Space Minds

This is a bonus edition of Space Minds by SpaceNews. This week we’re at the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation GEOINT Symposium in St. Louis where we’ll record post episodes Monday through Wednesday.Our guest today is Ronda Schrenk, CEO of the US Geospatial Intelligence Foundation. She sits down with Chief Content and Strategy Officer Mike Gruss, to break down the latest news and insights from the event.

In this week's episode of Space Minds Mamta Patel Nagaraja - NASA's former associate chief scientist-offers an insider's look at how science priorities are set, what gets cut and what the future holds for research aboard the ISS and beyond.In our conversation with Nagaraja she reflects on her time at the agency, her unexpected layoff, and the broader implications of the current shift in the U.S. space landscape. She explains her role and that of the Office of Chief Scientist in advising NASA leadership on science priorities and mission viability during times of tight resources, particularly as the International Space Station (ISS) faced increasing demands. Nagaraja also discusses the agency's transition toward commercial partnerships in space, emphasizing the fundamental shift from NASA being an architect to a client in this new commercial space age. Nagaraja then shares the emotional impact of her layoff, underscoring her lifelong passion for space inspired by the 1980s shuttle era and her parents' immigrant sacrifices. Despite the setback, she remains committed to the spaceflight mission and is optimistic about contributing from the private sector. She also advocates for the societal value of space research, offering a compelling example of NASA-developed technology transforming hospital care.

In this week's episode of Space Minds, former Navy captain, shuttle astronaut, and current president of the Space Operating Group at ASRC Federal, Scooter Altman, reflects on his remarkable career—from performing stunts in Top Gun to commanding space missions—and shares his insights on why Mars represents humanity's next great leap.In the conversation Altman begins by sharing his experience performing aerial stunts for the movie Top Gun, offering a glimpse into the crossover between military aviation and popular culture.The discussion then shifts to the evolution of space exploration, reflecting on the capabilities and limitations of the space shuttle, the stalled ambitions of a Mars mission by 2015, and the challenges of transitioning to new launch systems. Altman highlights the rise of commercial spaceflight, especially the role of companies like SpaceX, while acknowledging the risks and regulatory complexities involved. The conversation touches on broader themes like national prestige, competition with China, and the urgent need for better space traffic management as launch rates and satellite numbers surge. Altman closes with a personal story of perseverance, detailing his setbacks and determination to become an astronaut, emphasizing the importance of resilience and never giving up on one’s goals.

Bhavya Lal, former acting Chief Technologist at NASA and a renowned expert in space policy, discusses the pivotal role of nuclear power in advancing space exploration. She explores historical projects like Orion and NERVA, highlighting the stagnation of nuclear technology due to cultural fears and funding issues. Lal emphasizes the energy density of nuclear power as essential for long missions, particularly beyond Mars, and stresses the geopolitical urgency for the U.S. to prioritize nuclear capabilities in space amid rising competition from other nations.

Lori Garver, former NASA Deputy Administrator, offers insights into the evolving landscape of U.S. space policy. She discusses NASA's shifting priorities amid political pressures and the rise of commercial space ventures. Garver critiques the sustainability of current lunar missions, worrying about budget cuts in science sectors. She outlines the influence of billionaires on the space economy and emphasizes the need for strategic clarity in the face of geopolitical competition, particularly with China, warning of the challenges ahead for NASA's long-term vision.

In this engaging discussion, Bill Nye, CEO of the Planetary Society and renowned science communicator, shares his insights on critical space issues. He passionately argues against proposed NASA budget cuts, emphasizing their detrimental impact on vital scientific research. Bill highlights the thrilling recent surge in space exploration, while cautioning about the challenges of colonizing Mars and potential contamination of its ecosystems. The conversation also delves into the philosophical implications of finding extraterrestrial life, reshaping humanity's view of its place in the universe.

This is a bonus edition of Space Minds by SpaceNews. This week we're at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs where we'll record an episode Monday through Thursday. Our guest today is Brad Head, Managing Director of International Partnerships at Elara Nova. He sits down with Chief Content and Strategy Officer Mike Gruss to break down the latest news and insights from the Symposium including a conversation on global collaboration and the evolving commercial space landscape.

This is a bonus edition of Space Minds by SpaceNews. This week we're at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs where we'll record an episode Monday through Thursday.Our guest today is Kari Bingen, senior fellow at the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She sits down with Chief Content and Strategy Officer Mike Gruss, to break down the latest news and insights from the Symposium focusing on defense.

This is a bonus edition of Space Minds by SpaceNews. This week we're at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs where we'll record an episode Monday through Thursday. Our guest today is Clay Mowry, CEO, AIAA. He sits down with Chief Content and Strategy Officer Mike Gruss, to break down the latest news and insights from the Symposium.About Space MindsSpace Minds is a new audio and video podcast from SpaceNews that focuses on the inspiring leaders, technologies and exciting opportunities in space.This weekly podcast features compelling interviews with scientists, founders and experts who love to talk about space, covers the news that has enthusiasts daydreaming, and engages with listeners. Join David Ariosto, Mike Gruss and journalists from the SpaceNews team for new episodes every Thursday.Space Minds Podcasthttps://spacenews.com/space-minds-podcast/

This is a bonus edition of Space Minds by SpaceNews. This week we're at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs where we'll record an episode Monday through Thursday. Our guest today is Krystal Azelton, Senior Director of Program Planning at Secure World Foundation. She sits down with Chief Content and Strategy Officer Mike Gruss, to break down the latest news and insights from the Symposium.