The Space Policy Show

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 jou...

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 jou...

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 Aero...

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 t...

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...

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 Aero...

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: 

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...

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 C...

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...

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...

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 par...

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...

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...

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 d...

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 natio...

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...

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 Aerospac...

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 Se...

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 neede...

How can we balance the growing number of satellites on orbit, and the services they provide, with the importance of astronomical science and protecting Dark and Quiet Skies?  Reflected light and spectrum interference from satellites have become more problematic for astronomers and Star Gazers alike, but there are mitigation techniques being developed and tested to protect our Night Sky. Understanding the approaches to timely de-orbiting and space traffic awareness play into protecting astronomical instruments and data, and maintaining the beauty of the Night Sky. Join The Aerospace Corporation’s Colleen Stover and experts Dr. Lindsay DeMarchi, a “stellar mortician”, and Dr...

The World Economic Forum has set up the 1st Centre for Futures focused on space, and hosted by the Saudi Space Agency, to foster innovation and economic growth across the enterprise.  Which areas does the global Centre see as most critical to space delivering its promising economic value? What is the role of policy and regulation on a global scale in the successful commercialization of space? How does the Centre fit into the 4th Industrial Revolution’s manifest? In today’s show, Dr Jamie Morin (Center for Space Policy & Strategy, Executive Director) talks to Mishaal Ashemimry, Center for Space Futur...

In any future conflict, space will be involved – from jamming to cyber-attacks or worse.  The orbital environment may not be able to withstand more debris from explosions or derelict objects orbiting uncontrolled.  How can we engage remediation with new technologies, mitigation through better designs, and regulating with flexibility to ensure growth in a contested environment?  In this episode, Aerospace’s Marlon Sorge (Executive Director, CORDS) and Gregory Henning (Lead, Space Object Risk Dept.) discuss their research into considerations and solutions for sustaining the function of space during conflict.  

Read the paper: “Space Sustainability in the Context of Contested...

The promise of return from investments in low Earth orbit (LEO) and cislunar, including the lunar surface, is the reason humans continue scientific and exploratory endeavors in space.  But what are those returns, and how could they benefit humanity and economic activity?  The relationship between stakeholders can be viewed through the lens of cooperation, competition, and commercial.  But what challenges are there from the perspective of U.S. leadership in technology, business, and governance?  In this episode, Dr. Angie Bukley
and Colleen Stover from Aerospace’s Center for Space Policy & Strategy discuss their recent research on developing a LEO an...

Experts claim the space economy will grow by many millions of dollars in the next decade, but why are predictions so different, how do some double count, and what are the potential biases?  If government is to protect its investments into commercial services and hardware, what are the questions around consolidation, export control, and rationality?  In this episode, space economist Karen Jones and systems director Dr Brian Weeden from the Center for Space Policy & Strategy discuss their recent research on measuring the space economy.  Read more at “Rational Exuberance: Understanding Value and Performance in the Space Economy”.   

Available...

Recent geopolitical and natural events have highlighted the interconnectedness of the US supply chain for technology sectors, including space.  The increasing use of proliferated low Earth orbit (PLEO) satellites offers a unique lens through which to understand the changing needs of the space supply chain – needing more satellites, more often in a quickly evolving innovative and threatening environment.  What should the US approach be to meet the demands of increased throughput dictated by smaller, cheaper launch when it comes to securing the supply chain? In this episode Lori Gordon, Systems Director at Aerospace Corporation, talks to Andrew Berglund, senior poli...

A successful commercial space sector will depend on a modern regulatory environment that can “keep up” with innovative technology and geopolitical reality.  The US space regulatory regime has evolved, but what’s been so hard about finding the right mix?  When it comes to US leadership in commercial space, how can insight into the Great Power Competition be leveraged for national security? In this episode Dr. Brian Weeden, Systems Director at Center for Space Policy & Strategy and Geoff Reber, Principal Scientist for Aerospace’s Defense Space Acquisition talk to Victoria Woodburn.  

Want to learn more? Check out:

Over the past four years the world has witnessed significant change – from covid to conflict.  The next US administration will need to make some big muscle movements in order to be both responsive and proactive in the years ahead.  Strategic foresight is one way to frame that out, and ask the right questions on where our attention needs to be.  In this episode Kara Cunzeman, Systems Director for Strategic Foresight at The Aerospace Corporation, talks to Colleen Stover, CSPS, about this and more.    

Available by video or podcast. 

The Space Policy Show is produced by The Aeros...

Space as a domain crosses all geopolitical borders which is why solutions from space to Earth must be international and sustainable over the long-term.  “Responsible Space” was the theme of this year’s International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Milan, Italy.  The Space Policy Show’s Colleen Stover, Center for Space Policy & Strategy, went on-location to learn more. In this episode we discuss what space sustainability means from different perspectives, how experts are working to predict orbital viability with metrics, and about operational and economic challenges to the future of servicing and moving satellites in orbit. Featuring:

·       Alvin Drew, for...

The importance of space safety spans the lifetime of an entire effort – from design and launch to operations and demise.  The International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS) brings together experts from across the world to explore technical and governance solutions to better maintain and sustain space activities on Earth, in orbit, and beyond. In this episode Colleen Stover of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy goes on-location to the 13th annual IAASS conference “Building a Safe, Secure, and Sustainable Space” held in Prague, Czech Republic. Stover interviews some key participants about some of these.  Topics are: 

How does space sustainability drive research in policy and strategy from both sides of the Atlantic? What are the trades between the good space brings to all of humanity and how do we protect that for future generations?  How will success be measured and what are the upcoming key decision points?  On location at the 75th annual International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy this episode features Executive Director, Center for Space Policy & Strategy, Jamie Morin and Director, European Space Policy Institute, H. Ludwig Moeller talking to Colleen Stover of The Aerospace Corporation. 

The Space Policy Show is pro...

The weaponization of space can be worrisome.  What is a space weapon and how could the “security dilemma” lead to an arms race in space? For the space environment to be resilient it must be protected, what are the alternatives to weaponization?  In this episode, Jennifer Cannon from Aerospace Corporation’s Government Relations, explores these questions with Dr Nola Haynes, expert in space security and international relations, and adjunct professor at Georgetown University.  

This episode is part of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy's series on Resiliency. The series explores various perspectives of what resiliency means from acro...

Japan is situated in the Asia Pacific Region (APAC), considered “a rough neighborhood” when it comes to national defense and security. Recent developments have meant Japan is moving from a strategic posture to a more operational one, and the partnerships with the U.S. and others in space will be key to regional and global security. To talk about this and more, Sam Wilson, Systems Director CSPS, talks to Director and Lead of Economic Security at Japan’s Institute of Geoeconomics, Dr Kazuto Suzuki. Then Wilson has a follow-on discussion regarding missile warning with Visiting Research Fellow Kota Umeda. 

Th...

How can Australian space efforts integrate and compliment US efforts in both the defense and commercial sectors?  What makes the geographic perspective from Australia unique when it comes to deterrence and China? What are some barriers to building a more robust Australian space sector? In this episode Dr Mick Gleason, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Space Policy and Strategy, talks to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Director of Defence Strategy and National Security, Rebecca Shrimpton.   

This episode is part of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy's series on Resiliency. The series explores various perspe...

How can developments in rocket capabilities and in the way we launch reinforce resiliency and national security? For a future cislunar economy what will be the key drivers from a business standpoint? If we can maneuver space assets more responsively, how does that benefit deterrence and space sustainability? In this episode Aerospace’s Randy Kendall, Vice President of Launch, Missiles, and Mobility talks to Tory Bruno, President & CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA) about these questions and more.   

This episode is part of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy's series on Resiliency. The series explo...

As launches to space become more frequent and private spaceports are planned across the globe, how do launchers and regulators work to ensure both range safety and public safety? What are competing authorizing bodies in vastly different environments like US government-owned complexes versus Rocket Lab’s private orbital launch range in Mahia New Zealand? Responsive launch is innovative but at what risk to safety? To answer these questions, Aerospace’s Colleen Stover talks to experts Robert Unverzagt, Principal Director of Civil & Commercial Launch Projects at The Aerospace Corporation and Nick Pearson, Rocket Lab’s Manager of Safety & Regulatory Operations.

T...

The need for in-space rescue of astronauts and other space participants may not be far off.  What do current space laws say, and not say, about space rescue? What are analogies in other domains? What technological challenges exist, and what could be done in the meantime? In this episode, Colleen Stover from The Center for Space Policy & Strategy chats with experts thinking about these questions – Dr Grant Cates from The Aerospace Corporation and Dr Jan Osburg from the RAND Corporation.  

Want to learn more? Check out the paper “The In-Space Rescue Capability Gap” by Dr Grant Cates. 

This...

Space debris is a growing problem, so what are space actors doing about it?  Active Debris Removal is a technology currently being demonstrated and strengthened.  The Zero Debris Charter from the European Space Agency is a voluntary, community-led initiative that aims to reduce the conditions that lead to more debris. In this episode, space debris expert and The Aerospace Corporation Technical Fellow Marlon Sorge discusses these efforts with Holger Krag, Head of the Office of Space Safety at ESA.  

This episode is part of the Center for Space Policy and Strategy's series on “Space Safety Through a Globa...

 Safety and sustainability go hand in hand when it comes to protecting the orbital environment for continued use. The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) has been informing policymakers and regulators, and performing technical research in this area for the past three decades.  In this episode Colleen Stover (Aerospace) talks to Andrew Ratcliffe, Chief Engineer of the United Kingdom Space Agency (UKSA), about his role at home and as a delegate to the IADC. With 30 national space agency members, what is on the docket for this year’s annual meeting? How do guidelines get rolled into regulations? What are chal...

Space safety might start and finish with human safety, but how does safety run across the entire value chain – from launch to operations to reentry? How do norms of behavior, or technology advancements and economic prosperity play into maintaining the orbital environment?  How is The Aerospace Corporation’s Space Safety Institute responding to these challenges?  In this episode, Aerospace's Dr. Angie Bukley, Technical Fellow, explores these questions with Carissa Christensen, CEO and Founder of BryceTech, and CSPS Senior Advisor about these questions and sets the stage for moving forward together on space safety. 

This episode is part of the...