The Aerospace Corporation’s Center for Space Policy and Strategy hosts this series to bring our policy experts together with thought leaders, government, academia and professionals from throughout the space community to discuss current trends and views. Go to https://csps.aerospace.org/events to subscribe for webcast reminders or find us on YouTube. #TheSpacePolicyShow
The US Space Force, established in 2019, has become more important than ever as we face growing numbers of stakeholders, new capabilities, and geopolitical tensions involving the space domain. How has the nation’s newest service evolved to meet those challenges? What defines a military service and what makes for a good Guardian? New acquisition models, bigger budgets, and allied partners all play a role in how the Space Force will continue to develop. In September 2026, the Space Force leadership will transition. Watch this episode to hear from General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations USSF , talk about the journey as he nears the end of his four year tenure. He talks to Jamie Morin, CSPS Executive Director and VP Aerospace Corporation. Available by video or podcast. This episode is part of the Leadership Series that convenes expert voices from industry CEOs to key government leaders making decisions about enabling the in-space economy for commercial providers and their customers, maintaining human health and well-being on the Moon, the next national security science investments, and the evolution and expansion of the US Space Force. 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!
Ep. 172: Space Force Evolution
The US Space Force, established in 2019, has become more important than ever as we face growing numbers of stakeholders, new capabilities, and geopolitical tensions involving the space domain. How has the nation’s newest service evolved to meet those challenges? What defines a military service and what makes for a good Guardian? New acquisition models, bigger budgets, and allied partners all play a role in how the Space Force will continue to develop. In September 2026, the Space Force leadership will transition. Watch this episode to hear from General B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations USSF , talk about the journey as he nears the end of his four year tenure. He talks to Jamie Morin, CSPS Executive Director and VP Aerospace Corporation. Available by video or podcast. This episode is part of the Leadership Series that convenes expert voices from industry CEOs to key government leaders making decisions about enabling the in-space economy for commercial providers and their customers, maintaining human health and well-being on the Moon, the next national security science investments, and the evolution and expansion of the US Space Force. 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!
Ep. 171: Humanity on the Moon
Humans living and working on the Moon is within reach, but how are we preparing to thrive ? What humanity learned by long stays in low Earth orbit does not directly carry over to settlements on the Moon. The environment is different in terms of human health, culture, and governance. More radiation and more gravity. Longer stays and further away from home. Commercialization of activities across competing nations. Join Aerospace’s Melanie Saunders (former NASA Deputy Associate Administrator) as she explores these topics with guests Dr J.D. Polk (NASA Chief Health and Medical Officer) and Dr Angie Bukley (former Aerospace Technical Fellow and CSPS alum). Available by video or podcast. This episode is part of the Leadership Series that convenes expert voices from industry CEOs to key government leaders making decisions about enabling the in-space economy for commercial providers and their customers, maintaining human health and well-being on the Moon, the next national security science investments, and the evolution and expansion of the US Space Force. 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!
Ep. 170: Science for Defense
Fundamental and applied scientific research is not only for academics and space exploration; it is also foundational to the future of national security space and how the US government will protect and defend. Road-maps are being laid out today by the Air Force and Space Force in partnerships across government and academia to inform the advanced technologies needed in the future of space security. Find out more in this episode with Charles Player (Principal Engineer, Space Futures Integration, Aerospace Corporation) talking to guest Dr. Stacie Williams (Chief Science Officer, US Space Force). This episode is part of the Leadership Series that convenes expert voices from industry CEOs to key government leaders making decisions about enabling the in-space economy for commercial providers and their customers, maintaining human health and well-being on the Moon, the next national security science investments, and the evolution and expansion of the US Space Force. 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!
Ep. 169: Enabling In-Space Economy
Enabling a future in-space economy that involves a robust market of companies and customers must be architected by the right mix of private innovation and government support. In this show we talk to CEOs of two private space companies about what they want to see from government, and we talk to government about the framework to move us forward. Join Dr. Brian Weeden and Dr. Jen Stein from the Center for Space Policy and Strategy as they talk to leaders about enabling the in-space economy for commerce both in the microgravity of low Earth orbit (LEO), and in cislunar and lunar environments. Dylan Taylor , CEO of Voyager Technologies Will Bruey , CEO of Varda Space Industries Taylor Jordan , Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director of Office of Space Commerce This episode is part of the Leadership Series that convenes some leading expert voices from industry CEOs to key government leaders making decisions about the next national security science investments, maintaining human health and well-being on the Moon, and enabling the in-space economy for commercial providers and their customers. 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!
Ep. 168: A Future for Dynamic Operations
Dynamic space operations (DSO) is a future forward concept that will keep US and allied space assets safer from adversarial threats, and provide more agility to the way wars are fought in the future. But there are different approaches to consider such as refuel or replenish, material and architectural solutions, peacetime versus conflict, and prepositioning or rapid launch. It’s time for the foundational thinking on DSO to transition into “design – test – train” mode. In this episode space policy expert Katherine Melbourne (CSPS) talks to guests Lt General John Shaw , US Space Force (Ret), and Bryan Hoke, Technical Fellow at The Aerospace Corporation. Read more about DSO at Aerospace here https://aerospace.org/article/dynamic-space-operations-adapting-aerospaces-capabilities-support-contested-space-domain This episode is part of the Future Forward Series that discusses some of the most cutting-edge topics in the space enterprise today – decisions today that will define the future in areas of artificial intelligence, international relations, the industrial base, human science on Mars, and dynamic on-orbit operations. 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!
Ep. 167: Industry Goes to Washington
From big rockets to small businesses and maintaining the orbital environment, the Space Policy Show goes to Washington DC’s SATShow 2026, an event that has matured from a communications expo to one including government and military decision-making as well as the 10th annual pitch contest for start-ups. Watch this episode with host Colleen Stover, featuring: Satellite maneuverability and sustaining the orbital environment with Kevin Lausten, CEO of Morpheus Space Small business technology transfer – DiskSat – with Aerospace’s Dr Debra Emmons , VP & CTO and Rama Afullo, Founder & CEO of Satlyt Space situational awareness and decision-making with Robin Dickey, Director of Policy & Government Affairs at Slingshot Aerospace Superheavy lift rockets – the “Big Rockets” post-panel discussion with space economist Karen Jones from the Center for Space Policy & Strategy and David Hartshorn of Hartshorn Consulting Available by video or podcast. 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!
Ep. 166: Playing the Long Game
Beyond technology and discovery, there are aspects of the future space sector that hinge on partnerships and people. The Space Policy Show’s Colleen Stover talks to the CEO of Space Foundation Maj Gen Heather Pringle, USAF (Ret) about what her organization is doing to push forward international partnerships and a future space workforce, so the US maintains its leadership, and we continue convening for meaningful connections. This episode is part of the Future Forward Series that discusses some of the most cutting-edge topics in the space enterprise today – decisions today that will define the future in areas of artificial intelligence, international relations, the industrial base, human science on Mars, and dynamic on-orbit operations. Available by video or podcast. 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!
Ep. 165: Interagency Authorization?
Commercial space activities require permissions from several government agencies – FAA and FCC to name two. Applications for flight safety and spectrum usage can be complex, duplicative, and uncertain. In response to Executive Order 14335 the Department of Commerce’s Office of Space Commerce (DOC/OSC) has released a proposed solution that hopes to fast track mission authorization across agencies and foster industry growth. It involves a flexible, voluntary program that issues stamp-of-approval certifications for novel space activities and hopes to become the model for a future rulemaking solution. In this episode Dr Brain Weeden , Director of Civil & Commercial Policy at the Center for Space Policy and Strategy talks to Gabriel Swiney , Director of Space Policy, Advocacy, and International Issues at the US Department of Commerce's Office of Space Commerce. OSC will continue to receive feedback from industry and other stakeholders. Read the proposal here https://space.commerce.gov/osc-releases-updated-mission-authorization-proposal/ This episode is part of the Future Forward Series that discusses some of the most cutting-edge topics in the space enterprise today – decisions today that will define the future in areas of artificial intelligence, international relations, the industrial base, human science on Mars, and dynamic on-orbit operations. Available by video or podcast. 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!
Ep. 164: Slipping Supply Chain
We already know the space supply chain is vulnerable but increasing capacity, adding resilience, and enabling scalability can seem elusive. How do regulations and government signals affect the commercial industry and its investors? What are the most fragile segments of the industrial base and which resources are being stressed? More importantly what are the actions the nation can take to shore up the industrial base? In this episode Andrew Berglund , Senior Policy Analyst CSPS, talks to Steven Jordan Tomaszewski Vice President of Space Systems at Aerospace Industries Association and Doug Anderson , Partner at PwC’s Operations Consulting Group about a recent report “ Strengthening America’s space supply chain ”. This episode is part of the Future Forward Series that discusses some of the most cutting-edge topics in the space enterprise today – decisions today that will define the future in areas of artificial intelligence, international relations, industrial base, new technologies, and lunar infrastructure. 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!
Ep. 163: Europe’s Sight on Space
The European space sector is shifting. The rise of sovereign capabilities and proposed rules, like the European Union Space Act, are working to promote the region’s leadership. However, the region’s space governance structure is complex, and questions remain as to how budgeting and responsibilities will play out. And what is the relationship between the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the European Space Agency (ESA)? This episode features host Colleen Stover talking to Dr. Mick Gleason (Aerospace’s Center for Space Policy & Strategy) and Dr. Ingo Baumann (BHO Legal; Cologne, Germany). This episode is part of the Future Forward Series that discusses some of the most cutting-edge topics in the space enterprise today – decisions today that will define the future in areas of artificial intelligence, international relations, industrial base, new technologies, and lunar infrastructure. 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!
Ep. 162: Applications of AI to Space
How is artificial intelligence being integrated into space systems today and into the future? What benefits and risks have yet to come? Human operators and decisionmakers, or humans-on-the-loop, will continue to be a cultural sticking point in the adoption of AI and there are technology questions that must be explored to create more trust. In this episode host, Colleen Stover , talks to advance autonomy expert Pamela Wood (Aerospace), Paul Frakes , and Katherine Melbourne , analysts at Aerospace's Center for Space Policy and Strategy and co-authors of “ Artificial Intelligence and the Space Enterprise: Taxonomy and Emerging Opportunities ”. This episode is part of the Future Forward Series that discusses some of the most cutting-edge topics in the space enterprise today – decisions today that will define the future in areas of artificial intelligence, international relations, launch capabilities, new technologies, and capital investments. Available by video or podcast. 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!
Ep. 161: Science Essentials to Live on Mars
The journey to Mars is a long one so when humans arrive, we will need to maximize the science in order to understand the environment for a future there – and to learn more about how the universe formed. What are those big science questions we should seek to answer and how should the journey(s) be scheduled? After two years the National Academy of Sciences has published a report (Dec 2025) called “A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars”. In this episode Colleen Stover hosts the committee co-chairs The Honorable Dr. Dava Newman (MIT, former NASA Deputy Administrator) and Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton (Director, UC Berkely Space Sciences Laboratory ). You can read the full report on the NAS website. “ A Science Strategy for the Human Exploration of Mars ”. And if you want to dive deeper into the science objectives within the report, be sure to check out this excel sheet Table J-3: STM of the Panel on Biological and Physical Sciences and Human Factors . This episode is part of the Future Forward Series that discusses some of the most cutting-edge topics in the space enterprise today – decisions today that will define the future in areas of space science, artificial intelligence, international relations, launch capabilities, new technologies, and capital investments. Available by video or podcast. 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!
Ep. 160: Rapid Space Commerce
What is the role of government when it comes to enabling and protecting the business of space? How do regulations keep up (or not) with innovation? To what degree is Space Situational Awareness (SSA) inherently a government function like highway or maritime safety, and which agency should take responsibility? In this episode we talk to former Directors of the US Office of Space Commerce (OSC) about their experience across multiple White House administrations, and the history and future of decision-making in the newly elevated agency-level office. Christine Joseph , The Aerospace Corporation and former advisor at OSC talks to Kevin O’Connell , now CEO of Space Economy Rising and Richard DalBello now Principal at RDB Space. 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. Available by video or podcast. 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!
Ep. 159: Rapid Commercial
Commercial space is a growing industry, and the U.S. government is looking for ways to build capabilities, support private industry, and increase competition. Organizations like Satellite Industry Association (SIA) and Commercial Space Federation (CSF) are working to ensure their members have a voice when it comes to government policy making and strategies for maintaining U.S. leadership in space. Join Audrey Allison, Sr Policy Analyst CSPS , Mr. David Cavossa, President CSF , and Mr. Tom Stroup, President SIA as they discuss some of the most important challenges, recent White House decisions, safety and sustainability, the EU Space Act, international decision-making, competition with China, and more. 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!
Ep. 158: Rapid Acquisition for Defense
What needs to happen to improve government acquisition processes so we can go faster to defend and protect our nation and our allies? There are “pockets of innovation” that could be scaled, but how is that balanced with risk? Join CSPS senior policy analyst Andrew Berglund as he talks to former Assistant Secretary of Defense and former staffer on the House Armed Services Committee, Stephen Kitay , now Senior Vice President for Space Defense at True Anomaly. 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!
Ep. 157: Rapid Propulsion & Power
Nuclear power and propulsion for space has a long history yet there continue to be hurdles from lack of mission to perceived safety concerns. That could be changing as humans stretch to travel further in space and live on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. Should NPP be government or commercial? Is the right pursuit for Deep Space nuclear electric or thermal propulsion? What would a “warp speed roadmap” look like? Learn more in this episode featuring Dr Brian Weeden from The Aerospace Corporation talking to Dr Bhavya Lal , former NASA Associate Administrator for Technology, Policy, and Strategy and current professor at RAND School of Public Policy. 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. Available by video or podcast. 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!
Ep. 156: How Stuff Works: Rapid Launch
Rocket launches are exciting business, but there’s a LOT that goes on behind the scenes and before the rocket is rolled out to the pad. Learn more from this ‘How Stuff Works’ episode! From encapsulation to assembly and integration, launch processing typically takes two years, but the U.S. government is finding ways to meet the demand for increased cadence. For commercial launchers, government ranges provide infrastructure like roads and control centers, utilities like power and water, and shared commodities like security and weather data – all working toward public and environmental safety. Talking to host Colleen Stover from Aerospace’s Center for Space Policy & Strategy, are two experts from The Aerospace Corporation, Kim Goodwater, Systems Engineering and Integration, and Johanna Malaer, Launch Test Range Operations – located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. 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!
Ep. 155: Rapid Open-Source Intel
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!
Ep. 154: Space Science Unfurled
The participation of private industry in science and exploration missions that are sponsored by government has increased while still asking and answering some of humanity’s hardest questions – and lower costs, build domestic industry, prove technology, and maintain leadership. What could government do differently to continue fostering private space successes, including full commercialization? This episode highlights the 62nd annual Goddard Space Science Symposium , 19-21 March, 2025. Colleen Stover , Center for Space Policy & Strategy, talks to key commercial players about their recent lunar landings, and guests from Planetary Society and the American Astronautical Association about the right policies, messaging, and questions needed to maintain US leadership in space exploration. Featured guests: Jordi Paredes Garcia , Corporate Chief Engineer, Firefly Aerospace Trent Martin , Senior VP of Space Systems, Intuitive Machines Casey Dreier , Chief Space Policy, The Planetary Society Jim Way, Executive Director , and Ron Birk, President , representing the American Astronautical Association Available by video or podcast. 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!
Producer's note
Steal the structure. Not the show.
Keep the useful structure, then change the audience, point of view, and voice until the idea is unmistakably yours.
