Sirotin Intelligence Briefing: June 23-29, 2025: Space Force Spending Could Hit $40B in 2026, NATO Launches Commercial Space Strategy, India Makes Historic ISS Arrival

This week's space intelligence analysis reveals accelerating defense investments as Space Force spending projections reach $40 billion for FY2026 while NATO unveils its first Commercial Space Strategy to deepen private sector collaboration. Military modernization advances with the Pentagon's $1.01 trillion budget prioritizing space, cyber, and AI capabilities, Finland selecting ICEYE for defense satellites, and major contracts awarded to Jacobs, Intelsat, SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin totaling over $17 billion. Geopolitical tensions mount as Mexico threatens legal action against SpaceX over Starship debris, China's astronauts complete their second spacewalk expanding Tiangong capabilities, and warnings emerge about China's "breathtaking" pace of military space technology development. Commercial momentum builds with Space Forge securing $30M for the first orbital semiconductor factory, Xona Space raising $19M for precision navigation to replace GPS, and WISeSat progressing toward a 100-satellite IoT constellation by 2027. Scientific breakthroughs include rare daytime fireball impacts, James Webb's new exoplanet discoveries, and Northern Virginia students developing AI-powered space debris monitoring. Meanwhile, India's Shubhanshu Shukla reaches the ISS conducting critical microalgae experiments for deep-space missions, marking India's ascent as the potential fourth nation capable of independent crewed spaceflight by 2027. Plus, don't miss our exclusive interview with former Romanian Space Agency President Flaviu Raducanu, who reveals why submarine nuclear reactors will power Mars missions and warns that mutual incomprehension between Europe and America is creating dangerous blind spots that China is actively exploiting.

🛡️ Defense Highlights

• Space Force Rethinking Proliferated Satellite Communications Strategy: The US Space Force is reconsidering its approach to building a large constellation of communications satellites in low Earth orbit. Officials are weighing lessons from commercial partnerships and recent procurement reviews, including the potential shift to more flexible acquisition models and leveraging commercial solutions. The reevaluation comes amid rising demand for resilient, secure military communications and rapid technological change.
• Air Force Leaders Testify on Expanding Air, Space Dominance: Top Air Force and Space Force leaders testified before Congress about the urgent need to expand U.S. dominance in air and space domains. They emphasized investments in advanced technologies, resilient satellite networks, and rapid innovation to counter growing threats from adversaries like China and Russia. The testimony highlighted ongoing modernization efforts, joint operations, and the importance of maintaining technological superiority to secure national interests.
• Space Force Spending Could Hit $40B in 2026: The US Space Force’s budget could reach $40 billion in fiscal year 2026, reflecting major investments in satellite constellations, missile warning systems, and resilient communications. The increase is driven by the need to counter threats from China and Russia, modernize space-based assets, and integrate commercial technologies. The funding supports both classified and unclassified programs, with a focus on rapid acquisition and operational readiness.
• Pentagon to Consider SpaceX Alternative for Space Force Satellite Program: The Pentagon is pausing procurement for up to 140 satellites in the Space Development Agency’s Transport Layer Tranche 3 while it evaluates whether SpaceX’s Starshield satellites can provide equivalent capabilities at lower cost. This review could reshape the acquisition strategy for military communications and missile tracking in low Earth orbit, potentially favoring commercial solutions over traditional government-built systems.
• GAO Finds NASA’s Cyber Risk Practices Inadequate: A recent GAO report found that NASA’s cybersecurity risk management practices are insufficient, raising concerns about the security of critical space projects. The audit highlighted gaps in risk assessment, incident response, and oversight, recommending stronger controls and better coordination with federal standards. The findings underscore the importance of robust cyber defenses as NASA expands its reliance on digital infrastructure and commercial partnerships.
• Finland Selects ICEYE for Defense Satellite Program: Finland's Ministry of Defence signed a letter of intent with ICEYE to deploy the country's first defense satellites featuring synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for all-weather surveillance. The satellites will enhance intelligence capabilities and share data across national agencies. This follows a €41M R&D grant to ICEYE and a separate €200M contract with Poland.
• China Advancing Space Military Tech, U.S. Commander Warns: A U.S. military commander warned that China is advancing its space military technologies at a “breathtaking” pace, posing a growing threat to U.S. interests. Recent developments include rapid satellite deployment, anti-satellite weapons, and sophisticated space surveillance systems. The commander called for accelerated investment and innovation to maintain U.S. strategic advantages and deter aggression in the space domain.
• Ascent Solar Signs Agreement for Space-Grade Thin-Film Solar Tech: Ascent Solar Technologies has entered a teaming agreement with a major U.S. defense provider to supply its lightweight, flexible CIGS thin-film solar technology for orbital and future space missions. The Colorado-based company claims it can deliver solar arrays in six to eight weeks—much faster than the industry standard—and has recently secured additional orders for spaceflight hardware. Ascent is also collaborating with NASA on beamed power technology and supplying PV blankets for European and AI-powered satellite constellations, underscoring its expanding role in the space sector.
• 1st Space Brigade Welcomes New Leadership at Fort Carson: The U.S. Army’s 1st Space Brigade, part of the Space and Missile Defense Command, held a change of command ceremony at Fort Carson, Colorado, on June 26. Col. Michael Dyer, a veteran space operations officer, assumed command from Col. Mark Cobos, while Command Sgt. Maj. Calvin Rich became the new senior enlisted leader. The brigade, the Army’s only unit dedicated to integrating space capabilities into multidomain operations, continues its mission to provide expeditionary space support and space interdiction for joint forces worldwide.
• SDA Launches First T1DES Satellite with York Space Systems: The Space Development Agency (SDA) successfully launched its first T1DES (Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System) satellite, built by York Space Systems. The mission aims to test new technologies for missile warning, tracking, and secure communications as part of the SDA’s proliferated low Earth orbit architecture. The launch marks a milestone in the agency’s rapid deployment strategy for resilient military space networks.
• Northrop Grumman and NVIDIA Partner for Space Automation: Northrop Grumman has teamed up with NVIDIA to bring advanced AI and accelerated computing to space systems, aiming to automate satellite operations and enhance mission flexibility. The partnership will integrate NVIDIA’s edge computing and AI platforms into Northrop’s spacecraft, enabling autonomous decision-making and real-time data processing for defense and commercial missions.
• Pentagon Awards Major Space and Defense Contracts: The U.S. Department of Defense announced several new contracts supporting space and defense initiatives, including satellite communications, launch services, and advanced technology development. The awards reflect ongoing investment in resilient space infrastructure, cybersecurity, and next-generation capabilities to maintain U.S. strategic advantages.
• Pentagon Unveils $1.01 Trillion FY2026 Budget with Space, Cyber, and AI Focus: The Pentagon’s proposed $1.01 trillion budget for fiscal year 2026 prioritizes investments in space, cyber, and artificial intelligence. The plan includes funding for new satellite constellations, missile warning systems, and digital modernization, reflecting the growing importance of technological superiority in national defense. The budget aims to accelerate innovation and strengthen resilience against emerging threats.
• Latest Major U.S. Space and Defense Contracts: Jacobs wins $4B Space Force range support contract; Intelsat secures USSF maritime satellite connectivity; SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin win $13.5B in Pentagon launch contracts; SpaceX contracted for MILNET SATCOM network. These contracts reflect a major push to modernize and expand U.S. space capabilities, emphasizing resilient communications, rapid launch, and integration of commercial technology for defense needs.

🌐 Policy, Geopolitical & Legal Developments

• Is the US Forfeiting Mars Leadership to China’s Sample Return Plan? Debate is growing over whether the US is ceding its lead in Mars exploration as China advances its Mars sample return mission, now targeting a launch as early as 2030. While NASA’s own Mars Sample Return project faces delays and budget uncertainty, China’s Tianwen-3 is progressing rapidly, aiming to bring back Martian soil and rock. Analysts warn that a Chinese success could shift the balance of planetary science leadership and influence international partnerships and funding priorities
• NATO Holds Out Hand to the Commercial Space Sector: NATO has released its first Commercial Space Strategy, aiming to deepen collaboration with private space companies to boost defense capabilities and investment. The strategy, influenced by the US Space Force’s policies, encourages the alliance’s 32 members to align investments, share data, and integrate commercial technologies for military use. Key goals include simplifying procurement, expanding civil-military capabilities, and fostering innovation, with a focus on interoperability and avoiding overreliance on any single provider.
• EU Space Act: Enhancing Market Access and Space Safety: The European Commission introduced the EU Space Act to improve market access for commercial space companies and strengthen space safety standards across member states. The act aims to harmonize regulations, support innovation, and ensure the resilience of Europe’s space infrastructure. It addresses issues such as debris mitigation, cybersecurity, and fair competition, positioning the EU as a leader in sustainable and secure space activities.
• NATO Launches Commercial Space Strategy: NATO formally launched its first Commercial Space Strategy, outlining plans to deepen collaboration with private space companies to enhance defense and resilience. The strategy focuses on integrating commercial technologies, sharing data, and fostering innovation across the alliance. It aims to strengthen NATO’s space posture, ensure interoperability, and address emerging threats in the increasingly contested space domain.
• Mexico Threatens Lawsuit Against SpaceX Over Starship Explosion Debris: The Mexican government has threatened legal action against SpaceX after debris from a Starship test flight explosion reportedly landed in Mexican territory. Officials are demanding accountability and compensation for environmental and property damage. The incident has raised concerns about cross-border risks from commercial space launches and the need for improved safety protocols.
• Alabama Delegation Honors NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Beleaguered Huntsville Rocket: Alabama’s congressional delegation celebrated the achievements of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and the historic Saturn V rocket in Huntsville. The event recognized the center’s legacy in space exploration and its ongoing contributions to Artemis and other missions. Lawmakers also addressed recent challenges faced by the local space industry, reaffirming support for continued investment and innovation in Huntsville.
• India’s Space Ambitions Soar with Historic ISS MissionIndian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's arrival at the ISS marks a pivotal step in India's space strategy, positioning the country to become the fourth nation capable of independent crewed missions by 2027 under the Gaganyaan program. Shukla is conducting microgravity experiments on nutrient-rich microalgae, research critical for sustaining deep-space missions. The mission symbolizes India's growing space economy and inspires future astronauts, with Prime Minister Modi noting it carries "the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians".

🛰️ Technology & Commercial Developments

• Blue Origin Launches 6 Tourists, Marks 750th Person in Space: Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket launched six tourists from West Texas on June 29, marking its 13th passenger flight and the 33rd New Shepard mission overall. The 10-minute suborbital trip carried Allie and Carl Kuehner, Leland Larson, Freddie Rescigno, Jr., Owolabi Salis, and James Sitkin, with Carl Kuehner becoming the 750th person ever to reach space. The flight reached 105 km altitude, providing several minutes of weightlessness and a view of Earth’s curvature before a safe parachute landing. The mission also carried over 1,000 postcards from students and the public as part of Blue Origin’s Club For the Future project.
• Japan’s H-2A Rocket Retires After 50th Launch with GOSAT-GW: Japan successfully launched the GOSAT-GW environmental monitoring satellite on the 50th and final flight of its H-2A rocket. The mission marked the end of a two-decade era for the H-2A, which has been a workhorse for Japanese space launches, supporting both domestic and international payloads. The GOSAT-GW satellite will enhance global greenhouse gas monitoring, contributing to climate science and environmental policy.
• Human Remains Lost After Memorial Spaceflight Capsule Crashes Into the SeaA memorial spaceflight carrying human remains ended in disappointment after the Nyx capsule, launched by SpaceX for Celestis, failed to deploy its parachute and crashed into the Pacific Ocean. The mission, part of a rideshare flight, was meant to honor loved ones by sending their ashes to space and returning them to Earth. Despite a successful orbital journey, the remains were lost at sea. The Exploration Company is investigating the failure and plans a future reflight for affected families.
• ISS Leak Drama and Axiom Space’s Multinational Mission: Axiom Mission 4 launched astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to the ISS, but the mission was shadowed by concerns over a persistent air leak in the station's Russian Zvezda module. The leak, which began in 2019, mysteriously stopped just before the crew’s arrival, raising suspicions it may have shifted location. NASA and Roscosmos disagree on the risk level, but operations continue as engineers monitor the station’s atmosphere and investigate the source.
• China’s Shenzhou-20 Astronauts Complete Second Spacewalk: Astronauts aboard China’s Tiangong space station completed their second spacewalk of the mission, spending over six hours outside to install debris shields and new adapters. The upgrades are designed to streamline future extravehicular activities and improve the station’s safety. The Shenzhou-20 crew continues to advance China’s independent human spaceflight program with ongoing research and maintenance tasks.
• Space Elevators: Feasibility Hinges on Materials and Earth’s Rotation: Space elevators remain a futuristic concept, limited by current material science and the physics of Earth’s rotation. While carbon nanotubes and diamond nanothreads could theoretically support the structure, manufacturing challenges persist. Additionally, Earth’s 24-hour day creates forces that make construction difficult; a shorter rotation would help. Until breakthroughs occur, space elevators remain out of reach.
• Commercial Space Federation Welcomes New Members: The Commercial Space Federation (CSF) has added Starcloud and Volta Space Technologies as associate members, expanding its representation of the commercial space sector. CSF advocates for industry growth and innovation, supporting companies in launch services, satellite technology, and lunar infrastructure. Volta, for instance, is developing wireless power transmission for lunar operations, reflecting the industry’s evolving ambitions.
• Rare Daytime Fireball May Have Struck Georgia Home: A rare, exceptionally bright daytime fireball was spotted over Georgia and may have caused damage to a local house, possibly punching a hole in the roof. The event was visible even from orbit, making it scientifically significant. Investigators are working to confirm if a meteorite was responsible and to recover any fragments, which could offer valuable insights into our solar system.
• James Webb Space Telescope Reveals New Exoplanet Images: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has captured stunning new images of an exoplanet, demonstrating its powerful infrared capabilities. The observations allow scientists to analyze the planet’s atmosphere and search for signs of habitability. Webb’s discoveries continue to expand our understanding of distant worlds and the potential for life beyond our solar system.
• Northern Virginia Students Launch New Way to Monitor Space Debris: Two students from Thomas Jefferson High School in Virginia developed a system using three machine learning models to better monitor space debris, especially pieces smaller than 5 centimeters that current methods often miss. Their approach identifies debris, predicts trajectories, and assesses collision risk, aiming to improve satellite safety. The students also proposed a laser-based debris removal concept and won first place in state and regional science fairs for their work, which they hope to publish to raise public awareness about the growing debris problem.
• WISeSat Space on Track to Deploy 100-Satellite Constellation by 2027: WISeSat Space, in partnership with WISeKey and SEALSQ, announced progress toward deploying a 100-satellite constellation by 2027. The network will provide secure IoT connectivity and data services worldwide, targeting applications in logistics, agriculture, and asset tracking. The project emphasizes cybersecurity and aims to support digital transformation across multiple industries.
• Sierra Space Building Solar Power Systems in New Broomfield Factory: Sierra Space has begun constructing advanced solar power systems at its new factory in Broomfield, Colorado. The facility will produce high-efficiency solar arrays for spacecraft, satellites, and lunar missions. The expansion supports Sierra Space’s role in upcoming commercial and government space projects, contributing to the region’s growing aerospace industry.
• Space Inventor Launches First Danish Arctic Satellite: Danish company Space Inventor successfully launched its first Arctic satellite, designed to monitor environmental conditions and support communications in the polar region. The satellite will collect data on ice coverage, weather, and maritime activity, contributing to climate research and improved navigation. The mission represents Denmark’s growing involvement in space technology and Arctic monitoring.
• Space Forge Plans First Orbital Semiconductor Factory: UK-based Space Forge secured $30M to launch ForgeStar-1 in 2025, the first orbital factory manufacturing semiconductors and advanced materials in microgravity. The technology promises breakthroughs in quantum computing and clean energy, supported by the NATO Innovation Fund. This initiative establishes Europe's leadership in space-based production of materials impossible to create terrestrially.
• Airbus-Built CO3D Optical Constellation Satellites Ready for Launch: A new generation of Airbus-built CO3D optical Earth observation satellites is en route to launch. The CO3D constellation will provide high-resolution, frequently updated imagery for commercial and government users, enabling applications in mapping, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. The project highlights Europe’s growing capabilities in space-based remote sensing.
• Northrop Grumman and NVIDIA Partner for Space Automation: Northrop Grumman has teamed up with NVIDIA to bring advanced AI and accelerated computing to space systems, aiming to automate satellite operations and enhance mission flexibility. The partnership will integrate NVIDIA’s edge computing and AI platforms into Northrop’s spacecraft, enabling autonomous decision-making and real-time data processing for defense and commercial missions.
• Xona Space Raises $19M for Precision Navigation Constellation: Former SpaceX engineers secured $19M Series A funding for Xona Space, developing a LEO satellite network to replace GPS with centimeter-accurate PULSAR navigation. Targeting autonomous vehicles and defense, PULSAR offers enhanced security and availability. Funding co-led by Future Ventures and Seraphim Space accelerates deployment, with development kits already available and partnerships including the U.S. Space Force.
• Space Marine 2’s Siege Mode Lets Players Battle Endless Waves: The new Siege Mode in Space Marine 2, a video game expansion, allows players to fight continuous waves of Tyranids and other enemies. This gameplay feature offers endless combat scenarios, challenging players’ skills and strategy in a survival setting. The update is part of ongoing content releases designed to keep the game engaging for fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
• Second Pole in Space Leads First Polish Mission to ISS: Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański launched from Cape Canaveral as part of the first all-Polish mission to the International Space Station. The mission marks Poland’s return to crewed spaceflight after more than four decades and includes scientific experiments and educational outreach. Uznański’s flight is seen as a milestone for Poland’s space ambitions and international collaboration.
• Asteroid 2024 YR4 Poses 4.3% Lunar Impact Risk: The 60-meter "city killer" asteroid 2024 YR4 now has a 4.3% chance of striking the Moon on December 22, 2032, though Earth impact has been ruled out. If it hits, simulations suggest up to 100 million kg of lunar debris could be ejected, potentially triggering meteor showers on Earth. Final determination awaits the asteroid's return to observational range in 2028, with ESA's future NEOMIR telescope designed to detect such threats earlier.
• Space Forge Launches First Manufacturing Satellite: UK-based Space Forge secured $30M to launch ForgeStar-1 in 2025, the first orbital factory manufacturing semiconductors and advanced materials in microgravity. The technology promises breakthroughs in quantum computing and clean energy, supported by the NATO Innovation Fund. This initiative establishes Europe's leadership in space-based production of materials impossible to create terrestrially.
• Airbus and Quantum Systems Partner for AI Reconnaissance: Airbus Defence signed an MoU with drone manufacturer Quantum Systems to integrate AI-powered aerial reconnaissance into modern command systems. Announced at the Paris Air Show, the partnership focuses on European technological sovereignty, providing interoperable surveillance solutions for armed forces amid geopolitical tensions. The collaboration ensures European control over technology development and data.
• Nichelle Nichols Honored with Space Camp for Girls: The late “Star Trek” actress Nichelle Nichols was honored with the creation of a new space camp for girls, aimed at inspiring the next generation of women in STEM and space exploration. The camp, established in her memory, offers hands-on activities, mentorship, and exposure to real-world space science, reflecting Nichols’ legacy as a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion both on screen and in the space community.
• Space Force’s Biggest Media Moment Yet: Disney-Pixar’s ‘Elio’: Disney-Pixar’s new animated film ‘Elio’ is set to give the US Space Force unprecedented exposure, featuring the service in a major Hollywood production for the first time. The film’s release is expected to boost public awareness of the Space Force’s mission and culture, reaching audiences beyond traditional defense circles and potentially inspiring future recruits.

💭 A Word From Christophe Bosquillon

Early Sunday 22 June morning Tehran time, the US carried out Operation Midnight Hammer against Iran. The mission involved 125 US military aircraft including seven B-2 stealth bombers, carrying 14 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) aka bunker-busters. The Israeli Operation Rising Lion initiated on Friday 13 "had achieved air superiority over Iran,” according to former Air Force F-16 fighter pilot Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Charlie “Tuna” Moore. 

 Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a Pentagon news briefing early Sunday 22 June morning that the strike package associated with "Operation Midnight Hammer" was "supported by U.S. Strategic Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Cyber Command, U.S. Space Command, U.S. Space Force, and U.S. European Command."

SecAF tweeted "I echo the praise that POTUS and SecDef gave to Airmen and Guardians on a successful mission." CSAF General David Allvin further tweeted, "Speed. Precision. Agility. Lethality. This is EXACTLY what your USAF uniquely offers POTUS, SecDef, and our Nation in times of great consequence. Proud of our warriors, always."

Trump did what six presidents before him said they’d do, he denied the world's leading terror state access to nuclear weapons by bombing their nuclear facilities. These Twelve Days of War were a well coordinated effort with air, space, and cyber systems leading the way collecting information, providing missile and drone warnings, guiding precision strikes, and keeping the coalition of Israel, the US, and Gulf States communicating in real time. Satellite imagery helped identify hardened facilities, develop precision strike packages, and provide post-strike damage assessments on the three nuclear sites of Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.

 Now the US and its partners must figure out how to deter Iran from continuing to strike Israel directly and through proxies, and how to deter supposed sleeper cells from causing mayhem in Western nations. Israel is dealing with the former, US Department of Homeland Security with the latter.  

Space-based and cyber systems will be collecting information, reporting it across government agencies, and connecting the decision makers to the players at home and abroad to help them identify threats and respond to them before they strike. 

Have a great space week ahead!

🎤 Our Next Guest: Flaviu Raducanu

Thursday, July 3rd – Flaviu Raducanu on Why Submarine Nuclear Reactors Will Power Mars Missions and How East-West Blindness Aids China

Former Romanian Space Agency President and ESA Board Vice-Chairman Flaviu Raducanu joins us to discuss his four-decade journey spanning military R&D at Lockheed Martin to leading Romania's space ambitions. From the classified facilities of aerospace giants to navigating post-Soviet space transitions, he reveals why the Atlantic alliance is fracturing along cultural fault lines neither side comprehends.

🔍 Topics Covered:

• Why nuclear submarine reactors hold the key to deep space exploration
• How Eastern Europe's forgotten space heritage from Interkosmos creates unique advantages
• The dangerous comfort zone of Europe's junior partnership with America in space
• Why "Europeans don't understand Americans, and Americans don't understand Europeans"
• Ukraine as the first modern war between technological equals since WWII
• How space-based intelligence has made traditional military tactics obsolete
• The critical blindspot in Western space strategy that China is exploiting
• Why military data fusion and autonomous systems will transform space operations
• Romania's lessons for emerging space nations: from aerospace giants to SME success
• The future of warfare when satellites make every military movement transparent

Don't miss this conversation with the leader who warns: "In space, as in war, yesterday's assumptions are already obsolete."

📚 Essential Intel from Our Archives

Missed a beat? These groundbreaking conversations are must-reads:

"The Grid Is Already a Living System—We Just Don't Recognize It"

Power systems veteran Mike Swearingen explains why treating the power grid as a living, autonomous system isn't science fiction—it's an engineering reality we refuse to acknowledge, and how space-domain tactics can secure the grid of tomorrow.

"The Hidden Power Struggle Reshaping China: Xi Jinping's Dramatic Fall From Grace"

An investigation into China's internal power dynamics reveals how Xi Jinping's grip on power is weakening amid economic turmoil, military purges, and rising opposition within the Communist Party.

"I Patented a Space Airlock That Uses 6,000 Times Less Air"

NASA veteran Marc Cohen reveals his revolutionary Suitport design and four decades of challenging engineering orthodoxy, advocating for space habitats that prioritize human experience over forcing astronauts to adapt to machines.

"I Created a Language That Lets AI Think in 128 Dimensions"

Former corporate sales executive Chris McGinty reveals how his McGinty Equation unifies quantum mechanics with relativity through fractal geometry, creating Hyperfluid AI and revolutionary space-folding technologies now being adopted by NATO defense strategists.

"I'm on a Crusade to Expand the Domain of Life"

Space pioneer Rick Tumlinson reveals how he created the NewSpace movement, his work with Dr. Gerard K. O'Neill, and his 40-year mission to expand humanity beyond Earth through commercial space ventures.

"Space Law Is The First Domain Where Nations Agreed On Rules Before Having Practice" 

Military JAG-turned-attorney Trevor Hehn explains how Cold War-era space treaties meet modern commercial ventures, highlighting the challenges of resource utilization, dual-use technologies, and regulatory navigation for companies expanding beyond Earth's atmosphere.

"The Unprotected Power Grid Will Be Our Civilization's Death Warrant If We Don't Act"

Doug Ellsworth, Co-Director of the Secure the Grid Coalition, warns about America's vulnerability to electromagnetic pulse attacks and advocates for urgent power grid protection to prevent catastrophic infrastructure collapse.

"When AI Designs Components, They Sometimes Defy Textbook Engineering"

Space Force Lt. Colonel Thomas Nix reveals how 3D printing and AI are creating revolutionary spacecraft designs, with parts that are stronger and lighter than what human engineers could develop using traditional methods.

"The Gaps in Our Lunar Knowledge Are Enormous"

Extraterrestrial Mining Company Chief Scientist Dr. Ruby Patterson describes the urgent need for more lunar geological data before making commercial decisions, while offering a balanced view on helium-3 mining and advocating for inclusive international cooperation in cislunar space.

"We're Building the Railroads of the Space Gold Rush"

Space Phoenix Systems CEO Andrew Parlock positions his company as "FedEx for space," creating an infrastructure that helps businesses launch and return payloads from orbit with minimal friction.

"Our Nuclear Shield Was Killed For Political, Not Technological Reasons"

Reagan's SDI Director Ambassador Henry Cooper argues that effective missile defense technology developed during the Reagan-Bush years was abandoned for political reasons when the Clinton administration "took the stars out of Star Wars."

"Every Country Has a Border with Space"

UK Space Agency CEO Dr. Paul Bate is developing Britain's space industry through initiatives like spaceports in Scotland's Shetland Islands to establish the UK as Europe's premier satellite launch destination.

"We're Treating Satellites Like They're Still In The 1990s" 

Niha Agarwalla, Director of Commercial Space, explains why traditional satellites are obsolete and how resilient constellations will transform space economics.

"When People See Space Guardians in Uniform, They Ask If They're Real" 

Colonel Bill Woolf, 25-year space defense veteran, reveals his mission to build public support for the newest military branch defending America's orbital assets.

"One Kilogram of Helium-3 Is Worth $50 Million" 

Jeffrey Max, Magna Petra CEO, explains how lunar resource extraction could revolutionize Earth's energy production and fuel humanity's expansion across the solar system.

"I'm Building a Rocket Engine That Could Reach Alpha Centauri" 

Michael Paluszek, Princeton Satellite Systems President, reveals how fusion propulsion could reduce travel times throughout our solar system and enable humanity's first interstellar missions.

"Space Has a Scottish Accent"

Chris Newlands, CEO of Space Aye, discusses how his company's satellite technology is revolutionizing wildlife conservation and helping to combat illegal fishing and poaching.

"I Learned From the Last Generation of Manhattan Project Veterans”

Patrick McClure, former Kilopower Project Lead at Los Alamos National Laboratory, explains how small nuclear reactors could power future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

"We're Being Attacked Every Day" 

Christopher Stone, Former Pentagon Space Advisor, warns about America's vulnerabilities in orbit and explains why China's "attack to deter" doctrine makes space conflict more likely than many realize.

"I Helped SpaceX Secure Their First Commercial Contracts" 

Serial entrepreneur Robert Feierbach discusses building billion-dollar space ventures across four continents and developing North America's newest spaceport.

"We Can Fly 8,000 Miles In 2 Hours" 

Jess Sponable, Ex-DARPA PM & President of NFA, explains how rocket-powered aircraft will revolutionize global travel through simplified hypersonic technology.​​ 

"This Could Be Our Biggest Economy"

Kevin O'Connell, Former Space Commerce Director, reveals how space is transforming from a government domain to a $1.8 trillion market.

​​"How Do You Win a War in Space?" 

Ram Riojas, Ex-Nuclear Commander and Space Defense Expert, explains why the next war will start in space and how nations are preparing their defenses.

"First Day on the Job, Hubble Was Broken" 

Mike Kaplan, James Webb Space Telescope Pioneer, reveals how early setbacks with Hubble shaped NASA's approach to complex space missions and discusses the commercial revolution transforming space exploration.

The Future of Human Space Habitation 

Jules Ross reveals how her journey from artist to space visionary is reshaping human adaptation to space through Earth's first artificial gravity station.

Space Law's New Frontier 

Attorney Michael J. Listner unpacks the complex legal challenges facing modern space activities. From resource rights to orbital debris management

Making Oceans Transparent From Space

Navy Legend Guy Thomas, inventor of S-AIS, shares how his invention transformed global maritime surveillance and security.