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Space Strategy

by Space Pod · English · News

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.

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 17 min
Latest: 30 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

30 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 17 min

63. Charles Miller and Jim Muncy: Trump's Starfleet, Settlement and Frontier

In this episode, AFPC Senior Fellow in Defense Studies, Dr. Peter Garretson discusses President Trump's August 28, 2026 "Starfleet & Settlement" speech given at Johnson space center with space policy luminaries Charles Miller and Jim Muncy. In this speech, the President used the word "settlement" and "frontier" in the context of space and the Moon. The guests argue that these are not merely rhetorical flourishes but signal a fundamental transformation in how the U.S. approaches space—shifting from a government-run exploration program to a citizen-led, commercially driven settlement agenda…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

15 Jun 2026 · 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…
29 May 2026 · 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.
11 May 2026 · 1 hr 12 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…
17 Apr 2026 · 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…
28 Aug 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…
E57 · 18 Aug 2025 · 1 hr 28 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…
5 Aug 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…
E55 · 30 Jul 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…
20 Jul 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…
25 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 7 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…
17 Apr 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…
11 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 39 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…
3 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 41 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…
25 Mar 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…
S1 · E48 · 14 Feb 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…
S1 · E47 · 17 Dec 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…
S1 · E46 · 5 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 27 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…
17 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 31 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.…
24 Sep 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 —…
8 Aug 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…
1 Feb 2024 · 1 hr 18 min
42. Jim Bridenstine: The Space Renaissance—Marshaling Space Commercialization in a Virtuous Cycle of Innovation
In this episode Peter Garretson has a discussion with former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. They delve into the strategic importance of space to our economy and security and counter-space threats. They review how Bridenstine got into space via the Rocket Racing League , how his interests in promoting commercial space resulted in his introducing the Space Renaissance Act while in Congress. The two discuss the big ideas for Cislunar contained in his 2016 policy speech, This is Our Sputnik Moment . They cover how he moved ideas from the Google Lunar XPrize to create the NASA CLPS program .…
11 Sep 2023 · 1 hr 26 min
41. Gen. Pete Worden: Cislunar, Interstellar, Artemis, Aliens, Space-Based Missile Defense, Asteroid Mining, Planetary Defense, Space Force 'Bluewater' Ops
In this episode Peter Garretson speaks with Simon “Pete” Worden (Brig Gen, USAF, Ret, PhD), Chairman of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation . They discuss the purpose of spacefaring, the importance of Cislunar , the Moon, Clementine , the Near-Earth and Main-Belt Asteroids, NASA's Artemis mission, Moon-to-Mars Objectives and Artemis Accords , DARPA (and it's NOM4D , DRACO , B-SURE and LunA-10 effort), "Bluewater Spacepower," movement & maneuver in deep space , the need to protect commerce , and the U.S. Space Force, ' War Prevention ' vs Warfighting'. They explore dissuasion, deterrence, the…
23 Aug 2023 · 45 min
40. Gen. Chance Saltzman: Competitive Endurance, Proposing a 'Theory of Success' for the Space Domain
In this episode, Peter Garretson meets with General Chance Saltzman , Chief of Space Operations (CSO) for the United States Space Force. They discuss the role of CSO within the broader space ecosystem, and the opportunities and threats that occupy his thoughts. They examine the changes in the space domain, and how to respond to a contested domain . They touch on 'theories of success' and 'theories of victory.' Gen Saltzman discusses " Competitive Endurance " and its tenets of: 1) avoiding operational surprise; 2) denying first-mover advantage; and 3) responsible counterspace campaigning.…
S2 · E39 · 15 May 2023 · 54 min
39. Dr. Ezinne Uzo-Okoro: To go far, we go together...one foot in front of the other.
In this episode Peter Garretson meets with Dr. Ezinne Uzo-Okoro of the White House's Office of Science and Technology Policy ( OSTP ). They discuss the White House space policies in the context of the Administration Priorities , including climate, economy and jobs, restoring US global leadership, COVID and infrastructure, and the intention to lead by example. They delve into the broad context of the White House Space Priorities Framework and its emphasis on sustainability, norms and behaviors, earth observation for climate change. They examine the plethora of policy documents and the 'nuts…
S2 · E38 · 19 Apr 2023 · 1 hr 55 min
38. Daniel Suarez: What Can U.S. Spacepower and USSF Learn from Hard Science Fiction?
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with science fiction author Daniel Suarez about his latest novel Critical Mass , which depicts humanity’s transition from a climate-imperiled, Earthbound civilization to one that utilizes the resources and energy from deep space to secure a promising, sustainable future. They discuss what it means to be a spacefaring civilization, what is the value proposition for developing Cislunar, the new Space Race, what will be the determinants of spacepower both soft & hard, and what ought to be our national priorities. Daniel is clear that, “They [China] have…
S37 · E2 · 8 Apr 2023 · 1 hr 2 min
37. Dr. Kurt "Spuds" Vogel: NASA's Moon to Mars Objectives - A Blueprint for Sustained Human Presence in the Solar System
In this episode Peter Garretson talks with Dr. Kurt "Spuds" Vogel , NASA Director of Space Architectures, about NASA's Moon to Mars Objectives and NASA's just-released Blueprint for Sustained Human Presence and exploration throughout the Solar System. They discuss the NASA organization, the difference between an objective vs capabilities based approach, what it means to 'architect from the right and execute from the left, the significance of the objectives, and the collaborative process to get there. They outline how the plan seeks to be robust across administrations and alternate budget…
S2 · E36 · 29 Mar 2023 · 1 hr 33 min
36. Dr. Avi Loeb: Light-Sails, UAPS, Extraterrestrial Objects and Seeding the Milky Way
In this episode, Peter Garretson hosts Dr. Avi Loeb , Director of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics’ Institute for Theory and Computation, head of the Galileo Project , and Chair of the Breakthrough Starshot Initiative Advisory Committee. They discuss recent discoveries of extraterrestrial objects ( Oumuamua , Comet Borisov , and 2 meteors). Avi provides insights into the big ideas in his book Extraterrestrial , including the hypothesis that Oumuamua might be a lightsail from an alien civilization. Interestingly, Avi’s team is trying to create one via the Breakthrough Starshot…
S2 · E35 · 19 May 2022 · 49 min
35. Gen. John Shaw: Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea - Space as a Military Area of Responsibility
In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews Lieutenant General John E. Shaw, Deputy Commander of United States Space Command (USSPACECOM). They begin by explaining the role and responsibilities of USSPACECOM. They examine Gen. Shaw's new article, Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Space as a Military Area of Responsibilities (AOR) , including its key propositions: the importance of Earth; the insufficiency of the term "global"; the need to re-imagine strategic terrain (upwell, downwell, cislunar); and the importance of the AOR to everyone. They detail the role of a COCOM in peace and…
15 Mar 2022 · 1 hr 27 min
34. Howard Bloom: The Infrastructure of Imagination: Garden the Solar System, Green the Galaxy
In this episode, Senior Fellow Peter Garretson interviews best-selling author Howard Bloom and founder of the Space Development Steering Committee. They discuss fundamental motivations for developing and settling space—humanity's destiny—and the roles that NASA and the Space Force are called to play to support that purpose. They focus on how to balance near-term threats and priorities vs. the power of Cislunar to determine the future. Howard discusses the opportunity cost of the current expandable architecture, and the possibilities suggested by reusable systems like a SpaceX’s Starship. He…

About Space Strategy

Space Strategy is a English news podcast from Space Pod. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Space Pod
Language: English
Category: News
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 1 hr 17 min
Latest episode: 30 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1559865448
Rights: Space Pod

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