POLITICO Tech Silicon Valley enters the space race
21 snips
Jul 31, 2025 Rob Geckle, Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, dives into the competition between Silicon Valley and traditional defense contractors in the space industry. He discusses the implications of federal budget cuts and the escalating U.S. space race with China. Geckle highlights how tech companies are innovating in defense, particularly through AI and autonomy, and explores how recent conflicts have reshaped military technology. The conversation sheds light on the transformation of warfare and the crucial role of software in modern military strategies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Space as Contested War Frontier
- Space is now recognized as a contested warfighting domain where adversaries seek to disrupt US assets.
- Proliferated low Earth orbit satellite constellations offer resiliency by being cheaper and more numerous than expensive geosynchronous satellites.
Dual Sides of Space Security
- National security in space involves enabling warfighters with communication, imagery, and missile tracking.
- Defending space assets requires satellite hardening and maneuverability to counter adversary attacks.
China as Pacing Space Threat
- China is the pacing threat in space due to its rapid satellite launches and space war gaming.
- The US prioritizes relevance through peer deterrence, especially focused on the Asia-Pacific region.