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What does leadership look like at the highest levels of service?  SUMMARY In this episode of Long Blue Leadership, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black '85 discusses his journey from cadet to commanding the White House Communications Agency. He reflects on what it means to be a calm, steady presence in high-pressure environments — and how small daily practices can shape a lifetime of leadership. The full episode is now available.   SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN   MICHAEL'S LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Develop a personal leadership philosophy that guides your actions (like Michael's 5F's: Family, Fitness, Flying, Fairness, and Fun). Always be aware that people are watching you and learning from your example, even when you don't realize it. Nurture relationships continuously - they are critical for long-term success and mentorship. Practice empathy and compassion, especially during difficult moments like delivering challenging news Maintain a holistic approach to fitness - physical, mental, and spiritual well-being are interconnected. Take pride in leaving organizations better than you found them and focus on developing future leaders. Be fair and be perceived as fair - understanding different perspectives is crucial to effective leadership. Incorporate fun and balance into your professional life to maintain team morale and personal resilience. Stay connected to your roots and be willing to mentor the next generation, sharing your experiences and lessons learned. Continuously practice self-reflection and ensure you're living up to your core values and leadership principles.   CHAPTERS Chapter 1 - 0:00:00 - 0:08:55: Family and Military Roots   Michael Black shares his background as a military brat and the educational legacy of his family. Chapter 2 - 0:08:55 - 0:12:10: Delivering a Difficult Notification A profound leadership moment where Black sensitively delivers news of a combat-related death to a staff sergeant's family. Chapter 3 - 0:12:10 - 0:18:40: The 5F Leadership Philosophy Introduction Col. Black explains the origin and core components of his leadership framework: Family, Fitness, Flying, Fairness, and Fun. Chapter 4 - 0:18:40 - 0:25:59: Detailed Exploration of 5F Philosophy   In-depth breakdown of each leadership principle, including personal anecdotes and practical applications. Chapter 5 - 0:25:59 - 0:32:21: Family Legacy and Academy Experience   Discussion of his son's Air Force Academy journey and the importance of nurturing relationships across generations. Chapter 6 - 0:32:21 - 0:38:36: Mentorship and Relationship Building Michael shares his approach to mentoring cadets and the significance of maintaining long-term professional connections. Chapter 7 - 0:38:36 - 0:40:13: Leadership in Civilian and Nonprofit Sectors Reflection on applying military leadership principles in private and nonprofit environments. Chapter 8 - 0:40:13 - 0:41:28: Personal Reflection and Leadership Advice  Final thoughts on leadership, self-improvement, and the importance of continuous personal development.   ABOUT COL. BLACK BIO Michael “Mike” B. Black, vice president for Defense, joined the nonprofit Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association International in July 2022. He is a senior cyber/information technology leader with more than four decades of experience in cyber operations, communications, project/program management, leadership disciplines and organizational development. As AFCEA's vice president for Defense, Col. Black builds strong professional relationships with government, industry and academia partners to position AFCEA International as a leader in the cyber, defense, security, intelligence and related information technology disciplines. Col. Black leads defense operations in support of planning and executing global, large-scale, technically focused, trade shows/conferences supporting Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Operations, Cyber and Homeland Security.  Col. Black is focused on providing opportunities for engagement between and among government, industry and academia. Prior to joining AFCEA International, Col. Black served as chief operating officer at Concise Network Solutions for four years, directly supporting the CEO in developing, executing and managing CNS's master business plan. Prior to joining CNS, he served as the COO and chief corporate development officer at JMA Solutions for two and a half years, working in concert with senior executives to lead operations and the planning and execution of strategies. Prior to joining JMA Solutions, he served as the COO at Premier Management Corporation for four years, where he was responsible for day-to-day operations, all business units and the company's profit and loss. Prior to joining the private sector, Col. Black spent 26 years in the U.S. Air Force holding various communications and leadership positions at many levels. He culminated his distinguished military career as a colonel, commander, White House Communications Agency, leading a 1,200-person team of selectively manned military, then-Department of Defense civilian and contract personnel to provide “no fail” telecommunications services for the president, vice president, named successors, first lady, senior White House staff, National Security staff, U.S. Secret Service and the White House Military Office. Col. Black holds a Bachelor of Science in basic science from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he was a Distinguished Military Graduate. He holds a Master of Science in national resource strategy, with an information operations concentration, from the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces; a Master's Degree in military arts and science from the Army Command & General Staff College; and a Master of Arts Degree in management from Webster University. He is a published author, including writing several leadership articles for The New Face of Leadership Magazine as well the thesis Coalition Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence Systems Interoperability: A Necessity or Wishful Thinking? BIO EXCERPTED FROM AFCEA.ORG   CONNECT WITH MICHAEL IG: @chequethemike FB: @michael black LinkedIn: Michael Black   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org    Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS   TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black '85 | Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, where transformative journeys of Air Force Academy graduates come to life. There are moments in a leader's life that leave a permanent mark. For my guest today, Col. (Ret.) Michael Black, USAFA Class of '85, one such moment came when he was actually sent to deliver news of a combat-related death. It was the first time he'd ever been tasked with that duty, and knew he only had one chance to get it right. As he sat with the widow, Michael found the strength to guide the family through their grief. That part of Michael's story speaks to the depth of his empathy and the calm steadiness that defines him as a leader. We'll explore much more of Michael's journey, from leading the White House Communications team to mentoring cadets at the Academy to daily practices that ground him and the framework that guides him today, what he calls the five Fs of leadership: family, fitness, flying, fairness and fun a guide not only for his life, but for the leaders he inspires. Michael, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Michael Black Naviere, thank you for having me, and thank you for that very kind introduction. I'm so happy to be here, and I'm just thankful for what you guys do, the AOG and putting this together and telling stories. I think this is amazing. So thank you for the opportunity. Naviere Walkewicz Well, we're grateful you're here. You got your silver on. You got your ‘85 Best Alive, you know, I mean, I'm just blown away here. The class crest… Michael Black Yeah, got it all, you know, the crest and the two squadrons that I was in. I'm just excited, back here for our 40th reunion. Yeah. So that's amazing. So fellowship and fun with your classmates, and just seeing the mountains, you know. Getting off the plane and looking west and seeing the mountains and seeing God's creation is just amazing. And then, of course, the Academy in the background, you know, pretty excited. Naviere Walkewicz Wonderful, wonderful. Well, we're going to jump right in. And actually, the topic is a bit sensitive, but I think it's really important, because we know that when we all raise our right hand, some are prepared and they give all. But not everyone has to actually give the news to the family when their loved one is lost, so maybe you can share what that was like. Michael Black Thank you for allowing me to talk about that. You hit the nail on the head when you said you only have one chance to get it right when you're talking to the family. And so I had a young staff sergeant that was deployed down range at the Horn of Africa, and he happened to be a radio operator in a helicopter supporting the Marines. And there was a mid-air collision that happened while he was deployed, and he was one of the people that perished. So the first notification that I had to make was duty status: whereabouts unknown — to say that to the family. And of course, you can think about the range of emotions that are associated with that. They don't know. We don't know.   Naviere Walkewicz There's still hope. There's not hope.   Michael Black So that was the first day. So going over there with my first sergeant, a medical team, chaplain, you know, that kind of thing, to support us and the family.   Naviere Walkewicz And what rank were you at that time?   Michael Black So I was a lieutenant colonel. So I was a squadron commander of the 1st Comm Squadron at Langley Air Force Base. And I like to say, you don't get to practice that. You have one time to get it right. At least back then, there was not a lot of training to do that. It doesn't happen that often, and so having to make that notification was a tough thing. It was one of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing, I had to do in the service. Two young boys. He had two sons, and at the time, his spouse was military as well, so I go over there to do that the first day. You can imagine, you know, knocking on the door, right, and I'm in uniform, and just the emotions that they can be going through. So we're sitting on the couch in their house, two young boys. I believe their ages were 3 and 5 at the time, they were very young. And I explained to Michelle what we knew. And again, it's scripted. I can't say more or less than that, because 1) don't know, right? And 2), you just don't want to speculate on anything. And then we're waiting to find out his status. So then I have to go back the next day to make that notification, and you're representing the chief of staff of the United States Air Force, and that's kind of something that's scripted for you. “I'm here on the behalf of the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and I regret to inform you of the untimely death of your spouse.” The part that was even more heartening for me was after I told her, and with the boys sitting, I believe, on either side of me, she said, “And now Col. Black is going to tell you what happened to your dad.” That was a tough thing to do. And I would say it was the hardest thing that I had to do in the Air Force, in my career, and reflect on “you have one chance to get that right.” I believe we got it right, me and my team, but that was tough. Naviere Walkewicz Wow. Have you kept in touch with the family? Michael Black Yes, I keep in touch with Michelle, just from — just a personal because I'm very personal, outgoing, as you know. And so I've kept in touch with Michelle and the boys. But we're forever bonded by that, and I think that's important to stay in touch. And that's kind of one of my things I think we'll get into a little bit later in the conversation, but that's what I do. Naviere Walkewicz Well, it touches, certainly into, I think, that the family aspect of the five Fs, and because it seems like you even take in them as your family. And I'm curious about your family, because when you're going through that, I mean, you have at least a son — you have son, right?   Michael Black Yes, and two daughters.   Naviere Walkewicz Two daughters. So were you thinking about — did you put on your dad hat in that moment?   Michael Black I certainly did put on my dad hat and, and I think that helped in things. And I think all of the training that I got along the way about dealing with tough situations, and being a leader, it helped. But I took it upon myself after that to talk to other commanders. And in fact, my wing commander at the time, Burt Field, Gen. field was a '79 grad, and we talked, and that also brought him and I closer, because he also asked me to brief the other squadron commanders on that process and how I handled that. And I know when — to this day, Gen. Field and I are still very connected, and he's pretty engaged right now with the Air Force Association's birthday and all that. But a great mentor of mine who also helped in dealing with that. But he was extremely supportive and, and I think that had a factor in just how he evaluated me, right, how I handled that situation?   Naviere Walkewicz Well, it sounds like you certainly picked up some of those traits of taking care of your people recognizing empathy within processes and sharing it. I'm curious, were you always like this, or did you see some of this emulated from your family? Michael Black No, it's a great question. I am a military brat. My dad was in the Army. My dad went to Tuskegee — it was called Tuskegee Institute at that time. My mom went to Alabama A&M, so two schools in Alabama. They're from a very small towns in Alabama. My dad's from Beatrice, Alabama — which is less than 200 people today — and my mom is from Vredenburgh, Alabama. It's about 15 miles away, and it's even smaller than Beatrice. But they went to the same elementary school and high school, so high school sweethearts, and then they went off to college. And then dad got a direct commission in the Army, the Signal Corps. Well, he started out Medical Service Corps, but getting back to your question, so yes, family with that, and even take a step further back to my grandparents, on both sides of the family, but particularly with my paternal grandparents, they went out and visited the Tuskegee Institute at that time, and they saw the statue of Lifting the Veil of Ignorance there, and they decided at that point that they wanted their kids to go to that school. And so there's seven kids within my dad's family, and six of them went to Tuskegee. Naviere Walkewicz   Wow. So I want to fast forward a little bit, and you can certainly share whether it was during the Academy or after graduation, but you have kind of had this great foundation from your family. Let's talk a little bit about the Academy or after-Academy experience, where you had seen additional time where you had grown as a leader. Was there a particular experience that can come to mind, where another shaping of this leadership journey that you've been on? Michael Black Yeah, I think there's multiple throughout my career. I mean, I went to the Army Command and General Staff College for my intermediate professional military education. And there's a story there too. My dad was in the Army, and so I wanted to experience some of the things that my dad did, even though I was Air Force. And so one of my mentors, now-retired Lt. Gen. Harry Raduege, was instrumental in me getting selected for Army Command and General Staff College. And so I went there, and I think that was a big portion of my shaping, although had mentors and folks and coaches in my life leading up to that were, you know, helped shape me, but going to that school… And what I noticed when I got there that the Army was very serious about leadership and leadership philosophy, so much so that we took a class on that where we had to develop a leadership philosophy. And so in taking that class, before the Christmas break, I found out that I was going to be a squadron commander. So I was a major, and I was going to be a squadron commander. And so in that leadership course, I said, “Well, I'm going to go be a squadron commander. I'm going to the fifth combat con group in Georgia. Let me make this philosophy that I'm doing in class be my philosophy, so that when I get there…” And that was really the first time that I thought very serious about, “OK, what is my leadership philosophy?” And I had been a flight commander before, and had people under my tutelage, if you will. But being a squadron commander, you know, being on G series orders. And you know, we know how the military takes the importance of being a commander. And so having that so I did decide to develop my philosophy during that time. And you mentioned the five Fs earlier. And so that was — that became the opportunity to develop that. So family, that's what it was. That's when I developed that — in that course. So family, fitness, flying, fairness and fun — the five Fs. I worked on that when I got there. And so then when I got to take command, I had prepared all of that stuff in this academic environment, and I used it to a T and I briefed the squadron after I took command. I think this is my command philosophy, the five Fs. I subsequently had the opportunity to command two more times after that, another squadron, and then at the White House Communications Agency, which is now wing command equivalent. So had the opportunity to tweak and refine, but the foundation was still the five Fs. And so in doing that, and I can go into a little detail. So you know, family is your immediate family, your your blood family, and that that kind of thing. But family also encompasses your unit, your extended family, you know, and part of that. And so I always tell people you know, your family, you don't want to be the only one at your retirement ceremony because you neglected your family. And I've done many retirement ceremonies. In fact, I've done 25-plus since I retired. Well, that shows you really made no so family is, is important, take care of your family. And I, you know, one of the things I said about that to the folks was if you in your unit, if folks are getting assigned unit, permanent changes, station, PCS to your unit, and they haven't found the place to live in the due time and whatever the house hunting days are, I always gave my folks the option of give them some more time to find a place. They may be looking for schools, I mean looking for a place that just fits the environment that they need. And let's give them that time now, because they're not going to be effective in the organization if they're worried about where they have to live, where their kids are going to go to school and that kind of thing. So take care of all of that, and then get them to work, and they'll be that much more effective because they won't have to worry about where they're living, where the kids are going to school. So take care of your family fitness. You understand physical fitness and what you do and all of that, and I admire all of your accomplishments in that. And so physical fitness in the military kind of goes without saying. You have to maintain certain standards and do that, and do a PT and take a test and that kind of thing. But fitness is more than just physical fitness. It's spiritual and mental fitness. Now I would never be one to tell somebody this is how you need to nurture your spiritual and mental fitness. I think that's personal. But if your spiritual mental fitness is not being nourished, you're not going to be doing yourself any good, your team any good. And honestly, you would be able to tell if an individual is struggling with their spiritual or mental fitness, particularly as a leader and just kind of looking and observing characteristics and the behavior of folks. So I basically told my team, I want you to do whatever it takes to nurture your spiritual and mental fitness, whatever you need to do — if it's meditating, if it's praying, if it's walking, whatever is personal to you, but make sure that it's nurtured. But I also told my folks that if you think my spiritual fitness and mental fitness is out of balance, I want you to tell me, because I might have blinders on. I could be focused on things, just like they could be focused on things, and I would tell them. And I think folks really appreciated the candor and the openness of the leader, the commander, you know, saying that, yes, I want you to tell me if you think my spiritual mental fitness is, you know, is out of balance.   Naviere Walkewicz Did you ever have anyone tell you that?   Michael Black I did. I had strong relationships with my first sergeant, or my command sergeant major, the senior enlisted adviser. So we were, you know, we're hand-in-hand and all the places I was at. And so, yes, I've had them. I've had my wife tell me that. So I think that's important. I just — like I said, you can easily have blinders on and maybe just not see that or have blind spots. And speaking of that, I've written a leadership article on blind spots. I've kind of studied that and understand that. Flying — at the time the primary mission of the Air Force was flying. And so I'd always say, “What is your role in supporting the primary mission, or what is our role in supporting the primary mission of the Air Force?” So make sure you understand that. As a communicator, how do you contribute to the primary mission, or as a logistician, or as information management? But understand what your role is in the primary mission of the Air Force. Fairness, as a leader — it is so important for the leader to be fair, right? It can affect good order and discipline if you're not fair, but equally important is to be perceived as being fair. So I could think I'm being fair, I could think that I'm being fair, but if the perception of the unit, the team, is that I'm not being fair, that's just as detrimental to the mission as actually not being fair. And so I think perceptions are important, and you need to understand that. You need to be aware of the perceptions; you need to be ready to receive the information and the feedback from your team on that. And so I stress the importance of also the perception people have different management. I could be looking at something over there, and I say, “OK, yeah, sky is blue over there,” but somebody's looking at it from a different you know, they may see a touch of some clouds in there, and so they see some light in there, and from their vantage point. And it's just like that in life: Respect everybody's vantage point in things. And so that was the fairness aspect. Then finally, fun. I'm a person that likes to have fun.   Naviere Walkewicz You are?!   Michael Black Yes, I am. I'm a person that loves to have fun. And so for me, I grew up playing sports. And so I played sports throughout my Air Force career. So that was kind of one of the things I did for fun, intramurals.   Naviere Walkewicz What was your favorite sport?   Michael Black My favorite sport was baseball growing up. I mean, I dreamed about trying to play in the Major Leagues and that kind of stuff. And I played on a lot of baseball teams growing up, and then when I got into the service, played softball, and I played competitive softball. Back in the day, they have base softball teams, and so you would, you know, try out for the team, and I would try out, and I played on base team at probably at least four or five bases that I was at. So I was, these are my own words: I was good. So I played and was very competitive in intramurals. That's another way to bring your team together — camaraderie. They see the boss out there playing. And I always would tell folks that on the squadron team: They're not playing me because I'm the commander. They're playing me because I'm good. I can contribute to the wins in a game. But so it's very competitive. I wasn't a win at all costs, but it wasn't fun to lose. So being competitive and fun. So that's one of the things I did for fun. I also follow professional sports. San Antonio Spurs is my basketball team; Washington Commanders, my football team. So I would go to those events, those games, those contests and stuff like that. Music, concerts, still do that kind of stuff with my kids and my family incorporate fun into — so it's not all work and no play. I think you do yourself justice by, winding down relaxing a little bit and having fun and that kind of thing. And so I encourage my team to do that. Wasn't gonna tell people what they needed to do for fun. I think that's personal, but having fun is important and it helps strike that balance. So that's really the five Fs. And I carried that, as I said, every time I command, every time I've, you know, unit that I've been associated with, particularly after the 2000 graduation from Army Command and Staff College. And I still carry that five Fs today And incidentally, I think the if you bump into somebody who was in one of my units, they're going to remember the five Fs, or some portion of it. In fact, I have a couple mentees that commanded after me, and they adopted the five Fs as their command philosophy. And that's kind of something that's very satisfying as a leader to have somebody adopt your leadership style. They think that it was good for them while they were in the unit. And it's very flattering to see that afterwards. I mean, so much so that I've had people that were in my unit, and then they got assigned to one of my mentee's unit, and they would call me up and they'd say, “Hey, Col. Black, you know, Col. Packler says his command philosophy is the five Fs.” Yeah, I said Marc was in my unit at Langley, and he probably felt that. But that's, that's a true story. Naviere Walkewicz That's a legacy, right there; that's wonderful. Well, speaking of legacy, you have a son that's also a graduate. So talk about that. I mean, you were expected to go to college. It wasn't an if, it was where? How about your children? Was that kind of the expectation? Michael Black So my wife is a college graduate. She's a nurse as well. And so we preached education throughout. And just as an aside, shout out to my wife, who just completed her Ph.D.   Naviere Walkewicz Wow, congratulations!   Michael Black Yes. Wilda Black, last week, in doing that. And so between my family, my immediate family — so my wife, and my two daughters and my son, there are 15 degrees between us.   Naviere Walkewicz And you?   Michael Black And me. So five us, there are 15 degrees. My wife has two master's, a bachelor's and now a Ph.D. My oldest daughter has a bachelor's and two master's. My son has a bachelor's and a master's. My younger daughter has a bachelor's and a master's, and I have a bachelor's and three master's degrees. So I think that adds up to 15.   Naviere Walkewicz I lost count. Social sciences major here.   Michael Black So yes, education. And so my son — he really liked quality things, likes quality things growing up. And so he was looking at schools and researching and looking at the Ivy League, some of the Ivy League schools, and some other schools that, you know, had strong reputations. I purposely did not push the Air Force Academy to him because I didn't want him to go for the wrong reasons. I didn't want him to go because I went there and that kind of thing. But late in the game, you know, in his summer, going into his senior year of high school, he came to me and said, “Hey…” and I'm paraphrasing a little bit, “Dad, you know, your alma mater is pretty good, you know, pretty, you know, pretty has a strong reputation.” And I said, “Yeah, you know, you know, strong academic curriculum and everything else there.” So that summer he said, “Well, I'm thinking I might want to go there.” And I'm thinking to myself, “That's a little bit late in the game, like the summer going into senior year.”   Naviere Walkewicz Did you recruit your mom again?   Michael Black Mom got involved. And then I think you know Carolyn Benyshek. So Carolyn was the director of admissions. I reached out to her and just said, “Hey, I got my son that's interested.” They were actually coming to Baltimore, I believe, for a…   Naviere Walkewicz The Falcon Experience. Right.   Michael Black And so we went to see her, and I'll just kind of say the rest is history. Through her help and guidance, through my son's qualifications — he was able to get in. He went to the Prep School, which is great, and I just want to give a shout out to the Prep School for that. I did not attend the Prep School, but I saw the value of my son going to the Prep School and then coming to the Academy. So I just to this day, thankful for our Prep School and how they prepare folks.   Naviere Walkewicz We feel similarly about that.   Michael Black So, yeah. So he went. And so, of course, a proud dad, right? Your son following in your footsteps, and that kind of thing. So Clinton, Clinton Black is in the Space Force now, and he's assigned to Vandenberg. But my son, he was a soccer player growing up, played a lot of competitive soccer, came here and decided that he wanted to do Wings of Blue, and so he was on Wings of Blue parachute team. And the neat thing about that is that the jump wings that my son wears are the jump wings that my dad earned at Airborne School in 1964, '65 — sometime in the early ‘60s. And so my dad was still living at the time and so he was able to come out here and pin the wings on Clinton. So it skipped a generation because I didn't jump or anything. But my son jumped, and he has mid-500 number of jumps that he's had. And so my dad was able to see him jump, and that was even though Airborne is a teeny bit different than free fall, but still, you know, parachuting, and all of that. So getting to see Clinton excel and do that and see him jump into the stadium, and that kind of thing. He jumped with some of the former Navy SEALs in the X Games, you know, in the mountains. So that was just a proud parent moment. Naviere Walkewicz Wow. That is very exciting. And so, through all of these experiences that you had, I keep wanting to go back to the five Fs .yYu had mentioned earlier that you did some refinement to it. So where you are now, how are you using them? How have they been refined? I mean, flying. What is that? Michael Black So, I asked people to take a little bit of a leap in that, understand where it came from, in my 5s but that aspect refers to the mission, right? And so the Air Force mission has evolved to include space and that kind of thing. But even on the private side, the civilian side, I still use the five F's. And so the flying aspect just refers to the mission, or whatever the mission of your organization is. And so there was some refinement as we brought in space into our mission, but it really reflected on the mission. And so I had different AFSCs that worked for me in in the different units that I was at, and also different services. And so understanding the service aspect of things also was something that I had to take into consideration as far as keeping and refining that, at the White House Communications Agency, about 1,200 military — more Army than Air Force, more Air Force than Navy, more Navy than Marine Corps, and more Marine Corps than Coast Guard. And so being an Air Force commander of a joint unit that had more Army folks in it, you have to understand that lingo, and be able to speak cool and that kind of thing. Dad loved that. And so going to the Army Command General Staff College, and, getting some of that philosophy and understanding that. And then I went to what's now called the Eisenhower School, now ICAF, the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, which is another joint school. And so being around that helped me in those aspects. But really applying that throughout and after I retired, I did 10 years in the private sector with a couple of different small businesses that were government contracted focused, providing professional services, but still, as the chief operating officer of each one of those, it's a pretty high leadership position within the company and so I talked about the five Fs in some terms that my team could understand that, and so still apply that. And then now, with three years working for the nonprofit, the AFCEA organization, where we bring government, industry and academia together to do IT, cyber kind of things, machine learning, artificial intelligence — I still have that philosophy to buy that and what I do, I think it's something that's applicable across the board, not just military. At least I've made it applicable. Naviere Walkewicz I was just gonna ask that, because talk about the private sector and — some of our listeners, they take off the uniform, but they still have that foundation of the military, but they're working with people who maybe don't have that foundation of the military. So how did you translate that in a way that they could feel that same foundation, even though they hadn't gone through a military family or through the Air Force Academy? Michael Black Yeah, no, that's a great question, Naviere. And I think, as a leader, you have to be aware of that. You have to be aware of your team and their background and their experiences. You also you have to speak their lingo, right? I mean, I can't talk just Air Force or military lingo. We talk a lot in acronyms. Naviere Walkewicz Like AFCEA. And I'm sure many know it but would you mind spelling it out? Michael Black Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association. And even though we have that we are more than the armed forces now, so we really are known by just AFCEA, even though that's what that acronym stands for. So I mean, I work with Homeland Security, VA and that kind of thing. But to your point, getting folks to understand where I'm coming from, and I need to understand where they're coming from, you have to take the time, put in the work to do that, so that you can communicate with your folks, and so that they understand where you're coming from, and also, so that they feel valued, right? That you understand where they're coming from. And I think all of that is important. And I tried to make sure that I did that, and I had coaches, mentors and sponsors along the way. So I learned when some of my mentors transition from the military time, and so when they went to go work in the private sector, I still lean on them. “OK, how did you make this transition? And what is it about? And what are the similarities and what are the differences? What do I need to consider in doing that?” And I'm thankful, and that goes back to one key point that I want to make about relationships and nurturing that relationship. I mentioned Gen. Field, worked for him in the early 2000s. But here we are, 2025, and he's in my contacts, he will take my call, he will respond to a text, and vice versa. You know, building that relationship. And so he's with a nonprofit now, and so I still stay in touch with him. The director of the White House Military Office was a Navy admiral that I worked for when I was at the White House. He is now the president and CEO of the United States Naval Institute — Adm. Spicer. You know, 20-something, 15 years ago, worked for him and now we're working together on a big conference. But those relationships are important in nurturing those relationships. And I learned about nurturing from my family. You know, my grandparents, who did that. My grandfather was a farmer. He had to nurture his crops for them to produce. So the same thing, analogy applies in relationships; you have to nurture that relationship. And you know, it circled all the way back to, you know, our 40-year reunion now, and my classmates that are here and nurturing those relationships with those classmates over the years is important to me. I'm the connector within my class, or the nucleus. I mean, those are two nicknames that my classmates have given me: the Col. Connector and Nucleus, and I embrace those. Naviere Walkewicz Yes, that's wonderful. I know that you also mentor cadets. And I think my question for you, from the aspect of some of our listeners, is, did you seek out the cadets? Did they seek you out? How does that mentorship relationship start? Because you talked about how, like, for example, Gen. Field, you had that relationship years ago. That's kind of carried through. But how do you know when that mentorship is beginning? Michael Black I think both of those aspects, as you mentioned. Do they seek that? There are cadets that seek that based upon just what they've experienced and what they've learned. And then some of the cadets know people that I know, and so they've been referred to me, and all that. Some were — like their parents, I worked with their parents. I mean, particularly in the Class of 2023 there are three young ladies that I mentored in the Class of 2023 one whose father worked with me on the White House Communications Agency, one whose mother babysat my kids OK. And then one who's ROTC instructor in junior in high school was my first sergeant. So in those three instances, I was connected to those folks through relationship with either their parents or somebody that worked for me and that that kind of thing. And that was a neat thing to, you know, to be here. I did the march back with those young ladies, and then I connected those three young ladies who did not know each other at the march back, when we got back on the Terrazzo, I found all three of them and explained my relationship with each of them. And they were able to be connected throughout and two of them I actually commissioned, So that was really, really nice. And so, you know, seeking mentorship is, well, mentorship has just been important to me. I benefited from mentorship, and I want to return that favor. I am the chairman of the Air Force Cadet Officer Mentor Association, AFCOMA, whose foundation is mentorship, fellowship and scholarship, and so I'm passionate about mentorship and doing that. I've seen the benefits of it. People did it for me, and I think you can shorten the learning curve. I think you can just help folks along the way. So I'm very passionate about that. Naviere Walkewicz Well, this has been amazing. I think there's two questions I have left for you. The first one being — and I think we've learned a lot about this along the way — but if you were to summarize, what is something you are doing every day to be better as a leader? Michael Black I think every day I take a deep look inside myself, and am I living and breathing my core values? And what am I doing to help the next generation? You know, trying to put that on my schedule, on my radar, that's important to me. And whether I'm at work with AFCEA, whether I'm out here at my 40th reunion, whether I'm on vacation, I always take the time to mentor folks and pass on that. I think that's something that's passionate for me. You mentioned, when we talked about the retirement ceremonies. I mean, I've done 20-plus since I retired. In fact, I have one in November, but it will be my 27th retirement ceremony since I retired. And those things are important to me. And so I reflect, I try to keep my fitness — my physical, spiritual and mental fitness, in balance every day so that I can be effective and operate at a peak performance at the drop of the hat. You know, being ready. And so that's important to me. So there's some self-analysis, and I do live and breathe the five F's. I think that's important. And I think I've proven to myself that that is something that is relatable, not only to my time in the military, but my time in the private sector, and now my time in a nonprofit. And I just continue to do that so self-reflection and really practicing particularly the fitness aspect of the five Fs. Naviere Walkewicz Wow, that's outstanding. And then you probably share this with your mentees. But what is something that you would help our aspiring leaders — those who are already in leadership roles in any facet of it — but what is something that they can do today so that they will be more effective as a leader? Michael Black So I think being aware that people are watching you and your actions. Even when you think that somebody is not watching, they are watching. And so they are trying to learn what to do next, and to be aware of that. And so I think, again, that goes with what you asked me first: What do I do every day. But also being aware of that, so that you can be that example to folks. And then take the time, have some pride in leaving the organization better than it was when you got there. I mean, it's a cliche, but I think I take a lot of pride in that. And then, when the team does good, everybody does good, so you shouldn't necessarily be out there for any kind of glory. That's going to come. But do it for the right reasons. And provide… give the people the tools, the resources and the environment to be successful. And in… I just take satisfaction when I see one of my mentees get squadron command, go do something like the current commander of the White House Communications Agency, Col. Kevin Childs. He was a captain and a major in the organization when I was there. Nothing makes me happier than to see my mentees excel. And then, in this particular instance, he's holding a job that I had, and we still talk. I mean, he had me come out there to speak to the unit about a month ago. And those things give me a lot of pride and satisfaction and confirmation that I am doing the right thing. And so I'm excited about that. Naviere Walkewicz Well, I can say, from the time that I met you a few years ago, you are living what your five Fs. I see it every time you help champion others. Every time I'm around you I'm  energized. So this has been a true joy. Has there been anything that I haven't asked you that you would like to share with our listeners? Michael Black Well, I do want to say personally, thank you to you for all that you do and what the association is doing here. This Long Blue conversation, Long Blue Line — I think this is important to share. There's a Class of 1970 that's in the hotel with us, and I don't know, really, any of those folks, but when I see them walking around with their red hat on — that was their color — and I think about, “OK, 15 years before me.” And so I'm 62. These guys are, if I did the public math, right, 77, 78, maybe even older, depending upon what they did, and still out there doing things, and some of them here with their spouses and that kind of thing. I was just talking to one of the classmates this morning, I said, “You know, I wonder if we're going to be like this when our 55th reunion is,” and they were walking around, and most were in good health and able to do things. So that gives a lot of pride. But, what you're doing, what the rest of the folks here are doing, I think this is amazing. I love the new building, the studio that we're in. This is my first time in the new building, so I'm thankful for this opportunity, and just excited about what you guys do. Naviere Walkewicz Well, thank you so much for that. It's been an absolute pleasure having you on Long Blue Leadership. Michael Black Well, I appreciate it. It's been an honor, and I'm glad you guys timed this for my '85 Best Alive reunion and in the new studio. Naviere Walkewicz Yes, wonderful. Well, as we bring today's conversation to a close, Michael left a reminder for us that stands to me. As a leader, you're always on, you're always being watched. You know your steady presence and deep empathy were forged in life's hardest moments, from guiding a young family through unimaginable loss to breaking the barriers at the highest levels of service to mentoring cadets who will carry forward the legacy of leadership. And then there's that framework he lived by, the five Fs of leadership. It is practical as it is powerful, family, fitness, flying mission, fairness and fun, each one a reminder that leadership is about balance grounding and the courage to keep perspective no matter the challenge. His story reminds us that true leaders create more leaders, and when we anchor ourselves in purpose, faith and these five Fs, we leave behind a legacy that lasts. Thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. I'm Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz. Until next time. KEYWORDS Michael Black, Air Force leadership, 5F leadership philosophy, military mentorship, leadership development, combat communication, White House Communications, Space Force, veteran leadership, empathetic leadership, military career progression, leadership principles, professional growth, organizational effectiveness, cadet mentoring, military communication strategy, leadership resilience, Air Force Academy graduate, leadership philosophy, team building, professional relationships.       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

Connect to John Gilroy on LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-gilroy/ Want to listen to other episodes? www.Federaltechpodcast.com We are recording this at the Air Force Air, Space, & Cyber Conference. During the second day of the conference, General B. Chance Saltman, Chief of Space Operations at the Space Force, talked about a “focus on readiness.” Our guest, Rob Bocek from Virtualitics begins the interview by talking about the concept of readiness being applied to AI. In fact, Bocek recently did an in-depth discussion of this topic at a conference he led titled The Frontiers of AI for Readiness. Today, we combine some of the lessons learned from that gathering with some of the goals and aspirations that were given at presentations at this year's Air Force Air, Space, & Cyber Conference. In a wide-ranging interview, Bocek comments on topics like guardrails, leadership, procurement, and collaboration. GUARDRAILS Even the casual observer will notice that AI will have an impact on the DoD. However, the DoD deals with life and death decisions daily and cannot be subject to data poisoning and LLM attacks. During the interview, Bocek commented on implementing guardrails when experimenting with AI. LEADERSHIP In the corporate world, leaders will justify a blind jump into AI with assertions like, “if they don't jump in, their competitors will.”  The DoD deals with much more than a profit and loss statement. Military leaders must step up with understanding the positives and negatives of AI, and lead technology experts into correct implementations. PROCUREMENT When General B. Chance Saltman was presenting nobody in the audience thought he would include acquisition reform as one of his three main points. He reinforced the concept of living in a contested world where adversaries can adapt quickly, and the American military cannot be held back by antiquated procurement processes. Listen to the podcast to get an idea of some of the solutions available for federal leaders trying to use AI in a responsible manner.    

The government is backing Southland's the space industry - and a company set up indirectly by local councils. 

There's no Golden Dome requirements shopping list yet, but with an expected $40 billion for FY 2026 the U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations is thinking about how to spend now for the fight tonight and what will be needed by 2040. Appearing in this episode from the Air, Space, Cyber conference are Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman, Commander, Space Systems Command Lt. Gen. Philip Garrant. Laura Winter breaks it down with Todd Harrison, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

US Space Command and UK Space Command have conducted their first-ever coordinated satellite Rendezvous Proximity Operation (RPO). Lonestar Data Holdings partners with KIO Data Centers (KIO DC) to create a hybrid data ecosystem for Earth and space. Space robotics company Icarus has raised $6.1 million in a seed round, 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 Elysia Segal brings us the Space Traffic Report from NASASpaceflight.com  Torsten Kriening and Yvette Gonzalez from SpaceWatch.Global share the latest from World Space Business Week. Selected Reading U.S. and U.K. demonstrate partnership in first-ever on-orbit operation KIO Data Centers drives the future of data security with strategic alliance with space-based data center operator, Lonestar Icarus raises $6.1M to take on space's “warehouse work” with embodied-AI robots -TechCrunch  Spain's Kreios Space secures €8 million to bring satellites closer to Earth and strengthen European strategic autonomy  Blue Origin Completes 35th New Shepard Mission The Aerospace Corporation names Tanya Pemberton as next President and CEO Redshift - Commercial Space Federation London university opens robotic simulation center for servicer satellites Share your feedback. What do you think about T-Minus Space Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show.  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

John Maytham speaks to Tiaan Strydom, Acting Executive Director of Space Operations at SANSA, about how Matjiesfontein is helping humanity take one giant leap back to the moon. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retired Brigadier General Christopher S. “Mookie” Walker joins Mike Shanley to discuss U.S. and allied readiness in the Arctic and Antarctic, the evolving role of the National Guard, and the future of America's service academies. The conversation covers NATO's approach to polar security, how industry can better engage with Guard modernization and appropriations, and the innovative resilience training programs shaping force readiness for the next generation of warfighters RESOURCES: https://www.defenceiq.com/events-arcticsecurity/speakers  https://www.ngaus.org/about-ngaus/board-directors-committees/corporate-advisory-panel/corporate-advisory-panel-information  https://www.patriotgroup.company/  https://evenpulse.com/ https://starrs.us/  https://www.rand.org/pubs/commentary/2024/04/what-are-chinas-long-term-antarctic-ambitions.html BIOGRAPHY: Brig Gen (Ret) Christopher S. Walker was the Assistant Adjutant General and Commander of the West Virginia Air National Guard. The West Virginia Air National Guard has over 2,100 members and consists of two flying units, the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston, West Virginia, and the 167th Airlift Wing in Martinsburg, West Virginia. General Walker's former federal dual assignment was ANG Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. General Walker began his Air Force officer career as a 1988 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He served as a C-130 navigator in tactical airlift squadrons throughout the world, flying combat operations into the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In 1997, General Walker left active duty to join the Air National Guard and serve as a C-130H3 evaluator navigator, and has commanded at the squadron, group, and JTF level. He served as civil aviation advisor to the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation with the Coalition Provisional Authority. He has served as the ANG Deputy Director of Air and Space Operations. In 2019, he served as Dual-Status Commander of Joint Task Force- World Scout Jamboree (JTF-WSJ), commanding approximately 1000 soldiers, airmen, sailors, and DoD civilians charged with security, logistics, medical, and aviation support of over 45,000 Scouts and support staff from over 150 countries operating in Glen Jean, WV. General Walker was the inaugural recipient of the West Virginia “Trailblazer Award” for exhibiting a life of excellence. He served as an expert witness for Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) in their lawsuit against the U.S. Naval Academy against race-based admissions criteria. He was also a 2024 GOP candidate the West Virginia 2nd Congressional District primary. LEARN MORE: Thank you for tuning into this episode of the GovDiscovery AI Podcast with Mike Shanley. You can learn more about working with the U.S. Government by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and GovDiscovery AI. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn. https://www.konektid.com/  https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gov-market-growth/ 

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the future of space and digital entertainment, and discuss AI-driven space operations, Roblox's expansion with 100,000-player servers, and Paramount's Call of Duty film adaptation. From esports acquisitions shaping global markets to safety and privacy in AI wearables, the conversation touches on several key tech trends that are influencing our world. Cathy interviews Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia. They uncover how Nokia built the first cellular network on the moon, laying the foundation for a sustainable lunar economy and future Mars missions.Come for the tech and stay for the magic!Thierry Klein BioThierry Klein is the President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, a pioneering figure in space communications and network infrastructure. With extensive experience in telecommunications and space technology, Klein leads research initiatives focused on AI, Web3, and new device technologies at the historic Bell Labs, which is celebrating its centennial year. He has played a pivotal role in delivering the first cellular network on the moon during the Intuitive Machines' IM2 mission, marking a historic milestone in space communications.Thierry Klein on LinkedInKey Discussion Topics:00:00 Intro and Show Updates02:20 Nokia's Innovation Campus in Finland - A Hub for Future Tech04:44 Space Technology and Lunar Networks - Nokia's Groundbreaking Mission27:36 Building the First Cellular Network on the Moon 35:36 Transforming Astronaut Operations with Advanced Communications40:41 The Future of Lunar Economy and Infrastructure48:46 Interplanetary Communications and the Space Internet55:13 AI's Role in Space Operations and Networks01:10 Roblox Developer Conference Updates and Safety Features01:19 Gaming Industry Updates: Call of Duty Movie and EVO Tournament News01:27 Wearable AI Technology Review and Future Outlook01:30 Closing Thoughts and Show Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After decades of being the purview of world governments, space operations have exploded in commercial and civilian necessity in recent years. Commercial satellites have increased 7 fold over the last 15 years and now total more than 10,000. Space capabilities are central to nearly every operational concept and military mission, not to mention every modern economy. Furthermore, space operations and electromagnetic spectrum operations are inextricably linked. How does the Unites State juggle the competition between military and commercial in space? How can the United States secure an enduring advantage in space operations in modern conflicts? In this episode of From the Crows' Nest, host Ken Miller is joined by Brian Weeden, Systems Director in the Center for Space Policy and Strategy with The Aerospace Corporation. Brian says the creation of the U.S. Space Force and the renewal of U.S. Space Command offers opportunities to rethink how the nation works outside of Earth's orbit and to solve big questions. How can America support terrestrial military operations or conduct activities in space itself all while juggling spectrums shared by satellites in low-orbit and thousands of miles above Earth's atmosphere?To learn more about today's topics or to stay updated on EMSO and EW developments, visit our homepage. And please follow our new Instagram account, @fromthecrowsnestpodcast.We also invite you to share your thoughts, questions, or suggestions for future episodes by emailing host Ken Miller at host@fromthecrowsnest.org.

Today's top headlines:  2021 North Charleston murder trial delayed by legal, logistical arguments Taco Boy dropped from lawsuit in Folly Beach crash that killed newlywed Trident United Way opens new resource center in North Charleston Deputies charge Summerville man in May Charleston County killing James Island flood-prone road to see drainage improvements in new construction ‘There’s a better way’: Lowcountry groups concerned over SNAP restrictions City of Folly Beach officially offering police officer retirement to firefighters As Cainhoy grows, Point Hope’s next development phase faces approval US Space Force Chief of Space Operations gives address at The Citadel

Ted Roberts is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with more than 30 years of service. He began his Air Force career as an enlisted Airman. After three years of enlisted service, he entered the United States Air Force Academy. He graduated, earned his commission and served as a career Space Operations officer. During his officer career, he graduated from the Space Weapons Instructor Course at the US Air Force Weapons School. He also has extensive Joint planning and operations experience, working as a Joint Planner supporting US Indo-Pacific Command, US Central Command, and US Transportation Command. He concluded his career as an Assistant Professor teaching Joint Planning and Joint Professional Military Education Level II (JPME II) at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, and most recently graduated from Regent University with his Doctorate in Strategic Leadership in May 2020. He is married and has three children, and currently resides in Chesapeake, Virginia.

This week the U.S. Space Force concluded its largest service-wide exercise that also included officers from Allied and Partner nations in leadership positions. Lessons from the exercise will be used to better inform the implementation of the Space Force's new International Partnership Strategy. Laura Winter speaks with Air Marshal Paul “Godders” Godfrey, the Assistant Chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships, and the highest-ranking non-U.S. officer serving in the Space Force. He was the Director of the 609th Air Operations Centre in Al Udeid before becoming the inaugural Commander of U.K. Space Command.

Now that the U.S. Senate has confirmed Lt. Shawn Bratton's fourth star and his nomination to become the next U.S. Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations, there will be a new Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements. And that's an opportunity to drag the Space Force out of the Feudal Age into the 21st Century's Space Age. Laura Winter speaks with Todd Harrison, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute, and much respected NASA and Defense Department budget diviner.

Episode Summary: Spacepower is fundamentally reliant on the cyber domain—it is the backbone of connectivity for constellations on orbit, their ground stations, and connectivity to warfighters. Point blank: every bit of data and every command sent to space systems transits the cyber domain. Tackling the challenges of leading cyber and data efforts of the Space Force falls on the small, but mighty team of the S6. From administrative to mission networks and data repositories, ensuring Guardians have reliable, capable, and secure cyber connectivity underpins our nation's ability to achieve space superiority. Join Heather Penney as she explores this fascinating topic with Col. Nathan “Crazy” Iven, the acting Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data; and Seth Whitworth, the Associate Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data. Credits: Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Producer: Shane Thin  Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey Guest: Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) Guest: Col. Nathan “Crazy” Iven, acting Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Cyber and Data, USSF Guest: Seth Whitworth, Acting Deputy S6 (DCSO for Cyber & Data), USSF 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 #SpaceForce #Space

This episode of the Space Industry podcast by satsearch is a conversation with Laura Crabtree, CEO of satsearch Trusted Supplier Epsilon3, on how the company's system is helping mission designers all over the world by providing an all-in-one solution for spacecraft manufacturers and operators.Laura speaks with satsearch COO Narayan Prasad and covers a range of topics including:Why spacecraft teams have outgrown spreadsheets and other legacy tools for managing manufacturing and testingHow outdated tools can sometimes lead to mission-critical issues in spaceThe importance of software tools and workflows in ensuring quality during developmentAdvice and recommendations for manufacturers working toward quality certificationsLaura's views on how the industry is changing and on the larger role that software is playingYou can find out more about Epsilon3 here on their satsearch supplier hub.And if you would like to learn more about the space industry and our work at satsearch building the global space supply chain, please take a look at our blog.[Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/when-we-get-there License code: Y4KZEAESHXDHNYRA

My guest in this episode is Steph Glen. Steph has been a Higher Education professional since 2007, initially working her way through a series of progressively senior roles in Timetabling including nearly 10 years at the University of Nottingham, and since December 2024 holding the newly created strategic role of Head of Teaching Space Operations at UCL, the UK's largest university. In this episode, I find out from Steph about the significant impact she has made within her career so far to improve the student experience, and the strategic focus she places on building collaborative relationships with colleagues to help break down some of the challenges that exist in HEIs about use of space.  ----more---- This episode is kindly sponsored by SEAtS One. SEAtS One is a unified platform that helps universities make data-driven decisions to improve student success, retention, and compliance. From monitoring attendance to streamlining workflows and reducing operational costs, SEAtS offer a single, easy-to-use solution for managing student engagement, wellbeing, and institutional efficiency.

Open-source intelligence has historically been used to augment government intelligence about our adversaries.  Government is relying more heavily on commercial data but how does that lend to resiliency, transparency, and deterrence? How should commercial data become more integrated and more trusted? What role does AI/ML have in the future of warfare? This episode features Colonel Lina Cashin (USAF, ret.) from The Aerospace Corporation speaking to USSF Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence Chief Master Sergeant Ronald Lerch and Clinton Clark, Vice President at data supplier ExoAnalytic Solutions.  This episode is part of the Going Faster Series that discusses various facets of speed, agility, innovation, and rapid deployment in national security, civil, and commercial space.   The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy. It is a virtual series covering a broad set of topics that span across the space enterprise. CSPS brings together experts from within Aerospace, the government, academia, business, nonprofits, and the national labs. The show and their podcasts are an opportunity to learn about and to stay engaged with the larger space policy community. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch all episodes!

For review:1. US & Iran to Meet Friday in Rome for 5th Round of Talks. 2. Report: Israel Ready to Strike Iran if Nuclear Talks with US Break Down. Israel is getting ready to quickly strike Iran if ongoing talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic over the latter's nuclear program break down, Axios reports, citing a pair of Israeli sources.3. Israel and Turkey have reached an agreement in principle aimed at preventing any unwanted incidents between both countries' militaries operating in Syria, and established a hotline to avert such conflicts, according to media reports on Wednesday. 4.  The Lebanese and Palestinian Authority presidents agreed Wednesday that Palestinian factions won't use Lebanon as a launchpad for any attacks against Israel, and to remove weapons that aren't under the authority of the Lebanese state. 5.  Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs on Ceasefire in Ukraine: Foreign Minister Lavrov rejects the push to "have a truce and then we'll see," claiming that the "root causes" of Russia's war need to be resolved. 6.  NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on May 21 that the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague will focus on the military support for Ukraine to ensure it is in the strongest position possible both during its ongoing defense and in the eventual pursuit of a lasting peace.7.  President Trump on the US Golden Dome Missile Shield: “Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they're launched from space. And we will have the best system ever built.” The President has appointed General Michael Guetlein (Space Force Vice Chief of Space Operations) to oversee the effort. 8.  DoD Accepts Qatari 747 Jet: Will Undergo Modification for President's Use. An Air Force spokesperson added that the service is “preparing to award a contract to modify” the plane, but details “related to the contract are classified.” 

We've all heard of it, and some of us have seen the Netflix comedy series, but what exactly is the U.S. Space Force, and what do they do? We invited USSF Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna to the podcast to discuss the founding of Space Force, what they are charged with overseeing, their role in continuously monitoring U.S. orbital assets and possible threats to them, and their future role in guarding the space lanes. We also look at the controversy surrounding the recent Blue Origin flight with Katy Perry and other women of note, a recent explosion at a Northrop Grumman facility, and the announcement of a possible detection of life on exoplanet k2-18b! Headlines: Possible Life on Exoplanet K2-18b: Scientists have detected potential signs of life in the spectra of exoplanet K2-18b, including dimethyl sulfide, a substance produced by algae and microbes on Earth. Blue Origin's Glam Flight Controversy: The recent Blue Origin NS-31 flight, intended to promote women in STEM, sparked debate about space tourism and what defines an astronaut. Northrop Grumman Explosion: A recent explosion at Northrop Grumman's Promontory, Utah, test site destroyed a building, raising questions about the future of solid rocket motor development. Interview with Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna: His role in the Space Force: Chief Master Sergeant Bentivegna discusses his role as the senior enlisted member, advising on guardian development, strategy, and welfare. Career Path: Bentivegna recounts his journey from joining the Air Force in 1994 to becoming a key leader in the Space Force, highlighting his experience in space operations. Space Force Mission: He details the Space Force's core functions: assured space access, global space operations (including GPS management and space domain awareness), and space control to ensure space superiority. Space Warfighting Framework: The launch of the Space Warfighting Framework, just released this week, is discussed, emphasizing its importance for integrating and planning space operations across the joint force and clarifying the Space Force's capabilities and operational lexicon. Concerns About Threats in Space: The podcast addresses the threats posed by adversarial actions in space, such as the deployment of ASAT weapons and potential EMP attacks, and the measures the Space Force is developing to protect and defend critical space assets. Space Force and NASA Collaboration: The ongoing collaboration between the Space Force and NASA is highlighted, including the role of guardians in space exploration, research, and astronaut support. Future of Space Operations: The episode concludes with a look at the future of space operations, including the potential for a "Space Coast Guard" and the expanding role of the Space Force in lunar and cislunar activities. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: John Bentivegna Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

We've all heard of it, and some of us have seen the Netflix comedy series, but what exactly is the U.S. Space Force, and what do they do? We invited USSF Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna to the podcast to discuss the founding of Space Force, what they are charged with overseeing, their role in continuously monitoring U.S. orbital assets and possible threats to them, and their future role in guarding the space lanes. We also look at the controversy surrounding the recent Blue Origin flight with Katy Perry and other women of note, a recent explosion at a Northrop Grumman facility, and the announcement of a possible detection of life on exoplanet k2-18b! Headlines: Possible Life on Exoplanet K2-18b: Scientists have detected potential signs of life in the spectra of exoplanet K2-18b, including dimethyl sulfide, a substance produced by algae and microbes on Earth. Blue Origin's Glam Flight Controversy: The recent Blue Origin NS-31 flight, intended to promote women in STEM, sparked debate about space tourism and what defines an astronaut. Northrop Grumman Explosion: A recent explosion at Northrop Grumman's Promontory, Utah, test site destroyed a building, raising questions about the future of solid rocket motor development. Interview with Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna: His role in the Space Force: Chief Master Sergeant Bentivegna discusses his role as the senior enlisted member, advising on guardian development, strategy, and welfare. Career Path: Bentivegna recounts his journey from joining the Air Force in 1994 to becoming a key leader in the Space Force, highlighting his experience in space operations. Space Force Mission: He details the Space Force's core functions: assured space access, global space operations (including GPS management and space domain awareness), and space control to ensure space superiority. Space Warfighting Framework: The launch of the Space Warfighting Framework, just released this week, is discussed, emphasizing its importance for integrating and planning space operations across the joint force and clarifying the Space Force's capabilities and operational lexicon. Concerns About Threats in Space: The podcast addresses the threats posed by adversarial actions in space, such as the deployment of ASAT weapons and potential EMP attacks, and the measures the Space Force is developing to protect and defend critical space assets. Space Force and NASA Collaboration: The ongoing collaboration between the Space Force and NASA is highlighted, including the role of guardians in space exploration, research, and astronaut support. Future of Space Operations: The episode concludes with a look at the future of space operations, including the potential for a "Space Coast Guard" and the expanding role of the Space Force in lunar and cislunar activities. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: John Bentivegna Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week the U.S. Space Force let a linguistic genie out of the bottle. The newest service branch published a 22-page guide for planners called “Space Warfighting”, that ditches soft elocution and takes up words like “destroy”, “terrestrial strike”, and “counterattack”. What does this mean for culture; training and education; research, development, testing and evaluation (RDT&E); acquisition; and the Space Force's place in the Joint Force? In addition to a roundtable discussion with Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, Laura Winter speaks with Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies at the Mitchell Institute's Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence.

We've all heard of it, and some of us have seen the Netflix comedy series, but what exactly is the U.S. Space Force, and what do they do? We invited USSF Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna to the podcast to discuss the founding of Space Force, what they are charged with overseeing, their role in continuously monitoring U.S. orbital assets and possible threats to them, and their future role in guarding the space lanes. We also look at the controversy surrounding the recent Blue Origin flight with Katy Perry and other women of note, a recent explosion at a Northrop Grumman facility, and the announcement of a possible detection of life on exoplanet k2-18b! Headlines: Possible Life on Exoplanet K2-18b: Scientists have detected potential signs of life in the spectra of exoplanet K2-18b, including dimethyl sulfide, a substance produced by algae and microbes on Earth. Blue Origin's Glam Flight Controversy: The recent Blue Origin NS-31 flight, intended to promote women in STEM, sparked debate about space tourism and what defines an astronaut. Northrop Grumman Explosion: A recent explosion at Northrop Grumman's Promontory, Utah, test site destroyed a building, raising questions about the future of solid rocket motor development. Interview with Chief Master Sergeant John Bentivegna: His role in the Space Force: Chief Master Sergeant Bentivegna discusses his role as the senior enlisted member, advising on guardian development, strategy, and welfare. Career Path: Bentivegna recounts his journey from joining the Air Force in 1994 to becoming a key leader in the Space Force, highlighting his experience in space operations. Space Force Mission: He details the Space Force's core functions: assured space access, global space operations (including GPS management and space domain awareness), and space control to ensure space superiority. Space Warfighting Framework: The launch of the Space Warfighting Framework, just released this week, is discussed, emphasizing its importance for integrating and planning space operations across the joint force and clarifying the Space Force's capabilities and operational lexicon. Concerns About Threats in Space: The podcast addresses the threats posed by adversarial actions in space, such as the deployment of ASAT weapons and potential EMP attacks, and the measures the Space Force is developing to protect and defend critical space assets. Space Force and NASA Collaboration: The ongoing collaboration between the Space Force and NASA is highlighted, including the role of guardians in space exploration, research, and astronaut support. Future of Space Operations: The episode concludes with a look at the future of space operations, including the potential for a "Space Coast Guard" and the expanding role of the Space Force in lunar and cislunar activities. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: John Bentivegna Download or subscribe to This Week in Space at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free shows, a members-only Discord, and behind-the-scenes access. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit

The Defence Minister has announced an unprecedented half a billion dollars or more to spend on space operations. Reporter Phil Pennington spoke to Corin Dann.

For review:1. The Houthi rebels launched a ballistic missile at Israel from Yemen Tuesday evening, marking the first attack from the Iran-backed group since the ceasefire came into effect in the Gaza Strip two months ago. 2. IDF Aerial Offensive in Gaza.  The Israeli PM- Benjamin Netanyahu- said that the military campaign was launched on the recommendation of Israel's intelligence services and the IDF, and that it was a last resort after weeks of failed efforts to get Hamas to free more hostages. 3.  President Trump & Russian President Putin Phone Call.4.  Germany's parliament on Tuesday voted in favor of amending the constitution to enable significantly increased defense spending. As a result, a new aid package to Ukraine worth €3 billion ($3.28 billion) could be released by Berlin by the end of this week.5. F-35 Joint Program Office Assures Allies that the Warplane Has "No Kill Switch".The Pentagon today attempted to reassure its international partners in the F-35 program that there is no “kill switch” on the stealth fighter jet that the US could use to render it ineffective — the latest signal that there are real concerns abroad about American stewardship of the program amid tensions with historical allies. 6.  US “near peer” adversaries are “practicing dogfighting” in space to simulate orbital combat in yet another step up their wide-ranging effort to develop capabilities to deny, disrupt, degrade and/or destroy US space capabilities, the Space Force's second in command warned today (General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations).  And while General Guetlein did not specify which countries five satellites were involved, a Space Force spokesperson later told reporters that the demonstration was Chinese. 

The US is making power moves in space at the same time China is projecting naval power int he Tasman Sea. Phil Pennington spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Mitchell Institute's Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) convened its inaugural space workshop in October 2024. The workshop assembled 55 subject matter experts from across the national security space landscape to examine the Chief of Space Operations' theory of Competitive Endurance against a set of potential challenges over the next 25 years of competition. The Space Endurance Workshop provided participants with a venue to define the actions, conditions, and effects necessary for the United States, our allies, and partners to preserve U.S. and Coalition leadership in space.   The Space Force must proactively lead cooperative efforts with Allies and international and commercial Partners to fully integrate and synchronize capability development and operations in a deliberate manner to ensure the most effective and efficient use of resources for all Over a protracted competition with China, the ability of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command, Allies, and Partners to have a spacepower advantage hinges on maintaining popular support and national will To gain support and sustain national will, the Space Force must actively and continually articulate why it exists and what it does to Congress, the American people, and even to Guardians Given existing policy, budget, and personnel realities, the Space Force's Theory of Competitive Endurance provides a stable way forward but may create unintended consequences that undermine a warfighting mentality and Guardian identity Systemic issues exist within the Space Force and Department of Defense threatening the success of the Space Force in a long-term competition with China, e.g., proper authorities and resources, a lack of clearly defined and understood roles & missions, and a warfighting ethos Workshop findings reinforced that existing Space Force lines of effort, such as improved domain awareness, architecture resilience, and security classification reform, are critical and must be expanded to overcome a range of challenges that the United States might face throughout an extended competition For the Space Force to succeed as a military service, defensive and offensive counterspace operations must be normalized with warfighting operations to gain superiority like those in all other domains performed by the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marine Corps

ATLAS Space Operations is transforming how satellite operators communicate with their space assets through their innovative ground software as a service platform. With over $37 Million in funding, ATLAS has evolved from providing basic antenna infrastructure access to delivering a comprehensive cloud-based solution that enables satellite operators to efficiently retrieve data from space. In this episode of Category Visionaries, Brad Bode shares the company's journey from a bootstrapped startup to becoming a leader in both government and commercial space communications. Topics Discussed: Evolution from ground station as a service to ground software as a service Building a dual commercial and government business model The growth trajectory of the space industry Navigating complex government procurement processes Future of space communications technology The role of software in modernizing space infrastructure   GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Build a Two-Year Government Sales Runway: Brad emphasizes, "You must anticipate that it will take longer than you think. If you have a six month runway, that's not going to do it." B2B founders targeting government contracts need at least a two-year runway unless they have robust commercial revenue to sustain operations. Start Small with Government Contracts: "The best way to start accessing government money and making the government aware of who you are as a company is probably through these small business initiatives," Brad notes. Success in government sales requires starting with smaller contracts ($1-2M) to build credibility and past performance credentials. Develop Agency-Specific Strategies: "Each agency has been making it easier to bid on those programs," Brad shares. Different government agencies have distinct procurement processes and requirements. Success requires understanding and adapting to each agency's unique approach. Balance Commercial and Government Revenue: Brad explains their 50-50 revenue split between government and commercial, with government projected to reach 80%. Having both streams provides stability and multiple growth paths. Prioritize In-Person Relationships: As Brad's team says, government sales is "a contact sport." Traditional B2B marketing tactics don't work - success requires building relationships through in-person meetings and industry events: "There's no amount of Google Adwords you could do to help you with the government."     //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co  

On this Constellations Podcast, we discuss the Space RCO and the challenges of delivering timely, combat-capable space and ground systems. This episode covers key priorities, including programs like Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) and Rapid Resilient Command and Control (R2C2). Hear about the importance of leveraging commercial products, collaborating with international partners, and enhancing space operations through better synchronization of assets.

Chapters Introduction (00:00 - 0:11)Space Junk (0:12 - 4:15)Late Night Snacks (4:16 - 6:22)Comparing to the Original Track (6:23 - 8:42)Hidden Purchases (8:43 - [End of Episode]) SummaryIn this episode of the Break From The Grind podcast, Jason and Mindy discuss three diverse topics: the alarming increase of space junk orbiting Earth, their favorite late-night snacks, and the common regrets associated with consumer purchases. They delve into the implications of space debris on future space missions, share personal anecdotes about their snack preferences, and explore the psychology behind buyer's remorse, particularly in relation to clothing, technology, and big-ticket items. The conversation is light-hearted yet informative, providing listeners with insights into both the cosmos and everyday life.Linkshttps://www.breakfromthegrind.com/Visit our Stores: https://www.redbubble.com/people/bftg/shophttps://www.teepublic.com/stores/lowtreestudiosVideo https://rumble.com/c/c-6686850https://www.youtube.com/@breakfromthegrindhttps://www.youtube.com/@BFTG-Inspiration DetailsTHE LATEST ON SPACE JUNK _ The amount of space junk currently in Earth's orbit is significant and poses a growing threat to space operations. According to the latest statistics the number of large debris objects in space (greater than 10 cm) is approximately 29,000 to 36,500 objects.… The number of medium debris (1-10 cm) is estimated to be around 670,000 to 1 million.… The number of small debris (greater than 1 mm) is 100 million to 170 million pieces.… The vast majority of space junk results from defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions or explosions in orbit.LATE NIGHT SNACK? EAT COTTAGE CHEESE _ If you've been on the lookout for the perfect late night snack, researchers (Florida State University) said that cottage cheese before bed has a positive effect on the metabolism and overall health, helps promote muscle recovery, and doesn't result in any body fat gains. If cottage cheese isn't exactly your snack of choice, the study's authors said any helping of 30 grams of protein about a half hour before turning in for the night should do the trick.OVER HALF OF US HIDE PURCHASES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS OUT OF EMBARRASSMENT _ Have you ever made a purchase you regretted? If so, you're not alone — the average person spends over $2,400 a year on purchases they come to regret. Our most regretted purchases:Clothes I don't needOrdering delivered or carry-out restaurant foodBig ticket technologyShoesSmall ticket technology

Many of us have visited the various displays of space shuttles around the US, and it's always a spectacular sight. The shuttle orbiter was huge, and seeing in any configuration is inspirational. Notably, the California Science Center is completing a display of the Endeavor in a launch configuration, which is unique among shuttle installations. But the very first shuttle mockup ever constructed will soon go on public display in its birthplace in Southern California, the city of Downey. This is where North American Rockwell, the builder of all the shuttles, was located until they were absorbed by Boeing decades ago. It was in the Rockwell facility that the first wood-and-aluminum mockup of the shuttle was built, and it's been stored until this day under the control of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Of special interest: besides its uses as a technical simulator, this mockup was what closed the deal between NASA and Rockwell to build the shuttles and inspired many in Congress to support the program. The museum's Executive Director and President, Ben Dickow, joins us to talk about this magnificent, full-sized shuttle mockup, its history, and future plans. Headlines: • SpaceX's Crew-8 mission returned to Earth after a record-breaking 235 days in space, but one crew member remains in the hospital for additional medical checks • Boeing's Intelsat satellite broke up in geosynchronous orbit, creating around 5,000 pieces of space debris, posing potential long-term threats to other satellites • India announced plans for Chandrayaan-4, a joint lunar sample return mission with Japan, targeting the Moon's south pole in 2027-2028 • Chinese company Deep Blue Aerospace aims to start offering space tourist flights by 2027 on a suborbital rocket and capsule that resembles a hybrid of SpaceX's Dragon and Blue Origin's New Shepard Main Topic - Interview with Ben Dickow: • The Columbia Memorial Space Center houses Inspiration, a full-scale wooden mock-up of the space shuttle built by Rockwell in 1972 • Inspiration was used as an engineering tool and to help secure the shuttle contract for Rockwell • The mock-up features highly detailed interiors, including a crew cabin, flight deck, and cargo bay • After being mothballed for years, Inspiration was recently moved to the Columbia Memorial Space Center for display in a new building • Southern California will soon have the first and last space shuttles on display, with Inspiration in Downey and Endeavour in Los Angeles • Ben emphasizes the importance of preserving the shuttle's history and using it as an educational tool to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists • The emotional power of seeing a space shuttle up close and the human stories behind its creation are key to the exhibit's impact Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ben Dickow Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: uscloud.com

Many of us have visited the various displays of space shuttles around the US, and it's always a spectacular sight. The shuttle orbiter was huge, and seeing in any configuration is inspirational. Notably, the California Science Center is completing a display of the Endeavor in a launch configuration, which is unique among shuttle installations. But the very first shuttle mockup ever constructed will soon go on public display in its birthplace in Southern California, the city of Downey. This is where North American Rockwell, the builder of all the shuttles, was located until they were absorbed by Boeing decades ago. It was in the Rockwell facility that the first wood-and-aluminum mockup of the shuttle was built, and it's been stored until this day under the control of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Of special interest: besides its uses as a technical simulator, this mockup was what closed the deal between NASA and Rockwell to build the shuttles and inspired many in Congress to support the program. The museum's Executive Director and President, Ben Dickow, joins us to talk about this magnificent, full-sized shuttle mockup, its history, and future plans. Headlines: • SpaceX's Crew-8 mission returned to Earth after a record-breaking 235 days in space, but one crew member remains in the hospital for additional medical checks • Boeing's Intelsat satellite broke up in geosynchronous orbit, creating around 5,000 pieces of space debris, posing potential long-term threats to other satellites • India announced plans for Chandrayaan-4, a joint lunar sample return mission with Japan, targeting the Moon's south pole in 2027-2028 • Chinese company Deep Blue Aerospace aims to start offering space tourist flights by 2027 on a suborbital rocket and capsule that resembles a hybrid of SpaceX's Dragon and Blue Origin's New Shepard Main Topic - Interview with Ben Dickow: • The Columbia Memorial Space Center houses Inspiration, a full-scale wooden mock-up of the space shuttle built by Rockwell in 1972 • Inspiration was used as an engineering tool and to help secure the shuttle contract for Rockwell • The mock-up features highly detailed interiors, including a crew cabin, flight deck, and cargo bay • After being mothballed for years, Inspiration was recently moved to the Columbia Memorial Space Center for display in a new building • Southern California will soon have the first and last space shuttles on display, with Inspiration in Downey and Endeavour in Los Angeles • Ben emphasizes the importance of preserving the shuttle's history and using it as an educational tool to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists • The emotional power of seeing a space shuttle up close and the human stories behind its creation are key to the exhibit's impact Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ben Dickow Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: uscloud.com

Many of us have visited the various displays of space shuttles around the US, and it's always a spectacular sight. The shuttle orbiter was huge, and seeing in any configuration is inspirational. Notably, the California Science Center is completing a display of the Endeavor in a launch configuration, which is unique among shuttle installations. But the very first shuttle mockup ever constructed will soon go on public display in its birthplace in Southern California, the city of Downey. This is where North American Rockwell, the builder of all the shuttles, was located until they were absorbed by Boeing decades ago. It was in the Rockwell facility that the first wood-and-aluminum mockup of the shuttle was built, and it's been stored until this day under the control of the Columbia Memorial Space Center. Of special interest: besides its uses as a technical simulator, this mockup was what closed the deal between NASA and Rockwell to build the shuttles and inspired many in Congress to support the program. The museum's Executive Director and President, Ben Dickow, joins us to talk about this magnificent, full-sized shuttle mockup, its history, and future plans. Headlines: • SpaceX's Crew-8 mission returned to Earth after a record-breaking 235 days in space, but one crew member remains in the hospital for additional medical checks • Boeing's Intelsat satellite broke up in geosynchronous orbit, creating around 5,000 pieces of space debris, posing potential long-term threats to other satellites • India announced plans for Chandrayaan-4, a lunar sample return mission targeting the Moon's south pole in 2027-2028 • Chinese company Deep Blue Aerospace aims to start offering space tourist flights by 2027 on a suborbital rocket and capsule that resembles a hybrid of SpaceX's Dragon and Blue Origin's New Shepard Main Topic - Interview with Ben Dickow: • The Columbia Memorial Space Center in Downey, California houses Inspiration, a full-scale wooden mock-up of the space shuttle built by Rockwell International in 1972 • Inspiration was used as an engineering tool and to help secure the shuttle contract for Rockwell, impressing both NASA and Congressional leaders who visited • The mock-up features highly detailed interiors, including a crew cabin, flight deck, and cargo bay • After being mothballed for years, Inspiration was recently moved to the Columbia Memorial Space Center for display in a new building • Southern California will soon have the first and last space shuttles on display, with Inspiration in Downey and Endeavour in Los Angeles • Ben emphasizes the importance of preserving the shuttle's history and using it as an educational tool to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists • The emotional power of seeing a space shuttle up close and the human stories behind its creation are key to the exhibit's impact Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Ben Dickow Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: uscloud.com

This week, we're taking a broad look at the progress of America's Artemis lunar landing program, space science in general, and the challenges to Western space plans posed by a fast-rising Chinese space program. Joining us is the uniquely qualified Dr. Greg Autry--the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida, visiting Professor at Imperial College London, former NASA transition team member, and author of "Red Moon Rising." We'll also highlight the recent launch of SpaceX's Starship and the amazing catch of the booster by the Mechazilla Launch tower, Michael Bloomberg's recent article condemning the slow progress of the Artemis program, and this weekend's Orionids meteor shower! Headlines: - SpaceX's successful Starship flight test 5, featuring the Super Heavy booster's impressive catch by the "Mechazilla" tower - Michael Bloomberg's critical op-ed on the SLS rocket and the Artemis program, highlighting delays and overspending - The upcoming Orionids meteor shower, peaking on October 21st, 2024, and the Hunter's Moon, the biggest supermoon of the year Main Topic - The State of the US Space Program with Greg Autry: - Greg's lifelong passion for space was ignited by watching Apollo missions as a child; he later got involved in the commercial space industry and served on the NASA transition team in 2016 - US human spaceflight is in both the best and worst of times - there is bipartisan support for Artemis and returning to the Moon, but the program is behind schedule and over budget on almost every element - Lack of top-level political leadership and sense of urgency compared to the Apollo era is hurting Artemis' progress; the US needs a leader willing to provide direction and funding, and hold people accountable - Competition with China could help spur the US, but the public may not be as motivated as during the Cold War; still, it's important for the US to get back to the Moon first to initiate fair use of resources - Artificial intelligence will play a critical role in future space operations, especially on Mars and the Moon; AI can enable more flexible and capable spacecraft - The US needs to rebuild its aerospace manufacturing and production workforce to execute ambitious space goals; STEM education and hands-on skills are lacking - In 10 years, Autry hopes to see a diverse on-orbit ecosystem with compatible, specialized vehicles; regular Moon missions laying the groundwork for resource extraction; and an influential space tourism industry - He believes that a dual-track lunar architecture with both Starship and a more conventional system for redundancy would be wise; Starship is great but very complex with many potential failure points, especially in a lunar mission that requires multiple refueling flights and a crewed SLS launch in close timing - Greg is the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida and is standing up new academic programs to train the next generation of commercial space workforce - His book "Red Moon Rising" examines the history of the space industry, China's space ambitions, and the current state of play - an engaging read for anyone interested in space Get "Red Moon Rising": https://amzn.to/3YxmJab Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Greg Autry Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week, we're taking a broad look at the progress of America's Artemis lunar landing program, space science in general, and the challenges to Western space plans posed by a fast-rising Chinese space program. Joining us is the uniquely qualified Dr. Greg Autry--the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida, visiting Professor at Imperial College London, former NASA transition team member, and author of "Red Moon Rising." We'll also highlight the recent launch of SpaceX's Starship and the amazing catch of the booster by the Mechazilla Launch tower, Michael Bloomberg's recent article condemning the slow progress of the Artemis program, and this weekend's Orionids meteor shower! Headlines: - SpaceX's successful Starship flight test 5, featuring the Super Heavy booster's impressive catch by the "Mechazilla" tower - Michael Bloomberg's critical op-ed on the SLS rocket and the Artemis program, highlighting delays and overspending - The upcoming Orionids meteor shower, peaking on October 21st, 2024, and the Hunter's Moon, the biggest supermoon of the year Main Topic - The State of the US Space Program with Greg Autry: - Greg's lifelong passion for space was ignited by watching Apollo missions as a child; he later got involved in the commercial space industry and served on the NASA transition team in 2016 - US human spaceflight is in both the best and worst of times - there is bipartisan support for Artemis and returning to the Moon, but the program is behind schedule and over budget on almost every element - Lack of top-level political leadership and sense of urgency compared to the Apollo era is hurting Artemis' progress; the US needs a leader willing to provide direction and funding, and hold people accountable - Competition with China could help spur the US, but the public may not be as motivated as during the Cold War; still, it's important for the US to get back to the Moon first to initiate fair use of resources - Artificial intelligence will play a critical role in future space operations, especially on Mars and the Moon; AI can enable more flexible and capable spacecraft - The US needs to rebuild its aerospace manufacturing and production workforce to execute ambitious space goals; STEM education and hands-on skills are lacking - In 10 years, Autry hopes to see a diverse on-orbit ecosystem with compatible, specialized vehicles; regular Moon missions laying the groundwork for resource extraction; and an influential space tourism industry - He believes that a dual-track lunar architecture with both Starship and a more conventional system for redundancy would be wise; Starship is great but very complex with many potential failure points, especially in a lunar mission that requires multiple refueling flights and a crewed SLS launch in close timing - Greg is the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida and is standing up new academic programs to train the next generation of commercial space workforce - His book "Red Moon Rising" examines the history of the space industry, China's space ambitions, and the current state of play - an engaging read for anyone interested in space Get "Red Moon Rising": https://amzn.to/3YxmJab Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Greg Autry Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week, we're taking a broad look at the progress of America's Artemis lunar landing program, space science in general, and the challenges to Western space plans posed by a fast-rising Chinese space program. Joining us is the uniquely qualified Dr. Greg Autry--the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida, visiting Professor at Imperial College London, former NASA transition team member, and author of "Red Moon Rising." We'll also highlight the recent launch of SpaceX's Starship and the amazing catch of the booster by the Mechazilla Launch tower, Michael Bloomberg's recent article condemning the slow progress of the Artemis program, and this weekend's Orionids meteor shower! Headlines: - SpaceX's successful Starship flight test 5, featuring the Super Heavy booster's impressive catch by the "Mechazilla" tower - Michael Bloomberg's critical op-ed on the SLS rocket and the Artemis program, highlighting delays and overspending - The upcoming Orionids meteor shower, peaking on October 21st, 2024, and the Hunter's Moon, the biggest supermoon of the year Main Topic - The State of the US Space Program with Greg Autry: - Greg's lifelong passion for space was ignited by watching Apollo missions as a child; he later got involved in the commercial space industry and served on the NASA transition team in 2016 - US human spaceflight is in both the best and worst of times - there is bipartisan support for Artemis and returning to the Moon, but the program is behind schedule and over budget on almost every element - Lack of top-level political leadership and sense of urgency compared to the Apollo era is hurting Artemis' progress; the US needs a leader willing to provide direction and funding, and hold people accountable - Competition with China could help spur the US, but the public may not be as motivated as during the Cold War; still, it's important for the US to get back to the Moon first to initiate fair use of resources - Artificial intelligence will play a critical role in future space operations, especially on Mars and the Moon; AI can enable more flexible and capable spacecraft - The US needs to rebuild its aerospace manufacturing and production workforce to execute ambitious space goals; STEM education and hands-on skills are lacking - In 10 years, Autry hopes to see a diverse on-orbit ecosystem with compatible, specialized vehicles; regular Moon missions laying the groundwork for resource extraction; and an influential space tourism industry - He believes that a dual-track lunar architecture with both Starship and a more conventional system for redundancy would be wise; Starship is great but very complex with many potential failure points, especially in a lunar mission that requires multiple refueling flights and a crewed SLS launch in close timing - Greg is the Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida and is standing up new academic programs to train the next generation of commercial space workforce - His book "Red Moon Rising" examines the history of the space industry, China's space ambitions, and the current state of play - an engaging read for anyone interested in space Get "Red Moon Rising": https://amzn.to/3YxmJab Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Greg Autry Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

This week, we're diving deep into some really clever and cutting-edge tech for Martian habitats... made from fungus! Dr. Lynn Rothschild of the NASA Ames Research Center has been working for years on how mushroom mycelia might be utilized as a habitat-building resource. It's quite fascinating--the organic material can be used to make bricks, to create shaped structures, and even to create an "astropharmacy" to supply certain compounds needed by the crew of a Mars excursion! And it is sufficiently enticing that NASA's NIAC innovation program has given her no less than five grants (which are not easy to get!) to study the possibilities. Join us for this really engaging and blue-sky conversation! Headlines: • ISS has been experiencing a slow air leak, increasing from 0.2 pounds per day to 3.7 pounds per day, causing concern for NASA's Office of the Inspector General • Jupiter's Great Red Spot has been shrinking and "pulsing" over time, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope, with scientists predicting it will eventually stabilize as a smaller, circular storm • A rare G4-class solar storm triggered widespread auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual, with NOAA issuing warnings to protect power grids and communication systems Main Topic - Living in Martian Mushrooms: • Dr. Rothschild explains synthetic biology as creating something new with biology, either by altering existing organisms or creating new ones from scratch • The concept of using fungal mycelium for off-world habitats originated from a student project to create a biodegradable drone body • Mycotecture involves growing habitats and structures using mycelium, which can bind various materials like sand, regolith simulant, and wood chips • The properties of mycelium-based materials can be tuned by adjusting the substrate and post-processing, ranging from styrofoam-like to hardwood-like consistencies • Dr. Rothschild's vision for a stable off-world habitat includes using cyanobacteria to process atmospheric gases and minerals, which would then feed the fungi used in construction • Cross-contamination concerns on Mars are addressed, with the lack of liquid water on the surface making it unlikely for introduced organisms to thrive • Additional applications of mycelium-based technology include biomining, water filtration, and even food production • Dr. Rothschild also discusses the Astro Pharmacy project, which aims to develop an on-demand drug production system for astronauts • While these technologies have significant potential for Earth-based applications, developing them for space allows for more freedom to explore revolutionary ideas without existing infrastructure constraints Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Lynn Rothschild Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: uscloud.com veeam.com

This week, we're diving deep into some really clever and cutting-edge tech for Martian habitats... made from fungus! Dr. Lynn Rothschild of the NASA Ames Research Center has been working for years on how mushroom mycelia might be utilized as a habitat-building resource. It's quite fascinating--the organic material can be used to make bricks, to create shaped structures, and even to create an "astropharmacy" to supply certain compounds needed by the crew of a Mars excursion! And it is sufficiently enticing that NASA's NIAC innovation program has given her no less than five grants (which are not easy to get!) to study the possibilities. Join us for this really engaging and blue-sky conversation! Headlines: • ISS has been experiencing a slow air leak, increasing from 0.2 pounds per day to 3.7 pounds per day, causing concern for NASA's Office of the Inspector General • Jupiter's Great Red Spot has been shrinking and "pulsing" over time, as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope, with scientists predicting it will eventually stabilize as a smaller, circular storm • A rare G4-class solar storm triggered widespread auroras visible at much lower latitudes than usual, with NOAA issuing warnings to protect power grids and communication systems Main Topic - Living in Martian Mushrooms: • Dr. Rothschild explains synthetic biology as creating something new with biology, either by altering existing organisms or creating new ones from scratch • The concept of using fungal mycelium for off-world habitats originated from a student project to create a biodegradable drone body • Mycotecture involves growing habitats and structures using mycelium, which can bind various materials like sand, regolith simulant, and wood chips • The properties of mycelium-based materials can be tuned by adjusting the substrate and post-processing, ranging from styrofoam-like to hardwood-like consistencies • Dr. Rothschild's vision for a stable off-world habitat includes using cyanobacteria to process atmospheric gases and minerals, which would then feed the fungi used in construction • Cross-contamination concerns on Mars are addressed, with the lack of liquid water on the surface making it unlikely for introduced organisms to thrive • Additional applications of mycelium-based technology include biomining, water filtration, and even food production • Dr. Rothschild also discusses the Astro Pharmacy project, which aims to develop an on-demand drug production system for astronauts • While these technologies have significant potential for Earth-based applications, developing them for space allows for more freedom to explore revolutionary ideas without existing infrastructure constraints Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. Lynn Rothschild Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: uscloud.com veeam.com

It's a question that rivals the meaning of life itself: which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars? Of course, they are very different, and that's really the core of it--one is a sweeping fantasy adventure incorporating the "Hero's Journey," while the other is a science fantasy wrapped around a morality play. In the end, we love them both. But there is a bit of cultural (and perhaps generation) divide here, and someone has to put Tariq in his place. Join us for this civilization-shattering conversation! Headlines: NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft, now 12.8 billion miles from Earth, had to shut down its plasma science instrument due to power constraints. The instrument was the last of its kind still functioning on either Voyager spacecraft. United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its second Vulcan Centaur rocket, despite an apparent nozzle failure on one of the solid rocket boosters. The rocket carried a mass simulator in place of the delayed Dream Chaser spaceplane. The Sun unleashed an X9.05 solar flare, the strongest directed at Earth since 2017. The resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) could potentially trigger intense auroras visible at lower latitudes this weekend. Main Topic - Star Trek vs. Star Wars: Rod and Tariq share their personal experiences with both franchises, discussing their first encounters with Star Trek and Star Wars and how the franchises have evolved. They compare the intellectual aspects of both universes, with Star Trek often focusing on morality plays and Star Wars being more of a fun, fantasy-driven space opera. The hosts discuss the acting in both franchises, highlighting standout performances and the impact of certain characters and actors. They examine the iconic spaceships from each universe, noting that Star Trek ships like the Enterprise are more recognizable and have had a more significant cultural impact compared to Star Wars ships, with the exception of the Millennium Falcon. Rod and Tariq argue that Star Wars has had a more significant impact on popular culture, while Star Trek has been more influential in inspiring real-life space exploration and scientific careers. They conclude that both franchises have their merits and have played essential roles in getting people excited about space and science fiction. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

It's a question that rivals the meaning of life itself: which is better, Star Trek or Star Wars? Of course, they are very different, and that's really the core of it--one is a sweeping fantasy adventure incorporating the "Hero's Journey," while the other is a science fantasy wrapped around a morality play. In the end, we love them both. But there is a bit of cultural (and perhaps generation) divide here, and someone has to put Tariq in his place. Join us for this civilization-shattering conversation! Headlines: NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft, now 12.8 billion miles from Earth, had to shut down its plasma science instrument due to power constraints. The instrument was the last of its kind still functioning on either Voyager spacecraft. United Launch Alliance (ULA) successfully launched its second Vulcan Centaur rocket, despite an apparent nozzle failure on one of the solid rocket boosters. The rocket carried a mass simulator in place of the delayed Dream Chaser spaceplane. The Sun unleashed an X9.05 solar flare, the strongest directed at Earth since 2017. The resulting coronal mass ejection (CME) could potentially trigger intense auroras visible at lower latitudes this weekend. Main Topic - Star Trek vs. Star Wars: Rod and Tariq share their personal experiences with both franchises, discussing their first encounters with Star Trek and Star Wars and how the franchises have evolved. They compare the intellectual aspects of both universes, with Star Trek often focusing on morality plays and Star Wars being more of a fun, fantasy-driven space opera. The hosts discuss the acting in both franchises, highlighting standout performances and the impact of certain characters and actors. They examine the iconic spaceships from each universe, noting that Star Trek ships like the Enterprise are more recognizable and have had a more significant cultural impact compared to Star Wars ships, with the exception of the Millennium Falcon. Rod and Tariq argue that Star Wars has had a more significant impact on popular culture, while Star Trek has been more influential in inspiring real-life space exploration and scientific careers. They conclude that both franchises have their merits and have played essential roles in getting people excited about space and science fiction. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

NASA's planetary exploration program is in trouble. The Mars Sample Return program is verging on cancellation, and the VIPER mission to the moon already has been. Both are critical precursors to human exploration of these places, as Dr. Jim Bell of Arizona State University will tell us. We need to know more about the surface of Mars--with direct, in-the-lab studies of Mars rocks--and we certainly need to understand where the volatiles--another name for water and other resources of value--are on the moon. And, if you're the US government, you'd like to do both before China does--which is likely not far off. Does it matter who achieves these things first? And specific to the US, what role might private companies and individuals play in the drama? Headlines: SpaceX's Crew-9 mission is set to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station on Saturday, September 28th, with the primary objective of bringing back the Starliner astronauts who have been on the station for an extended period. A Seattle-based company, Iradian Aerospace, has unveiled plans for a new reusable orbital spaceplane that will utilize a revolutionary two-mile-long sled launch system. Earth is set to temporarily capture a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, which will remain in close proximity to our planet from September 29th to November 25th, providing scientists with an opportunity to study a near-Earth asteroid up close as it performs a de-facto flyby. Main Topic - Discussion with Dr. Jim Bell: Jim Bell discusses his early fascination with space exploration, inspired by the Apollo missions and Carl Sagan's acclaimed 1980s series "Cosmos," which led him to pursue a career in planetary science. The decadal survey process is explained, highlighting how it helps align the scientific community's priorities with NASA's mission planning and funding decisions. The challenges faced by the Mars Sample Return mission are discussed, with Jim expressing optimism that NASA will find a way to overcome the current budgetary hurdles and complete this groundbreaking mission. The cancellation of the VIPER lunar rover mission is addressed, with the hosts and guest emphasizing the importance of this mission for future human exploration of the Moon and the need for more transparency in NASA's decision-making process. Jim shares his perspective on the increasing involvement of commercial space companies in planetary exploration, stressing the importance of developing sustainable business models to ensure the long-term viability of these ventures. The conversation touches on the balance between NASA's priorities, such as the Artemis program, and the funding allocated to robotic scientific missions, with Jim highlighting the need for better communication and collaboration between the human spaceflight and robotic exploration divisions of NASA. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jim Bell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

NASA's planetary exploration program is in trouble. The Mars Sample Return program is verging on cancellation, and the VIPER mission to the moon already has been. Both are critical precursors to human exploration of these places, as Dr. Jim Bell of Arizona State University will tell us. We need to know more about the surface of Mars--with direct, in-the-lab studies of Mars rocks--and we certainly need to understand where the volatiles--another name for water and other resources of value--are on the moon. And, if you're the US government, you'd like to do both before China does--which is likely not far off. Does it matter who achieves these things first? And specific to the US, what role might private companies and individuals play in the drama? Headlines: SpaceX's Crew-9 mission is set to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station on Saturday, September 28th, with the primary objective of bringing back the Starliner astronauts who have been on the station for an extended period. A Seattle-based company, Iradian Aerospace, has unveiled plans for a new reusable orbital spaceplane that will utilize a revolutionary two-mile-long sled launch system. Earth is set to temporarily capture a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, which will remain in close proximity to our planet from September 29th to November 25th, providing scientists with an opportunity to study a near-Earth asteroid up close as it performs a de-facto flyby. Main Topic - Discussion with Dr. Jim Bell: Jim Bell discusses his early fascination with space exploration, inspired by the Apollo missions and Carl Sagan's acclaimed 1980s series "Cosmos," which led him to pursue a career in planetary science. The decadal survey process is explained, highlighting how it helps align the scientific community's priorities with NASA's mission planning and funding decisions. The challenges faced by the Mars Sample Return mission are discussed, with Jim expressing optimism that NASA will find a way to overcome the current budgetary hurdles and complete this groundbreaking mission. The cancellation of the VIPER lunar rover mission is addressed, with the hosts and guest emphasizing the importance of this mission for future human exploration of the Moon and the need for more transparency in NASA's decision-making process. Jim shares his perspective on the increasing involvement of commercial space companies in planetary exploration, stressing the importance of developing sustainable business models to ensure the long-term viability of these ventures. The conversation touches on the balance between NASA's priorities, such as the Artemis program, and the funding allocated to robotic scientific missions, with Jim highlighting the need for better communication and collaboration between the human spaceflight and robotic exploration divisions of NASA. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Jim Bell Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Devon Island, a polar desert in the High Arctic, is one of the most convincing Mars analogs on Earth. That's why Pascal Lee built his NASA-affiliated research base there. On this episode he returns to discuss his summer field work, Martian volcanoes, and to discuss possible alternatives to NASA's plans for the Artemis lunar base.There's a lot to know, and he brings deep passion—and some controversy—to the conversation! Headlines: Polaris Dawn mission success: The crew completed the first-ever commercial spacewalk, with all four members exposed to the vacuum of space. SpaceX FAA dispute: The company faces potential fines of $630,000 for alleged launch violations, leading to a heated exchange between SpaceX and the FAA. Mars volcano discovery: Researchers found evidence of a 1000-mile wide magma plume under Olympus Mons, raising questions about potential volcanic activity on Mars. Main Topic - Lunar Exploration and Artemis Program: Dr. Pascal Lee's summer research at the Houghton Mars Project Field Station: The team tested drilling equipment for future lunar missions and explored the use of drones for Mars helicopter simulations. Critique of current Artemis program strategy: Dr. Lee argues that focusing on sortie missions to the South Pole is premature and potentially counterproductive. Alternative base location proposal: Clavius Crater is suggested as a more suitable site for a lunar base, offering scientific value and better logistics. Water extraction challenges: Dr. Lee discusses the complexities and uncertainties surrounding water ice extraction at the lunar South Pole. Starship as a water delivery system: The potential for using SpaceX's Starship to deliver large quantities of clean water to the Moon is explored. Importance of establishing a fixed base: Dr. Lee emphasizes the need for a stable infrastructure to support long-term lunar exploration and science. Power concerns for lunar bases: The limitations of solar power are discussed, with nuclear power suggested as a more viable option for long-term operations. International competition considerations: The episode touches on how other countries' lunar ambitions might influence NASA's plans. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Pascal Lee Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsors: betterhelp.com/TWIS veeam.com

Starliner is back and, by all accounts, could have returned with its crew had it been necessary. However, with NASA's "safety forward" approach prevailing, the spacecraft landed uncrewed on September 6, three months after it docked with the International Space Station. Now, the work begins to try to solve the problems- largely software changes, dealing with balky thrusters, and helium leaks- so that the Starliner Crew 1 can fly next year. But how did we get here? What's NASA's take on the latest Starliner mission? And, perhaps above all, how will Boeing approach the program moving ahead? We'll bring you the latest and greatest--and fear not, we have Tariq here to keep us fair--on what's going on with Boeing's Starliner CST-100 spacecraft. Headlines • For the first time, a commercial crew flew above low Earth orbit on SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, setting records for the highest spaceflight by female astronauts and the first commercial spacewalk by anyone. • The FAA says it won't clear SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 from Boca Chica, Texas until November due to environmental concerns, frustrating SpaceX as they aim to conduct orbital refueling tests and prepare for lunar missions. Starliner's Return and Future • Boeing's Starliner spacecraft finally returned on September 6th, three months after it launched, facing challenges such as thruster overheating, and in some cases outright fgailure, and a GPS dropout during reentry. • Rod and Tariq discuss the cultural differences between Boeing and SpaceX, with SpaceX embracing a more iterative, failure-tolerant approach that allowed them to innovate faster. • They debate whether Boeing's traditional aerospace culture and cost-cutting measures contributed to Starliner's issues and examined the effects of the company's lack of transparency during the mission. • Despite the challenges, Starliner demonstrated its ability to survive an extended mission and NASA remains confident that Boeing will fly out its Commercial Crew contract. • The future of Starliner may involve private missions to upcoming commercial space stations, but standardizing spacesuits across different spacecraft will be crucial for crew safety. • While Starliner faced setbacks, Rod and Tariq emphasize the importance of having multiple crew transportation systems to ensure continuous access to space. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

As if election season wasn't scary enough, now we have rogue planets to worry about! Out in the vast darkness between star systems, these worlds wander through the interstellar void, sometimes in pairs, and when they encounter a solar system, havoc can result. Add to the fact that they are hard to see, and you have a recipe for worry. Fortunately, we have astrophysicists like Dr. Rosalba Perna on the job, learning more about these strange, errant planets daily! Add to that the ever-increasing stash of data we're getting from the James Webb Space Telescope, and we can all sleep a bit better at night. Join us for a fascinating hour with Dr. Perna as we learn about rogue planets! Headlines: Boeing's Starliner spacecraft set to return to Earth robotically, without its crew, on September 6th, marking the end of its three-month mission. SpaceX experiences a rare booster landing failure on its 23rd flight, ending a streak of successful landings Astrobotic's Peregrine Lander failure attributed to a faulty valve and leaks SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission delayed due to weather concerns Main Topic - Rogue Planets: Dr. Perna explains rogue planets as worlds untethered to any star, floating freely in space Discussion of the likelihood and potential impact of a rogue planet entering our solar system Exploration of rogue planet formation theories, including ejection from solar systems and in-situ formation The James Webb Space Telescope's role in discovering potential rogue planet pairs in the Orion Nebula Challenges in confirming rogue planet candidates and distinguishing them from other celestial objects The possibility of life on rogue planets, particularly those with moons experiencing tidal heating Dr. Perna's computer simulations demonstrate how binary rogue planets could form and evolve The upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's potential for discovering more rogue planets Discussion of Dr. Perna's other research interests, including gamma-ray bursts and compact objects Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Rosalba Perna Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

It's the end of summer, and that means it's time to go back to school—in our case, space school! There's a lot going on, a lot coming up, and a whole lot to know about the next 9 months in space. What can we expect from SpaceX? How are the outer solar system missions proceeding? What about the new rocket engines for the Artemis program? What are we doing about orbital debris? Are we really in a new space race with China? And much more, including that most vexing of questions: what's up with Starliner? Join us for the fun. Headlines: Polaris Dawn mission: Set to launch soon, this private SpaceX flight aims to conduct the first private spacewalk and raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. JUICE spacecraft flyby: The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer successfully completed its Earth flyby, capturing stunning images of Earth and the Moon. Fram 2 mission: A private SpaceX flight planning the first-ever crewed polar orbit mission, aiming to study aurora-like emissions called STEVE. Astroscale's space debris removal: The company secured an $82 million contract for its second test flight to remove an old Japanese H-2 rocket stage from orbit. RS-25 engine development: Discussion on the high costs of manufacturing new RS-25 engines for NASA's SLS rocket compared to SpaceX's more cost-effective Raptor engines. Upcoming celestial events: A partial lunar eclipse in September and an annular solar eclipse in October, with tips on how to safely view these events. World Space Week: Announcement of the upcoming event in October, focusing on space and climate change. Indian space program: Updates on India's plans to launch its first uncrewed test flight of the Gaganyaan space capsule by the end of the year. Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: betterhelp.com/TWIS

Czarina Salido, a physics graduate of mixed Mexican and Native American heritage, founded Taking Up Space in 2014. This nonprofit aims to address the underrepresentation of women, particularly Native American girls, in STEM fields. Based near Tucson, the organization provides mentoring, instruction, and Space Camp scholarships to disadvantaged girls on a nearby reservation. Salido's initiative has gained recognition in the STEM community and inspired similar efforts nationwide. Join us as we discuss her work's challenges and successes in this episode of This Week in Space! Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Czarina Salido Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

Each year, there are a handful of impressive meteor showers, and one of the largest and best this year will be the Perseids. The quarter moon will set just before midnight, when the shower activity peaks, and if you're in a dark spot expect to see maybe 50-60 shooting stars per hour. Steve Fentress, veteran astronomer and planetarium director, joins us to provide viewing tips, a meteor shower, and star lore over the ages, and more. Host: Rod Pyle Co-Host: Isaac Arthur Guest: Steve Fentress Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

It's been said that Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids, and that's certainly the assertion of the popular 2023 book, "A City on Mars" by Kelly and Zack Weinersmith. In fact, they question the future of settling humans off Earth in its entirety. Certainly, it will be challenging, but is it impossible? Are there reasons we should not go? We gathered together two of our favorite experts on the topic, Dale Skran, the COO and SVP of the National Space Society, and Mr. YouTube himself, Isaac Arthur—who has produced maybe 100 hours or more of well-regarded videos on the subject—to discuss the book and our prospects for rational, realistic space settlement plans. Join us! "A City on Mars" takes a skeptical and humorous look at space settlement, questioning our readiness for having children in space, building space farms, and creating independent space nations. Dale Skran wrote a comprehensive 40,000-word review of the book, acknowledging its depth while disagreeing with many of its conclusions. He believes the book represents the current stage of opposition to the increasingly realistic prospect of space settlement. The hosts discuss the potential benefits and resources available in space, with Dale and Isaac emphasizing the vast opportunities and the need for reasonable regulation to facilitate space development. The challenges of human reproduction in space are examined, with the hosts agreeing on the importance of further research and the need for artificial gravity experiments on space stations. The potential for conflict and war in space is explored, with Dale arguing that space settlements will likely be more resilient and less vulnerable than Earth-based cities due to their designed defenses against natural and artificial threats. The hosts critique the book's pessimistic view of space settlement and its suggestion to wait centuries until humanity has solved all its problems before venturing into space. They argue that space development and solving Earth's issues can and should happen concurrently. Dale Skran highlights an interesting idea from the book: the possibility of a dual life cycle for settlers, with reproduction occurring in 1G spin gravity settlements while adults spend much of their time working in low-gravity environments like the Moon or Mars. Get "A City on Mars": https://amzn.to/3LWMhY1 Host: Rod Pyle Co-Host: Isaac Arthur Guest: Dale Skran Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit

A nova is a star that periodically sheds mass in a huge flare-up of light and energy. This week, astrophysicist Dr. Carlos Badenes from the University of Pittsburgh joins us to discuss a star that should be going nova in the next few weeks--and will be visible in the night sky for about 6-7 days! T Corona Borealis (TCrB) is a binary system comprising two stars in the constellation Corona Borealis that bursts into magnitude 2 (as seen from Earth) about every 80 years--and should do so again by mid-September! Join us. Headlines: NASA's Perseverance rover discovers a rock on Mars that shows intriguing signs of potential ancient microbial life, sparking excitement among scientists Starliner Update: NASA and Boeing discuss the extended mission of the Starliner spacecraft, addressing concerns and highlighting the crew's safety and productivity Scientists uncover evidence suggesting Mercury's crust harbors a 10-mile thick diamond layer, formed by unique planetary processes Main Topic - The Visible Nova in the Sky Near You: T Coronae Borealis, a recurring nova located in the constellation Corona Borealis, is expected to become visible to the naked eye between now and September 2024 Novae are binary star systems where a white dwarf accumulates material from its companion star, leading to a thermonuclear runaway and a bright outburst Supernovae, in contrast, are the explosive deaths of stars, either through the complete disruption of a white dwarf or the collapse of a massive star's core Historical accounts of "new stars" include Tycho's Supernova (1572), Kepler's Supernova (1604), and the Crab Nebula progenitor (1054) Dr. Badenes discusses his research on novae in nearby galaxies and the use of the Hubble Space Telescope to study the progenitors of thermonuclear supernovae The crew explores the limits of recurring novae, the possibility of a white dwarf exploding as a Type Ia supernova, and the anticipated supernova of the star Betelgeuse in the constellation Orion Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Carlos Badenes Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: betterhelp.com/TWIS

If you saw the movie "Gravity," you have a sense of the dangers of orbital debris—and the risk is very real. More than 25,000 objects over four inches in diameter are tracked by the US Space Force, and millions of others are smaller or untracked—everything from derelict satellites to dead rocket stages to bits of shrapnel and even just chunks of frozen rocket fuel is there. And even something the size and mass of a paint chip, traveling at orbital speeds, can take out a window of a spacecraft. We're joined by Dr. John Crassidis from the University of Buffalo, an expert in orbital debris and its dangers. Look out below; this is going to be a hot one! Headlines: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch failure investigation underway after engine explosion during upper stage relight James Webb Space Telescope celebrates 2nd anniversary with new "Cosmic Penguin" image Boeing Starliner return date still uncertain as NASA and Boeing review data Mailbag: Zaheer Mohammed congratulates the National Space Society's Ad Astra magazine on winning the Marcom Awards in 2023 Main Topic: Orbital Debris Discussion with Dr. John Crassidis Orbital debris defined as anything in space that is no longer useful, ranging from paint flakes to rocket bodies Debris moves at extremely high speeds (17,500 mph), making collisions highly destructive Kessler Syndrome: cascading collisions could render low Earth orbit unusable within 50 years if debris growth is not slowed Approximately 47,000 tracked objects softball-size or larger, with millions more smaller pieces Challenges in tracking debris due to limited coverage, object tumbling, and modeling uncertainties Ownership and responsibility for debris removal complicated by lack of international agreements Current remediation techniques not feasible due to cost and technological limitations Urgent need for debris mitigation through international cooperation and improved satellite design Future threats extend beyond low Earth orbit, with debris already accumulating around the Moon Importance of investing in research to develop effective debris removal technologies Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik Guest: Dr. John Crassidis Download or subscribe to this show at https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space. Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT at https://twit.tv/clubtwit