what it means to build dual-use software that actually works—for the mission, and the people behind it.What's Happening on the Second FrontWhy product-market fit with government isn't that different from commercialWhat makes the government a better customer than most startups expectWhy trust and usability—not compliance alone—define real dual-use softwareWhy risk isn't optional when you're building for national securityIf you're building tech for the front lines—space, cyber, or otherwise—this one's for you.

Send us a textIn this spicy Daily Drop, Jared wades through the DoD's latest chaos with all the charm of a migraine and none of the bureaucratic BS. Iranian missiles rain on Al Udeid (spoiler: we were ready), Raisin Kane flexes with Patriot batteries, and Trump might've poked the bear again—depending on who you ask. Meanwhile, the Pentagon's rolling out budget moves like a drunk accountant: retiring the A-10 (for real this time?), canceling the E-7 Wedgetail, and somehow not screwing up the Sentinel ICBM timeline… allegedly.He torches military mental health hypocrisy (hi, Joe and your stripper wives), raises an eyebrow at Air Force budget math, and mourns the tragic losses of airmen in water-related incidents. Also: Space Force gets the Pixar treatment, cloud networks are trying to unf*** comms, and one moron laser-tagged F-16s and got... nine days in jail. Cool system we've got.

Send us a textThe Pentagon dropped a $962B budget bomb, and Razin Caine dropped an actual bomb—well, more like 125 aircraft dropping GBU-57 bunker busters on Iranian nuclear sites. In this no-fluff Daily Drop, Jared unpacks the FY26 defense budget, the rise of the F-47, the death of the A-10, and why space is the new high ground (sorry, Wedgetail). He also calls out bureaucratic nonsense, praises enlisted studs like Tech Sgt. Montoya, and side-eyes yet another “brilliant” plan to split the Air Force into four separate services. Meanwhile, Hoist is still the drink of choice, even if Congress can't get theirs together.

Has a Secret Space Force been operating in the shadows since the 1980s?And more disturbingly—have world governments been working hand-in-hand with extraterrestrial beings all along?For decades, whispers of a covert, off-world military program have circulated among insiders, whistleblowers, and those who've dared to dig too deep. Allegations point to advanced spacecraft, lunar bases, and even missions to Mars—hidden from the public under layers of black budget secrecy. Some claim this secret space force predates the official U.S. Space Force by nearly 40 years.But here's where it gets stranger...High-ranking military insiders and former aerospace contractors have spoken of collaborations between governments and non-human intelligences—agreements struck in the dark, exchanging technology for access, experimentation… or something even more unsettling.From the “non-terrestrial officers” allegedly discovered in hacked military databases, to the claims of underground joint bases on the Moon and Mars—a picture begins to form of a breakaway civilization operating far beyond public knowledge.Is this all disinformation, or the slow drip of disclosure?Are we living in a world more bizarre than we've been led to believe?The answers may already be out there—if you know where to look.Unlock a world of mystery!Join our exclusive community and instantly access over 1,000 ad-free episodes, mind-blowing bonus segments, and much more. Dive deeper into the unknown with content that challenges what you think you know.For nearly a decade, Mysterious Radio has taken listeners on a journey through the strange, the unexplained, and the downright chilling. And now, we're taking things to the next level—with even more immersive content available only to our most dedicated listeners.With millions of listeners around the globe, the next era of Mysterious Radio is unfolding. The majority of episodes and exclusives will be reserved for our inner circle of members.Step beyond the veil and claim your place in the next chapter of the unknown. OPEN THE DOORGet the ultimate experience and easy access to everything from the Patreon app!Download Patreon for IOS Download Patreon for AndroidFollow Our Other ShowsFollow UFO WitnessesFollow Crime Watch WeeklyFollow Paranormal FearsFollow Seven: Disturbing Chronicle Stories

Send us a textWelcome to your June 26th no-BS team room drop—brought to you by the Ones Ready squad and powered by caffeine, sarcasm, and tactical booties. Jared dives into the late-breaking chaos of June 25th like a B-2 on a midnight hammer run. From underground terror bunkers to squirrels declaring war on Minot AFB, this episode hits harder than hypersonics and keeps it unapologetically real.CENTCOM says terrorists are going subterranean, Iran's still acting like the boss villain of global instability, and somehow the Missile Defense Agency is still blaming COVID for its two-year delay. Oh, and in case you missed it—female aircrew smoked Iranian targets while half the internet cried over the phrase “our boys.” Grow up.We also cover squirrel infestations, Air Force fitness crybabies, the return of NATO guilt-tripping, and why Congress doesn't need to be in the Airstrike Group Chat. It's everything you need to know to stay informed, pissed off, and ready to crush your next ruck.

Olivia and Shauna discuss their summer plans: Olivia's seeing as much live music as possible, and Shauna's just trying to beat the punishing Phoenix heat...at an emo/anime dance party? The Junkies then discuss how to celebrate our nation's birthday in these...challenging times, and they decide there's no better way than to watch Independence Day from 1996. Why not flash back to the time when we all felt good about our country, and also about Will Smith? The Junkies get nostalgic about their first time watching the film, and about having a hot president who spoke in complete sentences. Having recently rewatched the movie, they debate whether the film still stands up after nearly 30 years, and take a look at the 2016 sequel that practically no one saw. The Junkies wonder what the next Independence Day sequel could be about...if there were another alien invasion, would it not be an improvement on the current state of affairs?You can watch the Pop Culture Junkie Podcast on YouTube! Click here: https://www.youtube.com/@popculturejunkiepod/videos We have all new Patreon tiers! Be the first to hear new and uncensored content, if you dare! Click here: https://www.patreon.com/popculturejunkiepodcast/posts Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pop-culture-junkie/id1536737728 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7k2pUxzNDBXNCHzFM7EL8W Website: www.popculturejunkie.com Facebook: PopCultureJunkiePodcast Instagram: @pop.culturejunkie Threads: @pop.culturejunkie Bluesky: @pop-culture-junkie.bsky.social Email: junkies@popculturejunkie.com Shauna on Instagram: @shaunatrinidad Shauna on Threads: @shaunatrinidad  Olivia on Instagram: @livimariez Olivia on TikTok: @livyolife420

The CIA, like other agencines in the intelligence community, is exploring how AI can boost its mission on both the human and open-source intelligence domains. As head of the open source enterprise for the CIA's Directorate of Digital Innovation, Kevin Carlson is helping usher in AI for the OSINT mission set. During a recent interview on the sidelines of the Special Competitive Studies Project's AI+ Expo, Carlson shared the potential for AI in open-source intelligence, how the CIA is looking to operationalize AI, the impact of the technology on the CIA workforce, and much more. U.S. Cyber Command played a role in American military's operation against Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, according to top Pentagon officials. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters in a briefing at the Pentagon Sunday morning that, “The strike package was supported by U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force and U.S. European command,” later thanking the cyber operators, among others, who made the mission possible. However, no further details about Cybercom's efforts were disclosed. The command referred DefenseScoop to the Pentagon for comment, where a spokesperson said they had nothing further to provide at this time beyond the transcript from Sunday's press conference. Although details about Cybercom's assistance for Operation Midnight Hammer, the code name for the strikes, remain murky, experts — most of whom spoke to DefenseScoop on condition of anonymity — outlined a number of possibilities for how the organization may have contributed to the effort. As the Army seeks to continue its transformation effort to become more efficient, the department's chief information officer is looking to streamline systems and processes. And no longer will “that's the way it's always been done” be an acceptable justification for maintaining the status quo. There have been directives from top levels of Army leadership to cut down on business systems and automate capabilities where possible. CIO Leonel Garciga said last week at an industry event that there's a big push right now from the secretary and the chief of staff to question: “do we need all of these systems, why do we have them?” calling some of it really old. Unveiled at the end of April, the Army Transformation Initiative is a top-down effort to improve how the service operates by shrinking headquarters elements, becoming leaner, slashing programs that aren't efficient and changing how money is spent. The goal is to cut obsolete programs and systems that don't contribute to success on the modern battlefield. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Kelly D. Hammett to the Schriever Spacepower Series. The ability to rapidly develop and field new capabilities is essential to maintaining our nation's strategic advantage. As head of one of the Space Force's three acquisition organizations, Dr. Hammett leads the critical mission of delivering groundbreaking operational space capabilities that protect assets on orbit, while also defending joint and allied operations from space-enabled attack.

Send us a textStrap in, because this Daily Drop drops bombs—literally. Jared's back from the San Diego Operator Training Summit and immediately diving into the nuclear circus known as Operation Midnight Hammer—the largest B-2 strike in U.S. history. We're talking 125+ aircraft, deception ops worthy of Hollywood, and a casual flex on Iran's nuclear ambitions. But don't worry, the Pentagon swears it's not “regime change.”Also in this episode:CENTCOM's tanker games, shady KC-135 logistics, and a DoD recruiting task force that somehow thinks legal and public affairs are your new talent magnets (spoiler: they're not).A Marine takes over the F-35 program, we slap “F-47” on our next-gen fighter because Trump said so, and someone in Oregon thinks they can tell the federal government what to do with the National Guard.Oh—and China's getting military secrets from broke Army NCOs. Cool. Cool cool cool.This one's loaded with hot takes, hard truths, and the usual blend of sarcasm and side-eye from the Ones Ready crew. Buckle up, buttercup.

Send us a textThe Pentagon's busy doing backflips to avoid picking a side in the Israel-Iran slugfest, while the U.S. military quietly scrambles tankers, evacuates families, and acts like $300 is enough to survive Naples, Italy. Meanwhile, Air Force tankers take center stage, hypersonic weapons get a reboot (because we're behind... again), and Space Force finally gets a toy that isn't just PowerPoint.Plus: AI flight scheduling, Normandy's long-overdue tribute, the F-35's never-ending upgrade saga, and why the Naval Academy's race-based admissions policy should've died long ago. Add some Trump, NATO posturing, and North Korean diplomacy (lol) for flavor. You'll either be informed, outraged, or both—so grab your pre-workout and dive in.

(June 17,2025)NASA Astronaut and Space Force Guardian Col. Nick Hague joins Bill in studio to talk about his 6 month mission at the International Space Station. ABC News tech reporter Mike Dobuski joins the show for ‘Tech Tuesday.' Today, Mike talks about  the Trump phone plan.

Amy King hosts your Tuesday Wake Up Call. ABC News correspondent Jordana Miller opens the show live from Jerusalem to discuss Netanyahu telling ABC he's not ruling out taking out Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Amy speaks with author Richard Simon about his latest book ‘Unplug: How to Break Up with Your Phone and Reclaim Your Life.' Bloomberg's Courtney Donohoe updates us on the latest in business and Wall Street NASA Astronaut and Space Force Guardian Col. Nick Hague joins Amy in studio to talk about his 6 month mission at the International Space Station.

Send us a textThe Pentagon is getting Spiderwebbed, CENTCOM's begging for a faster arms dealer, and Iran claims it bagged three F-35s (with CGI receipts, naturally). In this no-holds-barred Daily Drop, Jared rips through the absurdity of base security theater, why our military sales process might as well be faxed from 1996, and why trusting SpaceX while threatening to cancel their contracts is peak DoD dysfunction.Also—Space Force can't track satellites if you build a Starbucks next to the antenna, China's nukes are multiplying like rabbits, and apparently 100% ID checks are optional now? Buckle up—this episode's a napalm blast of reality for anyone still clinging to the myth that we're “ready” for the next war. Spoiler: We're not.

Donald Trump overrode Governor Gavin Newsom to federalize the California National Guard to police the streets of Los Angeles. Protests over ICE’s deportation tactics are growing, prompting the Trump administration to leverage extreme authority over the protests, with Pentagon head Pete Hegseth warning that he will call in the Marines if necessary. All of this calls into question the limits of presidential authority in domestic civil disturbances and whether Posse Comitatus is still the law of the land. While it’s still on the books, it has been effectively gutted over the past 30 years by multiple administrations through procedural changes to the U.S. Code that have gone largely unnoticed. Access the episode resources. Chapters Intro: 00:00:52 Chapter One: Defining Presidential Authority. 00:03:15 Chapter Two: Timeline to Total Authority. 00:09:45 Chapter Three: Handing the Keys to the “Fascist in Chief.” 00:16:08 Epilogue: De Facto Nullification of Posse Comitatus. 00:18:48 Post Show Musings: 00:21:01 Resources Public Intelligence: DoD Directive 3025.12 Military Assistance for Civil Disturbances (MACDIS) Department of Defense: DoDI 3025.21, February 27, 2013, Incorporating Change 1 on February 8, 2019 Gov Info: Federal Register, Volume 78 Issue 71 (Friday, April 12, 2013) Department of Defense: DoD Directive 3025.12 AP News: What to know about the protests over Trump's immigration crackdown in LA and other cities POLITICO: Newsom blasts deployment of National Guard to LA as ‘purposefully inflammatory’ TIME: Trump Sparks Backlash Ordering National Guard to LA Protests U.S. Code: Positive Law Codification Legal Information Institute: 19 U.S. Code § 1677 - Definitions; special rules U.S. Code: uscode.house.gov The New York Times: Newsom Criticizes Hegseth for Saying Marines Could be Mobilized in California Legal Information Institute: 18 U.S. Code § 1385 - Use of Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force as posse comitatus Bonnie Baker: The Origins of the Posse Comitatus NPR: Trump expands military use at the southern border. Are there legal limits? UNFTR Resources Video: LA Protests: Is this the END OF POSSE COMITATUS? -- If you like #UNFTR, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify: unftr.com/rate and follow us on Facebook, Bluesky, TikTok and Instagram at @UNFTRpod. Visit us online at unftr.com. Join our Discord at unftr.com/discord. Become a member at unftr.com/memberships. Buy yourself some Unf*cking Coffee at shop.unftr.com. Visit our bookshop.org page at bookshop.org/shop/UNFTRpod to find the full UNFTR book list, and find book recommendations from our Unf*ckers at bookshop.org/lists/unf-cker-book-recommendations. Access the UNFTR Musicless feed by following the instructions at unftr.com/accessibility. Unf*cking the Republic is produced by 99 and engineered by Manny Faces Media (mannyfacesmedia.com). Original music is by Tom McGovern (tommcgovern.com). The show is hosted by Max and distributed by 99.Support the show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/unftrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textThe Ones Ready crew is back with your daily drop, and today's episode is hotter than the LRSO's payload. Jared breaks down the latest in defense news with a healthy dose of sarcasm, fury, and common sense—none of which were found in the FY26 budget. From the Navy's sixth-gen fighter dreams to Putin's never-ending land grab, the episode covers it all. We're talking U.S. evacuation plans in Bahrain, AFRICOM vs EUCOM turf wars, drone warfare budget gymnastics, and why building a micro nuke in Alaska is finally something to get excited about. Oh, and apparently we're ready to go to war over Greenland…?If you like watching bureaucratic chaos unfold in real-time while Jared dunks on generals and defends SpaceX like it's a religion, this one's for you.

Space is rapidly becoming a critical domain for so much of 21st-century living. Banking, transport across the sea and land, agriculture, and dozens of other things we take for granted all depend on satellites, and tracking them to avoid collisions. Nick Hague is a NASA astronaut and the first U.S. Space Force Guardian to launch to the International Space Station in that role, and we invited him to talk to us about the Space Force, living on the ISS, his frightening abort on a Soyuz rocket in 2018, how the Space Force tracks orbital objects, and much more. He's a very accomplished guy who makes it all sound routine—and we suspect, for him, it is. Join us for this very special interview. Headlines European Space Agency Programs Threatened by NASA Budget Cuts: The European Space Agency (ESA) reveals three key missions are significantly threatened by proposed NASA budget reductions, requiring "dramatic recovery actions." Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover in Jeopardy: The ESA's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover faces its second major setback as its U.S. launch partner is no longer included in the current budget, leaving the rover without a ride. U.S. as an "Unreliable Partner": Rod and Tariq discuss concerns about the U.S. being perceived as an unreliable partner due to repeated withdrawals from international space partnerships. National Solar Observatory Funding Cuts: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the most powerful solar observatory, faces drastic funding cuts that could prevent effective science operations. First Look at the Sun's Poles by Solar Orbiter: Scientists using the ESA's Solar Orbiter have obtained the first direct images of the sun's poles to study its cycle, weather, and magnetic field. Geomagnetic Storm & Auroras: Tariq notes a coronal mass ejection is expected to buffet Earth on Saturday, potentially causing visible auroras during the podcast recording. Who Will Lead NASA? Potential Administrator Candidates: Politico Space's newsletter highlights potential candidates for the next NASA administrator, sparking discussion on the agency's future leadership. Main Topic Colonel Nick Hague: Colonel Nick Hague, Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, joins the show to discuss his background, path to NASA, and recent ISS experiences. Nick Hague's Path to Space & Service: Colonel Hague shares his journey from stargazing in Kansas to his interwoven military and space exploration career, starting with the Air Force, joining NASA in 2013, and transferring to the Space Force in 2021. Test Pilot Training School & Astronaut Capabilities: Colonel Hague explains how test pilot school develops critical skills highly applicable to astronaut duties and space operations despite not being a direct requirement. Readaptation After Space Flight: Colonel Hague describes adapting to Earth's gravity after six months in space, noting challenges in regaining balance and strengthening muscles, requiring months of physical therapy. Subconscious Mind & Gravity: He shares that after prolonged zero gravity, the subconscious mind still expects that objects will float, making everyday actions on Earth feel strange. First Space Force Guardian to Launch Full Mission: Colonel Hague discusses the personal honor of being the first Space These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/165 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Nick Hague

Expect delays on the Space Force's Next-Gen OPIR satellite. NATO awards a seven figure contract to Planet Labs. EU clears SES's $3.1 billion dollar bid for Intelsat. And, more.   Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest We are joined by NASASpaceflight.com with the Space Traffic Report. Selected Reading Weapon Systems Annual Assessment: DOD Leaders Should Ensure That Newer Programs Are Structured for Speed and Innovation (U.S. GAO) NATO Selects Planet for Landmark Seven-Figure Contract for Advanced Daily Monitoring and Early Warning Capabilities (BusinessWire) EU unconditionally clears SES's $3.1 bln bid for Intelsat (Reuters) Commission approves unconditionally the acquisition of Intelsat by SES (Europa)  BAE Systems and Hanwha Systems sign MOU to develop advanced multi-sensor satellite system (BAE Systems) FAA Closes SpaceX Starship Flight 8 Mishap Investigation (Federal Aviation Administration) Space in Africa and Jaguar Space sign MOU (Jaguar Space) ICEYE signs agreement to deliver SAR satellite capabilities to the Portuguese Air Force (ICEYE)  T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the alarming impact of budget cuts on international space missions and crucial solar observatories, share exciting new solar discoveries, and welcome special guest Colonel Nick Hague, the first Space Force Guardian to launch a full mission, for an in-depth conversation about his experiences as an astronaut, the Space Force's vital role, and what it takes to join their elite ranks. Headlines European Space Agency Programs Threatened by NASA Budget Cuts: The European Space Agency (ESA) reveals three key missions are significantly threatened by proposed NASA budget reductions, requiring "dramatic recovery actions." Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover in Jeopardy: The ESA's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover faces its second major setback as its U.S. launch partner is no longer included in the current budget, leaving the rover without a ride. U.S. as an "Unreliable Partner": Rod and Tariq discuss concerns about the U.S. being perceived as an unreliable partner due to repeated withdrawals from international space partnerships. National Solar Observatory Funding Cuts: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the most powerful solar observatory, faces drastic funding cuts that could prevent effective science operations. First Look at the Sun's Poles by Solar Orbiter: Scientists using the ESA's Solar Orbiter have obtained the first direct images of the sun's poles to study its cycle, weather, and magnetic field. Geomagnetic Storm & Auroras: Tariq notes a coronal mass ejection is expected to buffet Earth on Saturday, potentially causing visible auroras during the podcast recording. Who Will Lead NASA? Potential Administrator Candidates: Politico Space's newsletter highlights potential candidates for the next NASA administrator, sparking discussion on the agency's future leadership. Main Topic Colonel Nick Hague: Colonel Nick Hague, Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, joins the show to discuss his background, path to NASA, and recent ISS experiences. Nick Hague's Path to Space & Service: Colonel Hague shares his journey from stargazing in Kansas to his interwoven military and space exploration career, starting with the Air Force, joining NASA in 2013, and transferring to the Space Force in 2021. Test Pilot Training School & Astronaut Capabilities: Colonel Hague explains how test pilot school develops critical skills highly applicable to astronaut duties and space operations despite not being a direct requirement. Readaptation After Space Flight: Colonel Hague describes adapting to Earth's gravity after six months in space, noting challenges in regaining balance and strengthening muscles, requiring months of physical therapy. Subconscious Mind & Gravity: He shares that after prolonged zero gravity, the subconscious mind still expects that objects will float, making everyday actions on Earth feel strange. First Space Force Guardian to Launch Full Mission: Colonel Hague discusses the personal honor of being the first Space Force Guardian to launch and complete an entire mission. Space Force's Critical Roles: Colonel Hague details vital Space Force functions, including maintaining GPS for financial systems and tracking over 50,000 objects in space to prevent collisions. Congestion in Low These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/165 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Nick Hague

This week, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss the alarming impact of budget cuts on international space missions and crucial solar observatories, share exciting new solar discoveries, and welcome special guest Colonel Nick Hague, the first Space Force Guardian to launch a full mission, for an in-depth conversation about his experiences as an astronaut, the Space Force's vital role, and what it takes to join their elite ranks. Headlines European Space Agency Programs Threatened by NASA Budget Cuts: The European Space Agency (ESA) reveals three key missions are significantly threatened by proposed NASA budget reductions, requiring "dramatic recovery actions." Rosalind Franklin Mars Rover in Jeopardy: The ESA's Rosalind Franklin Mars rover faces its second major setback as its U.S. launch partner is no longer included in the current budget, leaving the rover without a ride. U.S. as an "Unreliable Partner": Rod and Tariq discuss concerns about the U.S. being perceived as an unreliable partner due to repeated withdrawals from international space partnerships. National Solar Observatory Funding Cuts: The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, the most powerful solar observatory, faces drastic funding cuts that could prevent effective science operations. First Look at the Sun's Poles by Solar Orbiter: Scientists using the ESA's Solar Orbiter have obtained the first direct images of the sun's poles to study its cycle, weather, and magnetic field. Geomagnetic Storm & Auroras: Tariq notes a coronal mass ejection is expected to buffet Earth on Saturday, potentially causing visible auroras during the podcast recording. Who Will Lead NASA? Potential Administrator Candidates: Politico Space's newsletter highlights potential candidates for the next NASA administrator, sparking discussion on the agency's future leadership. Main Topic Colonel Nick Hague: Colonel Nick Hague, Space Force Guardian and NASA astronaut, joins the show to discuss his background, path to NASA, and recent ISS experiences. Nick Hague's Path to Space & Service: Colonel Hague shares his journey from stargazing in Kansas to his interwoven military and space exploration career, starting with the Air Force, joining NASA in 2013, and transferring to the Space Force in 2021. Test Pilot Training School & Astronaut Capabilities: Colonel Hague explains how test pilot school develops critical skills highly applicable to astronaut duties and space operations despite not being a direct requirement. Readaptation After Space Flight: Colonel Hague describes adapting to Earth's gravity after six months in space, noting challenges in regaining balance and strengthening muscles, requiring months of physical therapy. Subconscious Mind & Gravity: He shares that after prolonged zero gravity, the subconscious mind still expects that objects will float, making everyday actions on Earth feel strange. First Space Force Guardian to Launch Full Mission: Colonel Hague discusses the personal honor of being the first Space Force Guardian to launch and complete an entire mission. Space Force's Critical Roles: Colonel Hague details vital Space Force functions, including maintaining GPS for financial systems and tracking over 50,000 objects in space to prevent collisions. Congestion in Low These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/165 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Nick Hague

Send us a textWelcome to your daily dose of blunt-force intel. On this episode of Ones Ready, Peaches breaks down the 12 June Ops Brief with the same energy as a pissed-off NCO finding unbloused boots. From nuclear microreactors to E-7 program death rattles, and shady F-35 budget slashings, this rundown covers everything the Pentagon tried to slip under the radar.Oh, and did we mention Air Force One is getting a facelift from Qatar... and no one will say what it costs?This one's for the operators, the policy nerds, and the junior troops trying to make sense of senior leader decisions that sound like they were made during an Ambien trip.From partisan posturing to microreactor hype, this episode has one foot in the future and the other on a Congressional landmine. Grab your coffee and prep for turbulence.

We welcomed Dave Barnhart, CEO and Co-founder of Arkisys, Inc., back to the program to share updates since his last appearance on May 2, 2023. The conversation focused on developments in the growing field of space servicing and the evolving commercial space industry. Dave provided a comprehensive update on Arkisys's Port project, highlighting increased interest from the U.S. Space Force, the Space Development Agency, and other key government and private stakeholders. He discussed concepts such as deorbit augmentation and post-launch integration, offering specific examples of potential business opportunities emerging from these efforts. R&D and funding were key parts of the discussion. Dave explained how Arkisys is reducing risk through terrestrial experimentation, with a strong emphasis on rendezvous and transport capabilities via their Cutter vehicle. Listener questions focused on space logistics, satellite servicing markets, and the economic implications of declining launch costs. Dave noted that as launch prices continue to fall, the economics of on-orbit servicing become significantly more challenging and competitive. Later in the program, Dave introduced two major industry consortiums: COSMIC, a U.S.-only initiative, and CONFERS, which has a global scope despite being based in the U.S. He emphasized the importance of establishing industry norms and standards—an area of growing importance as the space economy matures. As the discussion wrapped up, Dave outlined Arkisys's five-year plan, which includes deploying up to three Port modules, potentially connected, along with using the Cutter vehicle to ferry payloads to and from the Port. While human spaceflight is not currently part of their roadmap, he expressed interest in supporting human spaceflight companies with the Port platform in the future. Dave also addressed the use of AI in Arkisys operations—be sure to catch his insights on that topic. Before concluding, he shared updates on internships and future hiring plans. Earlier in the conversation, he enthusiastically described Arkisys's mentorship of student teams focused on in-space construction, noting a significant year-over-year increase in participation, underscoring growing interest in this sector.

Send us a textBuckle up. In this Daily Drop, Jared steamrolls through a Pentagon fever dream where California governors cry about sovereignty, the Air Force funds anxiety nap pods, and Russia's Spiderweb drone strikes are the new nightmare fuel. Meanwhile, Trump deploys 2,000 National Guard troops to L.A., the Air Force downs another billion on wingman drones, and Space Force is somehow both broke and booming.The DoD can't acquire software on time, the Air Force is buying nap boxes instead of fixing actual morale, and Space Force wants $4B more to figure out what they even do. If you were hoping for clarity, this ain't it. But if you like chaos with a side of sarcasm and defense budget insanity—you're in the right place.

Big budget news for the Space Force from Capitol Hill. Quantum Space secured an additional $40 million to accelerate Ranger spacecraft. Attackers are increasingly targeting space assets with advanced malware. And, more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Celia Pelaz, COO at Spire Global. You can connect with Celia on LinkedIn, and learn more about Spire Global on their website. Selected Reading House appropriators unveil defense bill, boost Space Force funding (SpaceNews) Quantum Space raises $40 million (SpaceNews) Space ISAC articles - Constellations (Kratos) Axiom Mission 4 (Axiom) NASA raises the odds that an asteroid could hit the moon in 2032 (Space)  Shenzhou-20 crew completes over 10 experiments, tests in past week (CGTN) CEO of space company Axiom breaks down what a $70 million ticket gets you (Business Insider) Space stocks soar as Elon Musk and Donald Trump argue (The Street) T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our ⁠annual audience survey⁠ before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our ⁠media kit⁠. Contact us at ⁠space@n2k.com⁠ to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to ⁠space-editor@n2k.com⁠ and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tune in for an inspiring episode featuring George Pardos, founder of the Veteran Radio Syndicate (VRS) and a proud U.S. Marine veteran. George's journey began with representing the Marine Corps at the 1988 Olympic Trials as a wrestler. After a remarkable military career, he founded VRS to empower veterans through a unique radio platform, offering educational resources, entertainment, and community support. Learn how George's passion for storytelling and veteran advocacy is breaking new ground, fostering connection, and addressing critical issues like mental health and camaraderie. Don't miss this dynamic conversation!https://www.vetrs.com/

Send us a textIn today's Daily Drop, Jared's back to walk you through a spicy buffet of government overreach, UFO shenanigans, and military budget cosplay. NORCOM's moving troops into L.A., Newsom's throwing a federal tantrum, and the Pentagon is apparently deleting Signal messages like they're hiding UFOs—because, spoiler alert: they kind of are.We've got dive-deep takes on the Air Force's nuclear glow-up, Space Force's identity crisis (again), and why the B-1B is still the king of air-dropped “nope.” Also, if you ever wanted to know how Norway hijacked a U.S. bomb mid-flight or why Gavin Newsom thinks he's still in charge of something—this one's for you.

Guests: Philippe Lavigne, a retired French general, was Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force from 2018 to 2021, then NATO's transformation chief for three years. As media partner for this year's 20th edition of the GLOBSEC Forum in Prague, Defense One is sharing a series of special pre-conference interviews exploring the future of defense, technological innovation, the changing battlefield and geopolitical upheaval.

The US Space Agency has announced 25 new NASA Open Innovation Service contracts. Protests are planned against proposed cuts to NASA's budget. The UK Space Agency has launched a call for proposals for a UK-led scientific instrument for NASA's Habitable Worlds Observatory, and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Patrick O'Neill, Public Affairs and Outreach Lead at the International Space Station US National Laboratory. You can connect with Patrick on LinkedIn, and learn more about the ISS National Lab on their website. Selected Reading NASA Awards Third Crowdsourcing Contract Iteration Ex-NASA Admin pick blames Musk ties for pulled nomination- The Register Stop the NASA Budget Cuts Protest - Action Network UK aims to lead an instrument on NASA mission to find habitable worlds Canada reaffirms international collaboration with the European Space Agency SpaceX fires up Super Heavy booster ahead of Starship's 10th test flight (video)- Space Redwire Announces Amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger to Acquire Edge Autonomy Trump's Golden Dome Creates Opening for Space Force to Gain Relevance China's Tianwen 2 spacecraft sends home 1st photo as it heads for mysterious 'quasi-moon' asteroid- Space T-Minus Crew Survey Complete our annual audience survey before August 31. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Space Force scientist behind the most controversial patents in modern physics reveals how UAPs might actually work through his revolutionary SUPERFORCE theory. Dr. Salvatore Pais explains the physics that could enable propellantless propulsion, inertial mass reduction, and room temperature superconductors.

Send us a textThe Daily Drop is here and this one is overflowing with fraud, firepower, and the federal fumble reel. Jared dives into the Pentagon's latest week of insanity: $10.8B in fraud? Check. Hypersonic missiles making a comeback? Check. A free Qatari plane that's somehow costing $400M to modify? Check. And that's before we even get to the Air Force's new anti-ship missile flex, transgender cadet policy chaos, and the absurd SpaceX-White House pissing match.Oh yeah—Space Force nostalgia? F-47 cockpit speculation? Missileer cancer rates? Welcome to another episode of “Who's Driving This Thing?” The answer is: no one. Absolutely no one.

Donald Trump has promised Americans that in three years, with the help of Congress' “Big Beautiful Bill” and a $25 billion-dollar downpayment, his dreams of a golden dome protecting the nation will become a reality. Inspired by Israel's highly successful Iron Dome, Trump has selected General Guetlein of the Space Force to lead the missile […]

Anthropic announced Thursday that it is releasing Claude Gov to U.S. national security customers, an exclusive set of artificial intelligence models that is already in the hands of some government agencies. The new government AI product, which Anthropic detailed in a blog post, comes as several companies compete to sell emerging technology tools to federal agencies. At stake is new business — and the prestige of working on serious government missions. Earlier this year, OpenAI released ChatGPT Gov, a specialized version of its chatbot. The company recently announced that the Space Force and the Air Force Research Lab were the product's first customers. Meanwhile, Department of Government Efficiency representatives have reportedly been advocating for the use of Grok — the chatbot produced by Elon Musk's firm xAI — within the Department of Homeland Security. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced plans this week to “reform” the department's AI Safety Institute into a new body called the Center for AI Standards and Innovation. The new name signals a shift away from the term “safety” and toward a desire for rapid development of the technology, though the primary role of the renamed body appears to be more or less the same. The center, like the AISI, will continue to evaluate the capabilities and vulnerabilities of the growing technology and serve as the primary point of contact for industry in the government. “For far too long, censorship and regulations have been used under the guise of national security. Innovators will no longer be limited by these standards,” Lutnick said in a written statement. “CAISI will evaluate and enhance U.S. innovation of these rapidly developing commercial AI systems while ensuring they remain secure to our national security standards.”

Send us a textIt's another beautifully chaotic episode of the Ones Ready Daily Drop, and today we're launching straight into the bureaucratic bonfire. Jared's back with updates so wild you'd think the Pentagon was drunk texting Congress. From billion-dollar GPS launches to PFAS exposure going prime time, we're diving headfirst into drone dread, six-gen fighter delays, Space Force spending black holes, and the VA disability floodgates cracking wide open.Also: A WWII hero finally gets his due, Canada's prepping for WWIII by 2028, and NATO's still hoping its members hit 2% defense spending...by 2036. Meanwhile, GPS going dark could cause global chaos (shocker), and everyone's pretending we'll somehow counter Ukraine-style drone strikes with... what, PowerPoints?

Donald Trump has promised Americans that in three years, with the help of Congress' “Big Beautiful Bill” and a $25 billion-dollar downpayment, his dreams of a golden dome protecting the nation will become a reality. Inspired by Israel's highly successful Iron Dome, Trump has selected General Guetlein of the Space Force to lead the missile defense shield project, signaling a focus on space that is bound to ratchet up the arms race in the skies. With our adversary's missile capabilities growing by the day, can a ‘golden dome' save us? What does it mean for deterrence? And how much time and money will it take?Dr. J.D. Crouch has had a distinguished diplomatic career as a leader in national security and missile defense. Dr. Crouch served in the administrations of presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W Bush and George W. Bush as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy, principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense on policy for missile defense, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy. As an advisor to the U.S. Delegation on Nuclear and Space Arms Talks with the former Soviet Union, Dr. Crouch is a foremost expert in missile defense and serves as a Senior Advisor to the Center for Strategic and International Studies.Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.

Send us a textStrap in and put your outrage pants on, because this Ones Ready Daily Drop is pure Pentagon chaos. Jared drops a firestorm of updates faster than a drone swarm over Belgorod. NATO wants 5% GDP? Greenland's back on the menu? Pete Hegseth skips Ukraine for brunch in Brussels? And oh yeah — $38 MILLION for a child development center that could've bought an entire gated suburb in Vegas.We hit drone warfare's brutal reality check, the baffling state of U.S. air defenses, and why letting China buy farmland next to our missile silos is somehow still legal. Spoiler: It shouldn't be. This episode is fast, furious, and fired up. If you're not yelling at the sky by the end, check your pulse.

This special episode of The Contracting Experience bids farewell to Maj. Gen. Alice Trevino, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. Trevino reflects on her accomplishments, particularly her focus on alignment, prioritization, and simplification, and shares insights on empowering contracting professionals by giving them a seat at the table. She stresses the importance of integration across the Air Force and Space Force and expresses her confidence in her successor, Brig. Gen. Lance French. Trevino shares invaluable life lessons, including a story about not getting her "dream job" and how that ultimately led to even better opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of flexibility, decision space, and maintaining an open mind in the face of change. She also offers parting words of wisdom, urging listeners to "THINK" before acting – ensuring their actions are True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. Tune in to hear Trevino's reflections on her career, her advice for the next generation of contracting professionals, and her plans for retirement. Discover the insights and experiences that shaped her leadership and left a lasting legacy on the Air Force contracting community. If you would like to share feedback on the podcast, please submit via thecontractingexperience@gmail.com. Register at https://www.dvidshub.net/ to access transcripts of the podcast.

If the next great war is fought in space, Even Rogers wants the U.S. to be ready. On this episode of Valley of Depth, the True Anomaly CEO and former Air Force weapons officer joins us to break down how he's building autonomous systems for space superiority and why space is the next warfighting domain. A graduate of the Air Force Weapons School, Even brings rare tactical and strategic insight into how the U.S. must fight and win in orbit. In this episode, we unpack the doctrine, technology, and strategy shaping the next phase of military competition in space. We cover: Why 2007 was the turning point for space as a warfighting domainHow to think about offense, deterrence, and domain control in orbitWhat the Space Force needs—and why $60B is the real numberThe role of private industry vs. the primes in defense innovationGolden Dome, missile defense, and the future of space-based interceptors…plus how we may one day have Guardians stationed permanently in space.Check out Valley of Depth #007 on YouTube, Apple, or Spotify. • Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:57 - Payload Pro01:39 - True Anomaly's mission02:51 - How Even started the company04:02 - $220m Series C05:48 - When did space become a place to defend?09:20 - The challenge to US space dominance11:16 - What made Even realize that the US was unprepared?16:05 - What does space superiority look like?17:49 - What does space warfare actually mean?21:48 - The R&D the Space Force needs24:01 - What it meant to form the Space Force27:11 - The cultural shift on the Space Force30:49 - Current US Space capabilities and gaps32:44 - Why was the Space Force budget cut despite its importance?35:06 - Primes and the US's space capabilities37:12 - Procurement for the space domain41:29 - Space components of the Golden Dome43:35 - Phases of a ballistic missile44:56 - Intercepting missiles at its boost phase46:15 - What to prioritize today for space superiority49:20 - Guardians in space51:20 - Moon & Mars52:40 - Lessons learned for the next True Anomaly mission56:01 - What is the strategic impact True Anomaly is hoping to have?57:31 - Will NASA blur the lines between civil and military? • Show notes •True Anomaly's socials — https://x.com/the_trueanomalyEven's socials — https://x.com/jollyrogerstaTrue Anomaly's website — https://www.trueanomaly.space/Mo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload's socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspaceIgnition's socials — https://twitter.com/ignitionnuclear /  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ignition-nuclear/Tectonic's socials  — https://twitter.com/tectonicdefense / https://www.linkedin.com/company/tectonicdefense/Valley of Depth archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/ • About us •Valley of Depth is a podcast about the technologies that matter — and the people building them. Brought to you by Arkaea Media, the team behind Payload (space), Ignition (nuclear energy), and Tectonic (defense tech), this show goes beyond headlines and hype. We talk to founders, investors, government officials, and military leaders shaping the future of national security and deep tech. From breakthrough science to strategic policy, we dive into the high-stakes decisions behind the world's hardest technologies.Payload: www.payloadspace.comIgnition: www.ignition-news.comTectonic: www.tectonicdefense.com

Send us a textWelcome to another episode of the “Daily Drop,” where Jared breaks down the chaos disguised as a defense budget. We're talking about a $1 trillion spendathon featuring: cutting cybersecurity staff during peak cyber threat season, trying to mass-produce drones in 24 hours with foreign parts we don't make, and senior leaders treating AI like it's witchcraft.You'll also get the inside scoop on how our Space Force is flexing with rapid GPS launches (kind of), why cutting Air Force Academy faculty could kneecap future warfighters, and which senator is still obsessed with moving Space Command for no tactical reason.PLUS: 

Send us a textIn this chaotic return to the Daily Drop, Jared barrels through a no-holds-barred rundown of DOD chaos, diplomatic double-speak, and the ongoing clown show in space. The Pentagon's trying to win hearts and minds in Somalia with airstrikes, Space Force is low-key getting circled by Russian sats, and we're hoping AI can save Indopaycom's wargames. Spoiler: it won't.Jared dives into all of it — including the Thunderbirds doc that actually slapped (yes, really), privatized base hotels, and a new Kunsan commander who's literally cleaning up her husband's mess. There's also a raw take on the mental health industrial complex and why adding more psychologists might not fix what's broken.Unfiltered. Unscripted. Possibly unhinged. This is the military news you should be getting, but definitely won't from Public Affairs.

Send us a textToday's drop is brought to you by… anger, caffeine, and one last damn slot for the Operator Training Summit. Jared's back with a full-frontal assault on the newest batch of DoD clownery: airframes that are being “upgraded” before they even exist, moving programs that still don't move anything, and bonus cuts that would make a finance troop cry in DFAS-approved tears.We've got everything from Russia testing nuclear air-to-air missiles to the Space Force getting 3% of the budget while being told to dominate orbit. The E-7 still isn't here, China is casually infiltrating American data systems, and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program might bankrupt us before it ever flies. Meanwhile, the military's entire PCS and EFMP system is straight-up FUBAR'd, and CardoMax is the only thing holding the line.

Steven L. Kwast is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General and the Co-founder and CEO of SpaceBilt, a company reimagining the entire spacecraft lifecycle to enable scalable, sustainable space infrastructure. A 1986 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate in astronautical engineering, he served 33 years, commanding units like the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan and the Air Education and Training Command. A combat-tested F-15E pilot with 3,300+ flight hours (650 in combat), he also holds a Master's in Public Policy from Harvard. A key advocate for the U.S. Space Force, Kwast now leads innovation in space technology and speaks on national security, space policy, and economic development beyond Earth. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: ⁠https://uscca.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/srs⁠ This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Give online therapy a try at ⁠betterhelp.com/srs⁠ and get on your way to being your best self. ⁠https://www.meetfabric.com/shawn⁠ ⁠https://www.fastgrowingtrees.com⁠ - USE CODE SRS ⁠https://www.shawnlikesgold.com⁠ | 855-936-GOLD ⁠https://www.helixsleep.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://hexclad.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://www.paladinpower.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://www.patriotmobile.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://www.rocketmoney.com/srs⁠ ⁠https://www.shopify.com/srs Steve Kwast Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-kwast-362a3a15  Skycorp Incorporated - https://www.skycorpinc.com SpaceBilt - https://www.spacebilt.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a textIf today's Pentagon brief were a movie, it'd be a dark comedy with no budget and a glitchy drone trying to play hero. Jared returns with another savage rundown of everything broken in military bureaucracy—from the $18B PCS debacle to the Air Force accidentally playing bumper cars with drones mid-flight.We're talking Space Force funding so bad it's practically space homelessness, transgender policy whiplash, B-21 bombers being bought like Costco bulk snacks, and a DoD so addicted to credit it'd make Congress blush. Add in China flexing its missile game and our response being “eh, maybe 145 bombers will fix it,” and you've got today's briefing.This episode's got radar bombs, hurricane hunters, lost civilian jobs, and a new Air Force Secretary who hopefully doesn't suck at graduation speeches.

Send us a textStrap in, kids—this episode is a buffet of DoD chaos, spicy geopolitical moves, and “WTF are we even doing?” headlines. Jared unleashes on everything from the sketchiest Air Force One replacement idea ever (thanks, Qatar) to Golden Dome missile pipe dreams and the absolute circus that is Cyber Command's latest identity crisis.We're also sending ICE to Marine bases, cutting 14% of Space Force civilians (brilliant), and relying on $26 million to keep Reserve pilots in the sky. Oh, and if you thought privatizing base lodging was gonna save anyone money—LOL, you're adorable.All this while the Air Force plays catch-up with drone integration, and Netflix somehow makes the Thunderbirds look cost-effective. Welcome to another day in the Pentagon's magical clown tent.