Space Strategy

Space Pod

Interested in catalyzing policy to shape the next strategic frontier? Join host Peter Garretson as he explores insights from space thought leaders across the private sector, military, government, and academia to help define a strategic vision for U.S. space policy.

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June 15 · 49 min
62. Steve Kwast: Building Space Logistics for a Robust Space Economy
In this episode, Peter Garretson sits down with Steve Kwast, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret.), PhD, Co-Founder and Chairman of SpaceBilt, Inc., to explore the infrastructure and logistics demands of an emerging Space Economy spanning Cislunar Space and beyond. During their discussion, they outline the strategic importance of space logistics to commerce and national security. They delve into the challenges and advantages of being a small company, and the impact of administration policies and executive orders. They assess the U.S. competitive position with respect to China and what’s at stake. Gen. Kwast also shares insights from his work with Congress and the Administration. The episode closes with a look at the recent White House initiative on Space Nuclear power, and what steps can be taken now to move things in the right direction.
May 29 · 1 hr 20 min
61. Christopher Stone: Grading the Space Force's Vision of the Future
In this episode, Peter Garretson sits down with ⁠Christopher Stone⁠ to assess two major recent developments in U.S. space policy: the December Executive Order on ⁠Ensuring American Space Superiority⁠, and the newly released Space Force ⁠Future Operating Environment 2040⁠ alongside its Objective Force. Together, they break down what the Space Force got right, what it got wrong, what's missing, and where U.S. space strategy should go from here.
May 11 · 1 hr 11 min
60. Charles Miller: A Lunar Development Authority and What's at Stake on the Moon
In this episode, Peter Garretson talks with serial Space Entrepreneur Charles Miller. They discuss Charles' latest piece Cracking the Code on the Lunar Economy. The two delve into the Evolved Lunar Architecture Study vision, its impact, the first instantiation of Artemis, and the latest changes following the NASA Ignition event. They focus on the Trump White House executive order's goals of Lunar Economic Development and garnering $50B in new private space investment, as well as what is at stake with regard to China. They analyze the utility of using an "Authority" to build the Moon base—and how it should be created, and who could / should create it. They review Miller's early work as a policy entrepreneur in the L5 Society (now NSS), creation of ProSpace, Space Frontier Foundation, and March Storm. Then his work founding Nanoracks, then Lynk Global. They examine his work on the NSSO Space Solar Power Study and on the USAF's Fast Space Study and their impact. They conclude with big picture discussion about what it means to 'win' and a space strategy worthy of the nation, and inspirational words for space entrepreneurs.
April 17 · 44 min
59. Heather Pringle: Building capacity through Innovation & Collaboration
In this episode, Peter Garretson talks with Heather Pringle, Maj Gen, USAF (Ret.), PhD, CEO of Space Foundation. They discuss the 2026 Space Symposium and its themes. 2026 marks a major shift from aspirational vision to concrete execution, with unprecedented scale in participation (343 exhibitors, 50+nations). The conversation covers the current trends: Golden Dome ($175B), NASA's Lunar Base ($20B), the SpaceX IPO ($1.75T valuation), and the increasing role of finance. They also address the importance of AI, the new demands for scale, and the need for a workforce to support it. They touch on the Space Foundation's work to ensure next generation talent, and the Space Generation Advisory Council. They close by talking about Pringle's career path, lessons learned from AFRL and the transition to Space Foundation, and the exciting conversations ahead to take the space ecosystem to the next level.
Aug 28, 2025 · 1 hr 16 min
58. Ross Centers: The Strategic Moon, Safety Zones, Property Rights and Golden Dome
In this episode, Peter Garretson sits down with Ross Centers, CEO of Ethos Space explore his ambitious vision for creating large-scale space infrastructure. The conversation covers the Space Resources program at the Colorado School of Mines, the concept of a planetary sunshade, and Center’s work with the Planetary Sunshade Foundation—including how this ethical 'north star' shapes Ethos Space’s mission. They dive into critical infrastructure needs including landing pads (to avoid what Center’s refers to as 'hypersonic blunderbusses'), refueling stations, and Lunar Data centers. The discussion explores the national security implications of the Moon and the importance of securing the “Strategic Flank” in the Golden Dome framework. The converstion also examines space property rights and the necessity of establishing “facts on the ground,” drawing parallels between Billy Mitchell’s historical aviation vision and today’s Cislunar space challenges. Finally, they close by discussing the coming transformation of the U.S. Space Force from a “brownwater” force to a deep-space, “bluewater” force.
#57
Aug 18, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
57. Dr. Sanjay Vijendran: The Space Solar Power Revolution
In this episode, Peter Garretson talks with Dr. Sanjay Vijendran, Director of Space Energy Insights, and former lead for the European Space Agency's (ESA) groundbreaking SOLARIS Space-based Solar Power R&D Initiative. After a brief aside to discuss Sanjay's Mars work, they explore the basics of Space Solar Power: why it is interesting, and why Elon Musk's efficiency-focused critique gets it wrong. They discuss the importance of capacity factors, and how ESA changed the game by getting the energy industry involved in cost-benefit studies, which catalyzed new startups and investment. The conversation covers the current state of play: who are the startups, who is receiving funding and how much, and the diversity of concepts being pursued—including Overview Energy, Aetherflux, Reflect Orbital, VirtusSolis, Solaren, the UK's Space Solar, Australia's Solar Space Technologies, Volta, Starcatcher, as well as synergies with orbital data centers, space logistics, and in-space assembly and manufacturing. They explore longer-term work Sanjay sponsored with AstroStrom on setting up an industrial base on the Moon to build solar power satellites (see video), and examine near-term environmental benefits and challenges. They discuss Space Solar's advantages in energy payback time, energy return on energy invested, carbon return on carbon investment, land use, water use, and thermal pollution—and the need for government and intergovernmental planning models to include space solar power. They discussion also covers geopolitical and geoeconomic implications of leading or following, national security implications (including energy sovereignty), and energy security opportunities for the developing world, as well as near-term demos by AFRL, JAXA, China, and commercial firms. They conclude by discussing the International Conference on Energy From Space happening later this year.
Aug 5, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
56. Dr. Philip Lubin: Planetary Defense and Large-Scale Directed Energy
In this episode, Peter Garretson talks with Dr. Philip Lubin. Dr. Philip Lubin from the UCSB Experimental Cosmology Group. Dr. Lubin discusses his groundbreaking work in laser technology and planetary defense, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting Earth from asteroid and comet impacts through innovative methods like directed energy systems and fragmentation techniques. He introduces his unified planetary defense system concept called “Pulverize It”(PI), which utilizes existing launch vehicles, and explores the potential of large-scale laser arrays known as “DE-STAR” for various space applications, including power transmission and enabling faster space travel. The conversation focuses on developing a practical and affordable planetary defense system using current technology, with plans to present this concept to key decision-makers. Find Dr. Lubin’s book on Directed Energy here, his list of papers here, and various simulation videos of Terminal Planetary Defense on their YouTube channel.
#55
Jul 30, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
55. Fred Kennedy: Bringing the Nuclear Renaissance to Space
In this episode, Peter Garretson hosts Dr. Fred Kennedy, CEO of Dark Fission. Fred discusses his career and vision for space exploration, emphasizing the importance of developing nuclear thermal propulsion technology to enable more ambitious missions beyond low Earth orbit. He explores the historical challenges and delays in nuclear thermal propulsion development, while advocating for investment in all forms of nuclear propulsion and power systems to maintain U.S. competitiveness in space. They conversation covers a number of advanced nuclear propulsion ideas and explores the story behind ROAR and DRACO at DARPA, including the unfortunate recent demise of DRACO. They also discuss the Space Development Agency’s (SDA) original ‘deterrence layer,’ including an Advanced Maneuvering Vehicle. The episode concludes with discussions about funding strategies, potential partnerships, the need to remove regulatory barriers to allow American ingenuity to drive space exploration forward, and a grand strategy discussion about humanity’s expansion into the solar system.
Jul 20, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
54. Benjamin Johnis: Space Rescue
In this episode Peter Garretson speaks with Senior Master Sergeant Benjamin Johnis, a Personnel Recovery Program Manager and former Air Force veteran, about rescue and personnel recovery in space. The discussion focused on space rescue capabilities and requirements. Benjamin presents his research on space rescue operations and discusses the challenges of developing a dedicated space rescue program, including his AFIT study on Lunar Search and Rescue (see related discussion). The conversation covered technical aspects of space rescue vehicles, including the Dream Chaser and various existing systems, while addressing the geopolitical implications of space rescue capabilities and the need for international cooperation, particularly regarding China's advanced space programs. Benjamin emphasized the importance of establishing a Space Rescue Professional capability and outlined a 10-year plan for developing search and rescue capabilities in Cislunar space, while advocating for a Presidential Policy Directive to guide and coordinate government efforts in space rescue operations. Related reading: Read his Constellation Design Evaluation for Lunar Surface Navigation, and examination of Commercial Space Rescue Vehicle Reentry Concepts. Look for his forthcoming publications in Air & Space Operations Review on developing USSF Space Rescue Professionals, and his AFIT PhD dissertation “The Space Rescue Blueprint: An Engineering Guide for In-Space Contingencies.”
Apr 25, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
53. The Next Space Race: Chapter 8
American Foreign Policy Council Space Policy Initiative co-directors Richard M. Harrison and Peter A. Garretson are taking a break from their original interview series to bring listeners something special—a free audio version of their co-authored book, The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy. In this series, they’ll take you chapter-by-chapter through the book, exploring the critical strategies America must adopt to maintain its leadership in space. In this final chapter, the authors present a comprehensive agenda for ensuring American primacy in space, detailing specific recommendations for NASA, the Department of Defense, Congress, and the National Space Council to foster space development and security. The chapter emphasizes the urgent need for a unified American space vision to counter China's ambitions, advocating for public-private partnerships, space infrastructure investment, and a restructured Space Force to extend "the blessings of liberty" beyond Earth and secure America's economic and strategic advantages in the space domain.
Apr 17, 2025 · 1 hr 45 min
52. The Next Space Race: Chapter 6 and 7
American Foreign Policy Council Space Policy Initiative co-directors Richard M. Harrison and Peter A. Garretson are taking a break from their original interview series to bring listeners something special—a free audio version of their co-authored book, The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy. In this series, they’ll take you chapter-by-chapter through the book, exploring the critical strategies America must adopt to maintain its leadership in space. In this episode, they shift to an international focus in Chapter 6 – Shaping the Global Rules-Based Order of Space. As more nations and private companies expand into space, setting clear rules and norms becomes critical. They explore the role the U.S. can play in establishing a rules-based order that promotes peace, security, and responsible behavior in orbit and beyond. Next, in Chapter 7 – Charting the Dimensions of Space Competition, they review the full spectrum of space competition—from military capabilities and economic opportunities to soft power and diplomatic influence. They discuss how the U.S. can leverage its strengths to outpace rivals and secure its leadership role in the space domain.
Apr 11, 2025 · 1 hr 38 min
51. The Next Space Race: Chapter 4 and 5
American Foreign Policy Council Space Policy Initiative co-directors Richard M. Harrison and Peter A. Garretson are taking a break from their original interview series to bring listeners something special—a free audio version of their co-authored book, The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy. In this series, they’ll take you chapter-by-chapter through the book, exploring the critical strategies America must adopt to maintain its leadership in space. In this episode, they’re exploring a critical question: Is American space primacy slipping away? Chapter 4 takes a hard look at the warning signs—from lagging investments to bureaucratic inertia—that threaten to erode U.S. leadership in space. They discuss the policies and investments required to reverse this trend and ensure that America remains the dominant power in orbit and beyond. Next, in Chapter 5– The Future of the U.S. Space Force, they unpack the mission and challenges of America’s newest military branch, examining its role in defending space assets and deterring adversaries. They also examine the reforms and resources needed to make the Space Force a capable guardian of U.S. interests in space.
Apr 3, 2025 · 1 hr 40 min
50. The Next Space Race: Chapter 2 and 3
American Foreign Policy Council Space Policy Initiative co-directors Richard M. Harrison and Peter A. Garretson are taking a break from their original interview series to bring listeners something special—a free audio version of their co-authored book, The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy. In this series, they’ll take you chapter-by-chapter through the book, exploring the critical strategies America must adopt to maintain its leadership in space. In this episode, they dive into Chapter 2: Competing with the Chinese Space Vision. As China accelerates its ambitions in space—from Lunar bases to space-based solar power—the United States faces a strategic challenge like never before. We’ll explore how China's space vision is not just about exploration, but a calculated effort to reshape the global balance of power. Next, in Chapter 3: Challenges to U.S. Space Security, they examine the growing threats from anti-satellite weapons, cyber vulnerabilities, and the potential for a new kind of arms race in orbit. As rivals like China and Russia develop capabilities to disrupt or destroy U.S. assets in space, maintaining American security requires a bold and forward-thinking strategy. We’ll break down these threats and discuss the measures needed to safeguard America's interests in the final frontier.
Mar 25, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
49. The Next Space Race: Introduction and Chapter 1
American Foreign Policy Council Space Policy Initiative co-directors Richard M. Harrison and Peter A. Garretson are taking a break from their original interview series to bring listeners something special—a free audio version of their co-authored book, The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy. In this series, they’ll take you chapter-by-chapter through the book, exploring the critical strategies America must adopt to maintain its leadership in space. In this episode, they start with the introduction, laying out why space is not just a new frontier of exploration but a crucial domain for U.S. national security, economic growth, and global influence. The discussion emphasizes how the stakes are higher than ever, with China rapidly advancing its capabilities and challenging American leadership in space. Then, they dive into Chapter 1: Space Is an Untapped Resource. The chapter explores the immense potential of space-based resources—from energy and minerals to manufacturing—and what that means for America's economic future. The chapter addresses the strategic importance of tapping into these resources before rivals like China can capitalize on them, and why failing to act now could have long-term consequences for U.S. dominance on the global stage.
S1 · E48
Feb 14, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
48. Christopher Stone: Space Warfare 101—Counterspace & Iron Dome: Dominance and victory on our terms
In this episode, Peter Garretson speaks with Christopher Stone, Senior Fellow for Space Deterrence at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, and former Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Stone, author of Reversing the Tao: A Framework for Credible Space Deterrence and host of the host of Real Space Strategy Podcast joins Garretson for a wide-ranging discussion on space policy and defense. The conversation begins with an analysis of the new administration’s space-focused appointees and their potential impact, before diving into 'Space Warfare 101.' This comprehensive overview covers Earth-to-space weapons, space-to-space weapons (including the rationale and strategic importance of co-orbital counterspace and maneuver capabilities), and space-to-Earth weapons. The discussion then explores arms control, deterrence strategy, and the implications of the President's "Iron Dome for America" executive order, including its impact on space-based missile defense, potential bureaucratic 'failure modes,' and potential challenges for the Space Force. The episode concludes with an examination of strategic objectives and threats in Cislunar space area of responsibility (AOR).
S1 · E47
Dec 17, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
47. Christopher Mason: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds and the Embryogenesis of Humanity
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Christopher Mason, a Professor of Genomics, Physiology, Biophysics, and Neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medicine and Director of the WorldQuant Initiative for Quantitative Prediction, and principal investigator for the NASA Twins Study. The conversation explores the ideas in his book, The Next 500 Years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds. The episode opens with Chris' thought experiment for long-term thinking, and the realization that the span of life on Earth is finite and its implications. The discussion delves into key concepts from his book such as his "deontogenic ethics," the human purpose as shepherds of life, the duty to engineer, the 'metaspecies,' engineering astronauts, settlers, and their companion microbes, terraforming, and the nuts and bolts of his 500 year plan to engineer ourselves, the biospheres of planets in our solar system and settling new Earths, setting sail for second Suns. Mason shares insights from the NASA Twins Study, and highlights work in his lab such as creating radiation resistant cells by transplanting tardigrade DNA into human cells. The conversation covers planetary protection, longevity, synthetic biology, functional genomics, reproduction in space, AI & biological digital twins, and science fiction. Together, they explore what it means to codify such purpose in national policy, and how to encourage US leadership in the new space race in science and technology policy. Chris ends on a note of high optimism for the future of humanity.
S1 · E46
Dec 5, 2024 · 1 hr 26 min
46. Jim Keravala: The Fastest Era of Economic growth in Human History; 25% of Global GDP by 2050
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Jim Keravala, co-founder and CEO of OffWorld, inc. The conversation opens with the truly grand scale of ambition in space, beginning with interstellar migration before working back to Cislunar development. This leads into an exploration of political and environmental pressures, highlighting the need to double or quadruple our energy inputs through Space Solar Power. Jim shares his past efforts with Shacketon energy to create an $18B sovereign wealth fund for developing Lunar infrastructure and building solar power Satellites. The conversation shifts to examining the genesis of OffWorld, its success in terrestrial mining, and plans for swarm mining of end-of-life mines. The dialogue emphasizes the criticality of Cislunar space, establishing how U.S. economic prosperity is absolutely tied to our Cislunar competence. This opens up a broader conversation about why Cislunar development is urgent today and how to catalyze it in alignment with the Oil & Gas industry. The focus then turns to Cislunar's importance for national security and the future roles of the Space Force. As the conversation progresses, attention shifts to the opportunity of building and leading the foundation of expansion into Cislunar space during this era of unprecedented technological advancement—comparable to the discovery of fire and the invention of the wheel. The discussion expands to cover starship, self-replication, synbio, AI, AI ethics, and the incredible opportunity facing the new administration. The episode concludes with a compelling scenario of what we're likely to see unfold if we make the right decisions.
Oct 17, 2024 · 1 hr 30 min
45. Mike Snead and Jess Sponable: SpacePlanes! America's Unrealized Dream
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Mike Snead and Jess Sponable about why America doesn't yet have true spaceplanes and their promise and importance. They cover nuances of what counts as a spaceplane, what sorts of things a spaceplane can do, the major categories of spaceplanes (TSTO, SSTO, VTOL, HOTOL, VTHL, rocket/airbreathing, air collection, hot & cold structures). The guests review the history of US efforts from X-20 DynaSoar, TAV (Boeing) to Cooper Canyon to X-30 NASP, Have Region, DC-X, X-33/Venture Star, XS-1/XSP and more). They explain that for decades the U.S. industrial base could have built rocket-powered spaceplanes and discuss the geo-strategic and political regions it has not. The conversation explores the reasons for failure, the sad demise of X-planes, and some of the positive trends in industry. They discuss policies that might advance spaceplanes as well as their military implications. Toward the end, Mike and Peter also discuss the interactions between spaceplanes, space solar power, and the implications of China's spaceplane, Lunar and Space Solar Power programs. The consider how a mature 'astroelectricity'and 'astrologistics' infrastructure would fundamentally change the game for the U.S. Space Force and military power.
Sep 24, 2024 · 30 min
44. Ilan Berman: Our Digital Competition with China Heats Up
In this episode, AFPC Senior Vice President, and host of the Disinformation Wars podcast, speaks with Col. Peter Garretson, AFPC Senior Fellow in Defense Studies and former chief futurist for the U.S. Air Force, regarding China’s recent strides forward in space internet, and what it might mean for the unfolding “great power competition” between Washington and Beijing. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE: — Ilan Berman, “The Fight for Informational Freedom Is Moving to Space,” Newsweek, September 4, 2024, https://www.newsweek.com/fight-informational-freedom-moving-space-opinion-1948104 — Richard M. Harrison and Peter Garretson, The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy (Praeger Security International, 2023), https://www.amazon.com/Next-Space-Race-Blueprint-International/dp/1440880808 — Peter Garretson and Richard M. Harrison, “Reacting to Major Space Events at or Below Geostationary Orbit - After Action Report 1,” AFPC Special Report, July 5, 2024, https://www.afpc.org/publications/special-reports/reacting-to-major-space-events-at-or-below-geostationary-obit-after-action-report-1. — Peter Garretson and Richard M. Harrison, “Reacting to Major Space Events on the Moon and in Cislunar Space - After Action Report 2,” AFPC Special Report, September 24, 2024, https://www.afpc.org/uploads/documents/Workshop_2_-_After_Action_Report_-_9.16.24.pdf.
Aug 8, 2024 · 1 hr 2 min
43. Dr. Greg Autry: From Red Moon Rising to the Opening and Welcoming Nature of the Space Movement
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Dr. Greg Autry, Associate Provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida, and former member of the 2016 NASA Agency Review Team and White House Liaison to NASA in 2017. They discuss a number of ideas in Dr. Autry's new book Red Moon RISING: How America Will Beat China on the Final Frontier. They touch on how Dr. Autry moved from being a software entrepreneur into the New Space movement, including his early work in China on human rights, the impact of his earlier book Death By China, and what are the stakes of Space Race 2.0. They also delve into Dr. Autry's recent testimony on the stakes of the in-space mineral supply chain, including relegating the U.S. to an economic backwater, and potentially existential threat to the US. They explore the big idea of Space Settlement, Millions of people living and working in space on new space stations, the surface Moon and Mars, and why we should populate Mars, and how China's decision to turn inward multiplied rather than solved their problems. They talk about the contribution of space toward our understanding of climate and the environment, and toward offering solutions, and Autry's contention that America can afford to have a future in space. They assess communism, authoritarianism, capitalism, billionaires, nuclear power, and the remarkable bipartisanship in space. They discuss how cooperation is boring and has resulted in very little comparative progress. They converse about NASA's tragic plans to trash the ISS, and alternatives for this tremendous piece of human heritage. They evaluate the progress of NASA's Artemis vs the tasking in the National Space Policy, and the historical reasons for its complexity and schedule delay, and concerns of a lack of urgency, and that the US may be losing in the race with China. Bridging on Dr. Autry's recent review of the Republican Platform space strategy, Greg discusses what is a vision worthy of our nation and what must be done to move forward. They conclude by discussing ways for individuals to get in involved in the Space Movement, including the National Space Society (NSS), Mars Society, Moon Village Association, and the open & welcoming nature of the Space Movement and ways to seek the education to become a space leader, such as University of Arizona's Thunderbird Executive Master of Global Management: Space Leadership Business and Policy. More of Dr. Autry's thinking can be found in his regular Forbes Science Column and Foreign Policy, and New Space Articles.

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