ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Constellations recently celebrated the release of its 150th podcast episode. Since 2017, the podcast has provided a platform for listeners to learn about cutting-edge space technologies and hear from industry, government and military leaders who are designing, building and operating tomorrow’s space networks.
As the National Space Symposium gets underway in Colorado Springs, Constellations offers a recap of the top military podcast episodes, highlighting the collaboration between military and commercial space.
Dr. Frank Turner, Space Development Agency – Accelerating Space Acquisition
The SDA’s model of constructive disruption has begun to change DoD’s approach to space acquisition and the space industrial base. SDA Technical Director Dr. Frank Turner addresses the agency’s accelerated two-year spiral development program to fast-track the data transport layer of the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2).
Col. Michelle Idle, Space Systems Command – Industry’s ‘Front Door’ to USSF
Mobilization Assistant to the Commander at SSC Col. Michelle Idle describes collaborating with commercial space innovators to outpace adversarial threats. Partnership initiatives, like SSC’s Front Door, are helping the Space Force balance rapid acquisition, security and new capabilities.
Maj. Gen. Shawn Bratton, STARCOM – Preparing Future Guardians
Training and educating the Guardians of tomorrow is the biggest challenge facing Commander of the Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) Maj. Gen. Shawn Bratton. Bratton discusses how USSF is combining new technologies, simulators and live drills to train “for competition and conflict in the space domain.”
Dr. Lisa Costa, CTIO, USSF – Building the First Digital Service
UUSF Chief Technology and Innovation Officer Dr. Lisa Costa describes what is involved in building DoD’s first digital service. Costa addresses the strategy to support the joint forces with cutting-edge space technology, from engineering and operations, to leveraging the skills of an IT-fluent, STEM-educated class of Guardians.
Col. Eric Felt, AFRL – The ‘Big Idea Pipeline’
Col. Eric Felt, former Director of the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate, explains the organization’s role as the “big idea pipeline” for national defense space. Felt, now the executive director of USSF Architecture, Science and Technology Directorate, discusses industry’s contribution to cislunar operations, W and V-band communications and proliferated LEO architectures.
Lt. Gen. John Shaw, SPACECOM – Deterring Wars in Space
The “sun never sets on space operations,” according to Deputy Commander of U.S. Space Command Lt. Gen. John Shaw. As one of the earliest members of the Space Force, Shaw explains the service’s role in deterring conflict and how partnerships help the command move at the speed of war.
Maj. Gen. Brook J. Leonard, SPACECOM – Leveraging Innovation
Chief of Staff U.S. Space Command Maj. Gen. Brook Leonard is responsible for coordinating decision-making among staff in the warfighting component of USSF. Leonard describes the “revolutionary jumps in innovation” that will enable SPACECOM to outmaneuver adversaries through superior technology, thinking and force organization.
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