Space Power Discussions

This episode of Space Power Discussions examines Security and Stability in the New Space Age , exploring challenges to maintaining order in an increasingly contested domain. SAASS students analyze deterrence, norms, and resilience, connecting theoretical insights to current great power competition and offering perspectives on sustaining stability amid rapid technological and strategic change in sp...

This episode of Space Power Discussions explores The Space Barons by Christian Davenport, examining how entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos reshaped space access. SAASS students connect commercial competition, innovation, and ambition to national security, highlighting implications for military space strategy, partnerships, and the evolving space domain. All views expressed in this series...

This episode of Space Power Discussions explores Reentry by Eric Berger, examining the evolution of commercial spaceflight and its implications for national security and space power. SAASS students discuss innovation, public-private partnerships, and competition, drawing lessons for today’s strategic environment and the future role of the United States in space. All views expressed in this series...

This episode of Space Power Discussions examines Spies and Shuttles, exploring how intelligence collection and early shuttle programs shaped the modern space domain. SAASS students connect Cold War reconnaissance, technological innovation, and policy debates to today’s strategic environment, offering insights relevant to both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to space power. All views expressed...

This episode of Space Power Discussions examines Test Gods , exploring the culture of experimental test pilots and risk in advancing aerospace capabilities. SAASS students connect lessons from flight testing to innovation, military space development, and strategic competition, highlighting how risk acceptance and experimentation shape the future of space power. All views expressed in this series a...

This episode of Space Power Discussions explores Space Pirates , examining threats to space systems from non-state actors and illicit activity. SAASS students discuss vulnerability, governance gaps, and enforcement challenges, connecting these issues to broader strategic competition and highlighting implications for securing space infrastructure in an increasingly congested, contested, and competi...

This episode of Space Power Discussions examines War in Space by Bleddyn Bowen, exploring space as a warfighting domain. SAASS students analyze key strategic concepts, connecting theory to contemporary competition, deterrence, and military operations, offering insights into how space power shapes conflict and national security in today’s evolving environment. All views expressed in this series are...

This episode of Space Power Discussions explores Liftoff by Eric Berger, tracing SpaceX’s early struggles and breakthroughs. SAASS students connect entrepreneurial risk, innovation, and government partnership to today’s space domain, highlighting implications for military space strategy, resilience, and the future of commercial contributions to national security. All views expressed in this series...

This episode of Space Power Discussions examines Realizing Tomorrow , exploring how visionary thinking and technological innovation shape the future space domain. SAASS students discuss emerging capabilities, strategic foresight, and policy challenges, connecting the book’s insights to great power competition and the evolving role of space in national security and global affairs. All views express...

This episode of Space Power Discussions examines US Presidents and the Militarization of Space , exploring how presidential leadership has shaped U.S. space policy and military integration. SAASS students analyze key decisions across administrations, connecting historical choices to today’s strategic environment and offering insights into the evolving role of space in national security. All views...

This episode of Space Power Discussions explores The Power of the Space Club , examining how exclusive access to space capabilities shapes international politics. SAASS students analyze barriers to entry, prestige, and strategic influence, connecting the concept of a “space club” to today’s evolving domain and the implications for competition, cooperation, and emerging spacefaring nations. All vie...

This episode of Space Power Discussions examines China's Space Programme, analyzing the evolution of China’s space ambitions and strategic objectives. SAASS students explore civil-military integration, technological development, and great power competition, offering insights into how China’s activities shape the modern space domain and implications for U.S. space policy and strategy. All views exp...

Welcome to the second season of Space Power Discussions. This is a project of the students and faculty—well, mostly the students—at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. While the rest of the episodes will feature our students discussing major books in the field of space power, we’re pleased to bring you this episode of our sister podcast, Books to Battles, featuring our space power teachi...

Hello once again, fellow space cadets! For those of you enjoyed the first season of the Space Power Discussions, I’m excited to announce that season 2 is coming soon! Once again, this season will feature our students at the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies discussing major books about space, space power, and space strategy, helping to educate you about all the things happening in the space...

In this episode of Space Power Discussions , students examine War in Space by Bleddyn Bowen. The book challenges myths about space conflict, emphasizing terrestrial politics and strategy. The discussion unpacks Bowen’s realist perspective, offering critical insights into how space warfare is shaped by Earth-bound power struggles, doctrine, and strategic competition. All views expressed in this ser...

In this episode of Space Power Discussions , students dive into Test Gods by Nicholas Schmidle, which chronicles the daring world of test pilots and Virgin Galactic’s quest for spaceflight. The discussion explores risk, innovation, and the human element behind commercial space ventures—and what it means for the future of space power. All views expressed in this series are the speaker's own and are...

In this episode of Space Power Discussions , students explore The Space Barons by Christian Davenport. The book profiles visionaries like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, tracing their rise in the commercial space sector. The discussion examines how private enterprise is reshaping space power, policy, and the future of space exploration and security. All views expressed in this series are the speaker's o...

In this episode of Space Power Discussions , students discuss Reentry by Eric Berger, which chronicles SpaceX’s history after its first successful launch. The conversation explores the company’s bold vision, risk-taking culture, and impact on space policy and strategy. Berger’s account offers key insights into the commercialization of space and the evolution of space power. All views expressed in...

In this episode of Space Power Discussions , students analyze Red Moon Rising by Matthew Brzezinski. The book chronicles the early space race, revealing the geopolitical tension, ambition, and innovation behind Sputnik. The discussion highlights how Cold War dynamics shaped space competition—and what lessons they offer for today’s strategic space environment. All views expressed in this series are...

This episode of Space Power Discussions explores Privatizing Peace by Wendy Whitman Cobb. Students discuss how the privatization of military functions influences modern conflict and security, with a focus on space. The conversation examines the risks and opportunities of commercial involvement in space operations and its impact on strategic stability. All views expressed in this series are the spe...

In this episode of Space Power Discussions , students explore The Politics of Space Security by James Clay Moltz. The conversation unpacks the evolution of international space policy, military competition, and arms control. Listeners gain insight into the geopolitical forces shaping space security and the strategic implications for today’s space power landscape. All views expressed in this series...

This episode of Space Power Discussions focuses on The Meaning and Value of Spaceflight by William Sims Bainbridge. Students explore Bainbridge’s sociological perspective on space exploration, examining its spiritual, cultural, and ideological significance. The discussion connects these themes to how public perception and societal values shape the trajectory of space power. All views expressed in...

This episode of Space Power Discussions explores GPS Declassified by Richard Easton and Eric Frazier. Students trace the origins and development of GPS, revealing its military roots, technological breakthroughs, and global impact. The discussion highlights how GPS became a cornerstone of space power and a vital tool in modern warfare and society. All views expressed in this series are the speaker'...

In this episode of Space Power Discussions , students analyze Escaping Gravity by Lori Garver, former NASA Deputy Administrator. They examine her push for space policy reform, commercial partnerships, and innovation within NASA—highlighting the book’s relevance to modern space strategy and the evolving relationship between government and the private space sector. All views expressed in this series...

This episode of Space Power Discussions dives into Apollo in the Age of Aquarius by Neil Maher. Students explore how social movements of the 1960s shaped NASA’s Apollo program, revealing the political and cultural forces behind space exploration—and offering lessons for understanding space power in today’s dynamic strategic environment. All views expressed in this series are the speaker's own and...