The Spacepower Podcast

In this episode of The Spacepower Podcast, host Bill “Hippie” Woolf sits down with siblings Master Sergeant Matthew T. Davis and Lieutenant Hannah Mangum for an inside look at Space Force recruitment, training, and life as a Guardian.Master Sergeant Davis shares insights from his 16-year career in recruiting, breaking down what it really takes to join the Space Force—from qualifications and career paths to the service’s highly selective process, which evaluates roughly 1,000 enlisted applicants each year.Lieutenant Mangum offers a fresh perspective as a newly commissioned officer, reflecting on her transition from civilian life and into the Space Force. She highlights the value of STEM education, leadership potential, preparation, and a willingness to learn for anyone aspiring to serve.Whether you're curious about Space Force opportunities, considering a military career, or simply fascinated by the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, this conversation delivers clarity, candor, and plenty of inspiration.🎧 Tune in to learn:- What Space Force recruiters look for - How enlisted and officer pathways differ - Why leadership and adaptability matter as much as technical skills - What new Guardians can expect on their journey

Tory Bruno, President and CEO of United Launch Alliance, discusses the evolution of ULA’s mission and the development of the Vulcan launch vehicle. He highlights the balance between government and commercial projects, including a groundbreaking partnership with Amazon that doubled launch capacity. Bruno elaborates on how commercial missions bolster national security and support R&D. He also talks about the importance of automation and diverse supply chains for future launch capacity, while inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals through outreach initiatives.

Space Machines Company (SMC) is an Australian space startup founded in 2019 that provides orbital logistics, in-space servicing, and space resilience solutions. Its mission is to act as “roadside assistance in space,” offering rapid response capabilities to protect and support satellites in Earth orbit and beyond.Founded: 2019, headquartered in Sydney, Australia.Global Presence: Offices in Adelaide (Australia), Bengaluru (India), and Denver (USA).Core Mission: Safeguard space assets and enhance resilience in congested and contested orbital environments.Orbital Logistics & TransportationDeploy spacecraft into LEO, MEO, GEO, and beyond.Provide payload hosting services using the Optimus platform.In-Space ServicesSatellite inspection and imagery (down to 1 cm resolution).Refueling and life extension.Active debris removal.Spacecraft servicing and repair.ExplorationScientific and commercial missions to the Moon and deep space.Space ResilienceOrbitside Assist: Rapid on-orbit response to monitor, assist, and protect satellites.Positioned as “first responders” for allied space operations under AUKUS and QUAD partnerships.Sustainability: Build resilience in space defense and commercial activities.Innovation: Develop affordable, accessible platforms for on-orbit servicing.Future Outlook: Envisions a future where all satellites are serviced in orbit, reducing costs and extending mission lifespans.In essence: Space Machines Company is positioning itself as a critical enabler of safe, sustainable, and resilient space operations, combining orbital logistics with rapid-response servicing to protect satellites and extend their utility.Would you like me to also compare Space Machines Company with other orbital servicing startups (like Astroscale or Orbit Fab) so you can see how their approaches differ?🚀 Company Overview🔑 Capabilities & Services🌌 Strategic Vision📊 At a GlanceAttributeDetailsFounded2019HQSydney, AustraliaGlobal OfficesAdelaide, Bengaluru, DenverFlagship PlatformOptimusKey Service“Roadside Assistance in Space” (Orbitside Assist)CapabilitiesOrbital transport, servicing, debris removal, explorationPartnershipsAUKUS, QUAD footprint for allied resilience

Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) exists to prepare combat-ready USSF forces to fight and win in a contested, degraded, and operationally-limited environment through the deliberate development, education and training of space professionals; development of space warfighting doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures; and the test and evaluation of USSF capabilities.    The USSF has three intermediate-level Field Commands (FIELDCOMs) within its four-tiered organizational structure: Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Systems Command (SSC), and STARCOM. In order to create a leaner, more agile force, the USSF eliminated two levels of command that exist within the Air Force and now consists of: USSF Headquarters (at the Pentagon with the other services), FIELDCOMs, Space Deltas (DELs), and Squadrons.   Upon approval by the Secretary of the Air Force, the locations for STARCOM headquarters and each of the deltas, except for Delta 1, will be determined following the Department of the Air Force’s Strategic Basing Process. Delta 1 will be located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The STARCOM HQ staff will be a combination of existing manpower transferred from SpOC and new authorizations to be added over the next several years, which requires Congressional approval.   HISTORY STARCOM was activated as the Space Force's third field command on 23 August 2021. Comprised of five subordinate DELs, STARCOM carries the organizational lineage and heritage of the Space Innovation and Development Center which was inactivated in 2013. The SIDC was initially constituted as the USAF Space Warfare Center Oct. 13 1993 and activated Nov. 1, 1993. It was re-designated the Space Warfare Center July 1, 1994 and then the Space Innovation and Development Center Mar 1, 2006.About STARCOM

LeoLabs:Operates a global radar network to track satellites and space debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).Offers services like:Customers include commercial satellite operators, government agencies, and military space commands.Find out more at: LeoLabs | Persistent Orbital Intelligence Propelling the dynamic space era

Col Richard Martin is the MARFORSPACE to USSPACECOM. U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Space Command (MARFORSPACE) serves as the Marine Corps Component to U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM). MARFORSPACE supports the USSPACECOM space superiority mission and enables the Fleet Marine Force by providing space support to operations and integrating, coordinating, and employing multi-domain capabilities in order to create competitive advantages that increase lethality, maneuverability, and survivability. MARFORSPACE represents Marine Corps capabilities and interests and advises USSPACECOM on integration with and support to U.S. Marine Corps operations.For more information on the Space Force Association, including corporate and individual membership options, please visit ussfa.org.

Lieutenant General Mike Lutton, Deputy Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, discussed the critical role of space in their mission. He highlighted the evolution of space operations, from his early days as an ICBM operator to the integration of space capabilities in combat operations. Lutton emphasized the importance of space superiority, citing the first use of GPS ammunition in 1999. He also discussed the integration of space into Global Strike Command's operations, the role of VR in training, and the need for realistic training environments. Lutton underscored the decisive impact of space capabilities on deterrence and the importance of preparing airmen for future challenges.

Gravitics modules are built with flexible outfitting options in mind, enabling focused use cases, or the ability to host a variety of capabilities in a single pressurized spacecraft. Our products are built to support your mission whether they are attached to a commercial space station, or launched as a free flying unit. Find out more at https://www.gravitics.com

Strategic Alliance Business Group (SABG) is privately owned professional services company that is both a Service Disabled Veteran Owned and Women Owned Small Business. We provide support to both commercial and Federal Government customers in the areas of Program Management, Acquisition, and Strategic Planning; Mission Operations and Intelligence; and Logistics and Engineering.

Col. Robert Davis is the Program Executive Officer, Space Sensing Directorate, Space Systems Command, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.  In this role, Colonel Davis leads the Space Force directorate responsible for a $23 billion portfolio of persistent space sensing capabilities which span entire program lifecycle including prototyping, development, production, fielding, operational sustainment, and commercial acquisitions. Space Sensing is spearheading the U.S. Space Force’s pivot to a more diverse and resilient space architecture to prevail against the threat.