Shows
The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastStrategic Attack: Maintaining the Air Force’s Capacity to Deny Enemy SanctuariesAllowing adversaries to operate from operational sanctuaries is a losing proposition. A war-winning strategy for the U.S. military must involve applying long-range penetrating airpower to hold targets at risk – anytime, anywhere. This includes an adversary’s ability to launch air and missile salvos that could cripple U.S. operations.
However, decades of force cuts and deferred modernization have reduced the Air Force’s combat capacity to the point where it cannot simultaneously deter nuclear attacks, defend the U.S. homeland, and defeat adversary aggression at acceptable levels of risk.
New, long-range stealthy bombers and fighte...
2026-02-131h 03The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastCharting a Path to Space Superiority: The Cross-Domain ImperativeJoin the Mitchell Institute as Col. Jen “Boots” Reeves, USAF (Ret.) releases her latest policy paper outlining why space superiority is foundational to America’s ability to fight and win. Achieving this will demand that the other services support the Space Force and Space Command, which is a departure from the traditional notion of spacepower acting to empower terrestrial actions. This necessary evolution has major implications when it comes to strategy, operational concepts, command relations, technology investments, and basic warfighting attitudes.
Joining the discussion is Maj. Gen. Brook “Tank” Leonard, USAF (Ret.), the inaugural Chief of Staff of U.S. Sp...
2025-12-0959 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastMaj. Gen. Chris Povak | Schriever Spacepower SeriesThe National Reconnaissance Office is leading one of the most ambitious architectural transformations in intelligence history. In the last two years, the NRO has deployed more than 200 satellites. This increases both mission performance and architectural resilience in the face of growing threats around the world. As the Deputy Director of the NRO and Commander of the Space Force Element to the NRO, Maj. Gen. Christopher Povak serves two vital roles in securing access to vital space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data. Join the Mitchell Institute’s discussion with Gen Povak for an informative look at dramatic transformation occurring within th...
2025-12-031h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastIt’s Time to Invest: Enhancing Current and Future U.S. Air Force AirliftU.S. Air Force airlift stands as the foundation for any successful military operation, whether in times of peace or war. After decades of hard use, the current airlift enterprise is small, old, and increasingly stretched too thin amidst surging demand. Emerging operational concepts, the sheer expanse of the Indo-Pacific theater, and continued high demand elsewhere around the globe places greater stress on this strained mission. The Department of War and the Air Force must expand and sustain the capacities and readiness of the airlift system. This isn’t a quick fix. It will require years of committed investment in...
2025-12-021h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastIndustry Insight with Mitchell ExpertsAsk any pilot about what makes or breaks an aircraft, and they’ll say propulsion. A jet engine is literally the heart of an aircraft. It doesn’t matter how good the airframe’s design is if it doesn’t have the power and thrust to be able to exploit that design. America enjoys a fundamental advantage when it comes to military jet engine technology. That didn’t just happen though, it’s been earned generation after generation by developing the strategy, innovating the technology, and investing in the resources necessary to keep advancing the state of the art. That also me...
2025-09-0951 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastWinning the Next War: Overcoming the U.S. Air Force’s Capacity, Capability, and Readiness CrisisThe Air Force’s commitment to generating a highly lethal force that is technologically superior, numerically sufficient, and flown by the most well-trained airmen in the world is the bedrock of deterring aggression in times of peace and prevailing in war.
However, today’s United States Air Force is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its history. Facing the severely challenging global threat environment for the next decade and beyond, these shortfalls set the conditions for an existential national security crisis. Moreover, projected underfunding of the Air Force within the future years defense plan (FYDP) will exac...
2025-09-051h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastHomeland Sanctuary Lost: Urgent Actions to Secure the Arctic FlankAuthored by Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Resident Fellow for Airpower Studies
Russia and China have spent the past three decades developing and fielding advanced weapons capable of striking the U.S. homeland—this includes nuclear and non-nuclear missiles. Military and civilian targets are more vulnerable to aerial attack than ever before. This is a major driver behind Golden Dome.
A Russian aircraft launching a hypersonic missile could strike New York or Washington D.C. in less than 60 minutes. Advanced cruise missiles—which are available in high numbers and at a low cost—can tr...
2025-09-0459 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastGen. Kevin Schneider | Aerospace NationIt’s no secret that China is America’s national security pacing threat. Join us to learn more about airpower and the Pacific theater with Gen. Kevin Schneider, Commander, Pacific Air Forces; and Air Component Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. He and his team are responsible for Air Force activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports more than 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. The challenges he and his team work every day are hugely consequential.
2025-09-0259 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastDisconnected by Design: Fifth- and Sixth-Generation Aircraft in Disaggregated Collaborative Air OperationsAuthored by J. Michael Dahm, Senior Fellow for Aerospace and China Studies
China’s informationized warfighting strategies are specifically designed to counter America’s networked approach to warfare. This includes breaking long-range kill chains and denying penetrating strikes their highly networked reach-back connectivity. Given these vulnerabilities, it is crucial that the Air Force pursue disaggregated collaborative air operations (DCAO) as an operational concept that sidesteps these adversary strategies to dominate the battlespace information environment.
DCAO centers upon combat air forces that operate as locally networked formations, that can operate even when disconnected from broader networks. The...
2025-08-2959 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastLt. Gen. Andrew GebaraThe Mitchell Institute is pleased to feature Lt. Gen. Andrew J. Gebara as its next Aerospace Nation guest. He is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration for the United States Air Force. While nuclear deterrence is always important, the current threat environment heightens the critical nature of this mission. Added to this is the reality that the U.S is in the midst of recapitalizing all three legs of its nuclear triad, plus NC3. In this position, Lt Gen Gebara is responsible for strategic deterrence policy, nuclear oversight, arms control and the Department of...
2025-08-2754 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastMaj. Gen. Jason R. Armagost | Aerospace NationThe Eighth Air Force is a storied unit with a warfighting history that dates back to the contested skies over Europe in World War II. Today, circumstances and technologies may be a bit different, but the Mighty Eighth’s mission is largely the same: to deter conventional and nuclear threats, and provide national leadership with the means to strike any target around the globe at any time.
Maj Gen Jason Armagost is a life-long combat pilot. He began his career in the F-16 and then transitioned to flying B-2s and eventually B-52s. In his current ro...
2025-08-0758 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastLt. Gen. DeAnna Burt | Schriever Spacepower SeriesListen to the dynamic discussion with Lieutenant General DeAnna Burt, Chief Operations Officer of the United States Space Force, as we explore how the Space Force is driving innovation and integration to stay ahead in today’s contested space domain. From weaving cyber into space architectures and advancing Moving Target Indication (MTI), to sustaining weapon systems, supporting combatant commands, and deepening collaboration with allies and partners – this conversation will highlight how the Space Force is preparing for the future fight.
2025-08-071h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastBrig. Gen. Jacob Middleton | Schriever Spacepower SeriesIntegrating space capabilities across Europe and Africa present unique and growing challenges in two complex regions. As Commander of U.S. Space Forces Europe and Africa, Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton has the lead role in supporting both U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command with space capabilities ranging from intelligence to navigation and communications to space electronic warfare. Join the Mitchell Institute for this important conversation with a Space Force warfighter on the leading edge.
2025-07-2259 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastMaj. Gen. Timothy A. Sejba & CMSgt Karmann-Monique Pogue | Schriever Spacepower SeriesThe most important element of any military organization is its people. Within the Space Force, the responsible to train and prepare Guardians rests on Space Training and Readiness Command. To learn more about the STARCOM efforts to prepare Guardians for the warfighting domain of space, the Mitchell Institute is excited to host an in-depth discussion with the STARCOM leadership team, Maj Gen Tim Sejba and Chief Master Sergeant Karmann-Monique Pogue. Together, they are shaping the education, training, doctrine, and testing vital to ensuring Guardians have the skills and equipment to overcome any threat.
2025-07-1000 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastBrig. Gen. (S) Robert W. Davis | Schriever Spacepower SeriesAs the United States faces increasingly sophisticated threats, the importance of resilient, persistent space sensing has never been greater. Remote sensing, including detecting and tracking missile launches and monitoring weather and the EM spectrum comprises a $23 billion portfolio. Leading this critical mission is Brigadier General (S) Robert Davis, the Program Executive Officer of the Space Sensing Directorate at Space Systems Command. Join the Mitchell Institute for an important discussion on this critical portfolio.
2025-07-0158 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastMr. Rob McHenry | Aerospace NationAmerica’s warfighting advantage depends on an innovation edge. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is a key leader in that realm. Created in response to the launch of Sputnik in 1957, DARPA works to ensure America never again faces a strategic technical surprise. Their programs focus on the fundamental research required to establish proof of concept. This work is especially important given the scale and scope of the technology we face in an era defined by peer competition. Join us as we chat with DARPA Deputy Director Rob McHenry to learn more about his team’s current focus areas and k...
2025-06-251h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastRepresentative Don Bacon | Aerospace NationJoin us for a conversation with Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Bacon chairs the subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation, while also serving on the Tactical Air and Land Forces and the Strategic Forces subcommittees.
Rep. Bacon is a retired Air Force brigadier general who served 29 years in assignments including Director of ISR Strategy, Plans, Doctrine and Force Development; command of 55th Wing and the 435th Air Base Wing; Chief of Special Operations and Intelligence Information, Multi-National Force, Iraq; and Commander, 55th Electronic Combat Group. This will...
2025-06-2458 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastDr. Kelly Hammett | Schriever Spacepower SeriesWe are pleased to welcome Dr. Kelly D. Hammett to the Schriever Spacepower Series. The ability to rapidly develop and field new capabilities is essential to maintaining our nation’s strategic advantage. As head of one of the Space Force’s three acquisition organizations, Dr. Hammett leads the critical mission of delivering groundbreaking operational space capabilities that protect assets on orbit, while also defending joint and allied operations from space-enabled attack.
2025-06-2458 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastLt. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton | Schriever Spacepower SeriesJoin Mitchell Institute’s Schriever Spacepower Series with Lt. Gen. Shawn N. Bratton for a conversation about the newly released Space Warfighting Framework. We will explore specific areas from the framework and how they will shape future Space Force priorities and enhance the understanding of what it takes to secure the space domain.
2025-05-1558 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastLogistics While Under Attack: Key to a CCA Force DesignJoin us as we rollout our newest research study, authored by the Mitchell Institute’s Col. Mark A. Gunzinger, USAF (Ret.), Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments. The event will feature guest speaker Maj. Gen. Joseph D. Kunkel, Director of Force Design, Integration, and Wargaming, Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures.
The U.S. Air Force is fielding a future counterair force that is sized and shaped to achieve the degree of air superiority required to defeat China in a Pacific conflict. The Air Force is developing collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) as part of th...
2025-05-091h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastLTG Thomas L. James | Schriever Spacepower SeriesUnited States Space Command stands on the front line of operations in, from, and to space. By providing joint and combined effects to deter, and if necessary, defeat aggression around the world and in space, USSPACECOM has rapidly grown to be one of the most critical organizations in our nation’s defense. The Mitchell Institute is pleased to welcome to the Schriever Spacepower Series LTG Tom James, Deputy Commander for United States Space Command. His unique and distinguished background will offer valuable insights on space superiority, space fires, Golden Dome, and the continued delivery of unparalleled spacepower advantage.
2025-05-0858 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastBrig. Gen. Kristin L. Panzenhagen | Schriever Spacepower SeriesLaunch and the assured access to space are foundational to space superiority and leveraging the unique benefits of the space domain. Brig. Gen. Kristin Panzenhagen leads the Space Force team that is charged with providing assured access to space. This is an incredibly dynamic mission area—with new entrants, evolving requirements, and threat realities changing the scale and scope of space launch and range operations. Join us to hear Brig. Gen. Panzenhagen as she shares her insights on this crucial mission.
2025-05-0657 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastMr. Cordell A. DeLaPena | Schriever Spacepower SeriesCentral to the fight for space superiority is the need to preserve access to critical space services such as communications and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT). These foundational capabilities enable all military operations and are essential to our nation’s nuclear deterrence.
The Mitchell Institute is thrilled to welcome to the Schriever Spacepower Series Mr. Cordell DeLaPena, the Program Executive Officer responsible for military communications and PNT. Mr. DeLaPena has a long history of excellence in acquisition and the delivery of unmatched space systems. He will provide deep insight on status and plans of his $22 billion communication an...
2025-04-2958 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSetting the Nuclear Deterrence Record Straight: Commanders’ PerspectivesFormer U.S. Strategic Command commanders, Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Gen. Robert Kehler USAF (Ret.) and Adm. Charles A. Richard USN (Ret.) set the record straight on nuclear deterrence. Given Russia’s nuclear saber rattling, China’s nuclear break-out, and America’s nuclear triad reset, this conversation is more important than ever.
Today, a plethora of misinformation, falsehoods, and deliberate distortions concerning nuclear deterrence are espoused as “truth” in public forums. They are written in editorial pages, spoken on the news, and even touted by some members of Congress and their staffs. Left unchallenged, these statements...
2025-03-311h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastGen B. Chance Saltzman | Schriever Spacepower SeriesThe Mitchell Institute is excited to welcome Chief of Space Operations General Chance Saltzman to the next Schriever Spacepower Series. Please join us for this insightful look at the latest Space Force priorities and initiatives. Our discussion will center on the criticality of space superiority and review the progress the Space Force is making to ensure it has the capabilities and combat-ready Guardians to achieve it.
2025-03-2659 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastDelivering Tomorrow’s Force: From Concept to Operational Capability | Airpower Futures DayPanelists:
• Lt Gen Dale White, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force
• Maj Gen Joseph D. Kunkel, Air Force Futures
• Brig Gen Ryan Keeney, Air Force Futures
• Chris Flynn, Pratt & Whitney
• Renee Pasman, Lockheed Martin
2025-03-0757 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastCCA: Realizing Tomorrow's Airpower Today | 1st Annual Airpower Futures ForumPanelists:
• Col Timothy M. Helfrich, Senior Materiel Leader, Advanced Aircraft Division,
Air Force Materiel Command
• Mike Shortsleeve, Vice President, Strategy Business Development, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
• Diem Salmon, Vice President for Air Dominance & Strike, Anduril Industries
• Mike Benitez, Senior Director of Strategic Product Development, Shield AI
• Robert Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions
2025-03-0755 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastKeynote: Lt. Gen. David A. Harris | 1st Annual Airpower Futures ForumLieutenant General David A. Harris, Deputy Chief of Staff for Air Force Futures, was the lunch keynote speaker at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies' inaugural Airpower Futures Forum. Lt. Gen. Harris and the Air Force Futures team are working to ensure that the US has the right mix of new technologies, capabilities, and personnel to address whatever the future may hold.
2025-03-0736 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastNon-Kinetic Effects for Highly Contested Environments | 1st Annual Airpower Futures ForumSpeakers:
Col Larry Fenner, 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing
Nick Bucci, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
Paul DeLia, L3Harris
Chris Moeller, BAE Systems
2025-03-0756 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPower Projections Imperative | 1st Annual Airpower Futures ForumSpeakers:
Lt Gen Michael Koscheski, Air Combat Command
Maj Gen Jason Armagost, 8th Air Force
Doug Young, Northrop Grumman Aeronautic Systems
Billy Ray Thompson, RTX
2025-03-071h 02The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastKeynote: Gen. David W. Allvin | 1st Annual Airpower Futures ForumGeneral David W. Allvin, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, was the opening keynote speaker at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies' inaugural Airpower Futures Forum. Gen. Allvin brings a depth of both experience and thoughtful leadership to his position as the 23rd Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
2025-03-0732 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAir Force and Space Force Vectors for the Incoming Trump Defense TeamThe Department of the Air Force faces a crisis. Decades’ worth of insufficient budgets has slowed essential modernization, necessary capacity and key personnel investments. Air Force and Space Force leaders have warned of these risks for years. However, resource decisions were largely out of their control. As a result, the U.S. Air Force now operates the oldest and smallest aircraft inventory in its history. Combined with a lack of spare parts, an enduring pilot shortage, and falling pilot experience levels, the Air Force finds itself in a precarious condition that portends a national security disaster. The U.S. Sp...
2025-02-281h 03The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastEnsuring a Spacepower Advantage in a Prolonged CompetitionThe Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) convened its inaugural space workshop in October 2024. The workshop assembled 55 subject matter experts from across the national security space landscape to examine the Chief of Space Operations’ theory of Competitive Endurance against a set of potential challenges over the next 25 years of competition. The Space Endurance Workshop provided participants with a venue to define the actions, conditions, and effects necessary for the United States, our allies, and partners to preserve U.S. and Coalition leadership in space.
The Space Force must proactively lead cooperative efforts with Allie...
2025-02-1954 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastWant Combat Airpower? Then Fix the Air Force Pilot Crisis | Policy PaperBottom line, the U.S. Air Force does not have enough pilots to sustain a credible combat force in peacetime, much less during a prolonged high-intensity conflict. History demonstrates that without depth of experienced aircrew, air forces collapse in major conflicts because they cannot continue operations as losses mount. While this crisis extends across the entire pilot force, the shortfall in fighter pilots is especially dire. Solving these challenges will require the Air Force to grow the size of both its aircraft inventory and pilot force, while simultaneously increasing the experience levels of its combat pilots across its Total...
2025-01-231h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastA Call for a New NSC-68 and Goldwater Nichols Reform | Policy PaperHostile actions by Russia, Iran, and China clearly show that the United States is struggling when it comes to shaping the national security environment and deterring adversaries. The U.S. military no longer has the capability and capacity to defend the rules-based international order that has long been the cornerstone of its foreign policy. Absent a reset, this failure of deterrence could very well lead to a war between the United States and China.
Deficiencies of the 1986 Goldwater-Nichols Reform Act severely restrict the ability on the services to prioritize long-term strategic threats in favor of the immediate...
2025-01-2159 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastFrank Kendall | Aerospace NationWhether discussing Operational Imperatives, advancing new technologies like Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), launching Re-Optimization for Great Power Competition, or overseeing dramatic advancement in Space Force capabilities, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall’s tenure will continue to shape the Air Force and Space Force for decades into the future.
Hear from the Secretary as he reflects upon his accomplishments, while also exploring what challenges require continued attention.
2024-12-1958 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastGen Kevin B. Schneider | Aerospace NationThere’s no question about it: the Indo-Pacific is one of the most impactful theaters around the globe today. Threats posed by adversaries like China and North Korea, challenges and opportunities involved with allies and partners, plus unique factors involved with projecting airpower across a region so large combine to make this area of responsibility incredibly unique.
Listen to learn more about airpower and the Indo-Pacific as we chat with Gen Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces; and Air Component Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
2024-12-0759 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastGen. Thomas A. Bussiere | Aerospace NationGlobal Strike Command uniquely embodies the notion of combat power anytime, anywhere. In command of two legs of the nuclear triad, as well as conventional long-range strike capabilities, Global Strike Command provides decisive combat effects that are foundational to the U.S. for deterrence strategy.
2024-12-0558 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastMs. Katharine Kelley | Schriever Spacepower SeriesAfter 5 years as a service, the U.S. Space Force continues to evolve not only its operations, but also its personnel management strategies. First-of-a-kind legislation has all eyes on the Space Force as it merges part-time and Active-duty military members. As the smallest and newest service, the Space Force is on the cutting edge of multiple personnel initiatives. Ms. Katharine Kelley, the Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Human Capital, walks us through the challenges and opportunities in the people realm of standing up a new military branch.
2024-11-201h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastDr. Derek Tournear (November 2024) | Schriever Spacepower SeriesThe Space Development Agency (SDA) is at the forefront of revolutionizing how the Department of Defense acquires, develops, and deploys next-generation space capabilities. SDA is a key element of a space architecture that is more agile and resilient than any before.
Dr. Derek Tournear, the Director of the Space Development Agency, provides updates on SDA’s progress and future plans.
2024-11-1958 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastLt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess | Schriever Spacepower Series: Lt. Gen. Douglas A. SchiessAs our youngest military branch, the U.S. Space Force is still rapidly evolving to meet the challenges of an increasingly contested space domain. At the heart of this evolution is the newly established U.S. Space Forces – Space (S4S), which serves as the Space Force service component to U.S. Space Command, the newest combatant command.
Listen to our conversation with Lt. Gen. Douglas A. Schiess, the inaugural commander of S4S, as he takes us through the journey of its stand-up, its make-up, and a look to its future.
2024-11-061h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastBrig. Gen. Anthony J. Mastalir | Schriever Spacepower SeriesThe Indo-Pacific region encompasses over half the world’s population, accounting for 60% of global GDP. China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, India, and Taiwan are all key players in the region—and the world. But destabilizing behavior by China and North Korea threaten a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific was established two years ago to ensure commanders in the region have access to the space capabilities they need. As a component of INDOPACOM, its job is to ensure space capabilities and effects are integrated into joint and combined military operations with allies and partners.
List...
2024-10-2259 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastDr. Troy Meink | Schriever Spacepower SeriesSince 1960, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has developed, acquired, launched, and operated our nation’s eyes and ears in space. Maintaining a spacepower advantage requires the NRO and Space Force to work closely together. This not only helps address the increasing threats posed to defense and intelligence satellites but is also essential as critical U.S. warfighting functions, such as ground-moving target indication, transition to the space domain.
Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Troy Meink, Deputy Director of the NRO, as we examine the NRO’s relationship with the Space Force and learn more abou...
2024-10-1758 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastMaj Gen Devin R. Pepper | Schriever Spacepower SeriesStrong alliances and robust space capabilities underpin global stability. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its growing emphasis on the importance of the space domain exemplify both facts. For the past 75 years, NATO has been the pinnacle alliance for the United States and the front line of deterrence against Russia. Now, as we see Russia and China cooperating militarily and weapons around the globe can threaten the space capabilities critical to NATO, the challenges NATO faces are greater than ever. Join us for an in-depth discussion with Maj. Gen. Devin R. Pepper to learn how NATO is responding...
2024-10-1053 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastUSSPACECOM - 5th Anniversary Event - Schriever Spacepower Series
Celebrating from Peterson Space Force Base, we dive into an in-depth discussion with a panel of senior USSPACECOM leaders, including Gen Whiting, Commander; RADM Pennington, Chief of Staff; and Air Commodore Whiteley, the Deputy J5 to learn more about the progress the Command has made, current priorities, and future objectives.
2024-08-2959 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastDr. Tim Grayson, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Air Force | Aerospace NationOperational Imperatives, re-optimizing for great power competition, and a security environment experiencing massive change—these are just a portion of the challenges Dr. Grayson has focused on over the past few years. Given his time at DARPA, the Intelligence Community, and the technology world, Dr. Grayson brings an incredibly unique perspective. With the scale and scope of his portfolio, he is shaping future vectors for air and space power that will be felt for decades. Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Grayson to better understand where the Department of the Air Force is headed and why.
2024-07-311h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastGen James B. Hecker | Aerospace NationThe airmen at U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa are charged with addressing some of the most complex security challenges on the globe. Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has dramatically altered the security calculus in the region and beyond. At the same time, in Africa, the U.S. is facing a complex mix of challenges: everything from violent extremism to the increasing influence of both China and Russia. Airpower is vital to empower smart policy options and strategies in both regions.
2024-07-3058 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastGen James C. Slife, Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force | Aerospace NationThe Air Force is at the epicenter of generational transformation. The security environment is posing severe risks the likes of which have not been seen in decades; the force is in the middle of a massive modernization cycle—including two legs of the nuclear triad and NC3; the information age is radically redefining elements of how missions are executed; and the attributes required for individual Airmen to meet mission objectives continue to evolve. All of this is occurring at a time of extreme budget pressure, high COCOM demand, and challenges tied to recruiting and retention. This is a no-fail er...
2024-07-2959 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSmall Satellites: Answering the Call for Space Superiority | Policy Paper ReleaseKey Takeaways:
- SmallSats will be an essential element to deliver space superiority within the construct of Competitive Endurance
- Improvements in space domain awareness and responsible counterspace operations are possible with SmallSats
- The low cost, rapid development timelines, and versatility of SmallSats can keep the Space Force ahead of competitors and adversaries
- Changes to space acquisition, operations, and sustainment will enable the full adoption of SmallSats into the space architecture
2024-07-2552 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Lt Gen Andrew J. GebaraWith China engaged in a nuclear break-out, Russia upgrading its nuclear capabilities, plus Iran and North Korea aggressively pursuing their nuclear ambitions—a credible, capable, and safe U.S. nuclear deterrent is more important than ever. The imperatives are clear: to deter adversaries, reassure allies, and provide national leaders with key options whether in peacetime or war. That is why it is so important the U.S. pursue modernization for all three legs of its nuclear triad, including command and control. While present capabilities remain viable, their advanced age and the evolution of the threat environment demand new solutions. Th...
2024-07-1557 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPolicy Paper Release: Fighting the Air Base: Ensuring Decisive Combat Sortie Generation Under Enemy FireBrig Gen Michael “Jekyll” Winkler, USAF (Ret.), the Deputy Director for Air and Cyberspace Operations of the Pacific Air Forces, and Mitchell's J. Michael Dahm explore how the Department of Defense and Congress can and must prepare the Air Force to fight from their forward air bases to generate combat effects while under attack.
Link to the report
2024-07-111h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Gen Kenneth S. Wilsbach
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy our Aerospace Nation with Gen Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Commander, Air Combat Command.
Whether discussing missions like air superiority, air battle management, electromagnetic spectrum operations, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or combat search and rescue—the airmen of ACC execute missions that are foundational to modern warfare. Ask any combatant commander and they want more ACC airpower. However, years of budget pressures and non-stop operational deployments have yielded a force that is stretched thin. This decade marks a major wave of modernization to reset units thr...
2024-07-1058 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Lt Gen David N. Miller, Jr., Commander, Space Operations Command
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy our Schriever Spacepower Series with Lt Gen David N. Miller, Jr., Commander, Space Operations Command, United States Space Force.
As part of Great Power Competition, the United States today confronts numerous threats to our space capabilities and infrastructure. China has demonstrated the ability to strike ground sites, command and control networks, and satellites in orbit. Ensuring the Space Force is postured for this operational reality is the responsibility of the Space Operations Command (SpOC) under the command of Lt Gen David “Rock” Miller, Jr.
2024-07-0859 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Want Better Results in Ukraine? Senior Leader Views
It’s no secret: whether considering the relative scale of Russia’s military power or confining rules of engagement, Ukraine’s fight to reclaim territory is challenging. Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, and co-author Dr. Christopher Bowie released a new solution-oriented report on the conflict that includes a comprehensive, integrated approach for Ukraine to achieve air superiority. As part of this discussion, Gen Philip M. Breedlove, USAF (Ret.), the 17th Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO Allied Command Operations; Gen Tod Wolters, USAF (Ret.), the 19th Supreme Allied...
2024-07-021h 02The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Gen Stephen WhitingThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy our Schriever Spacepower Series with Gen Stephen N. Whiting, Commander, United States Space Command, United States Space Force.
Space capabilities, services, and effects are now an indispensable part of daily life and foundational to the structure and operation of the U.S. military. United States Space Command is the Combatant Command charged with ensuring that the American people, and American warfighters in particular, never experience a day without space. That responsibility is more important and more challenging than ever. Increasing threats, growing congestion, and expanding opportunities in...
2024-06-2457 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPaper Release: Digital Engineering: Accelerating the Defense Acquisition and Development Cycle in an Era of Strategic CompetitionThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy the rollout for our latest report: Digital Engineering: Accelerating the Defense Acquisition and Development Cycle in an Era of Strategic Competition, authored by Heather Penney, Senior Resident Fellow, with Brian Morra, Non-Resident Visiting Fellow.
In this event, Ms. Penney discussed her findings with Dave Tremper, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Acquisition Integration and Interoperability; Drake Harris, Director, ADP Integrated Systems Strategy and Business Development, Lockheed Martin; and Jeffrey Reed, Director Of Engineering – Digital Transformation, Northrop Grumman Corporation.
The Department of the Air Force (DAF) faces severe cap...
2024-05-2256 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Lt Gen Philip GarrantThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to Schriever Spacepower Series with Lt Gen Philip Garrant, Commander, Space Systems Command, United States Space Force.
He discussed SSC’s reinvigorated culture and focus on delivering war-winning space capabilities. We also explored the implementation of the new DOD and USSF Commercial Space Strategies and the imperatives of speed and innovation facing the Space Force.
2024-05-2158 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Maj Gen Gregory J. Gagnon, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for IntelligenceThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy Schriever Spacepower Series with Maj Gen Gregory J. Gagnon, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence, United States Space Force. He discussed the growing threats to our space capabilities and expanding the use of space by potential adversaries posing increased hazards to joint and coalition operations. Critical to overcoming these challenges is the successful integration of commercial and partner information. The conversation was moderated by Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE).
2024-05-021h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Air Marshal Johnny Stringer, Deputy Commander of NATO’s Allied Air CommandThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy Aerospace Nation with the Royal Air Force’s Air Marshal Johnny Stringer, Deputy Commander, NATO Allied Air Command. As NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary, the organization’s mission is more important than ever. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, paired with a broader slate of global threats, demand a collaborative approach to safeguard our security interests with member nations. Airpower is a key means through which NATO members can both deter adversaries in times of peace and project decisive power in times of conflict. Member states routinely train for combined operat...
2024-04-241h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Lt Gen David A. HarrisThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy Aerospace Nation with Lt Gen David A. Harris, Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Force Futures, Headquarters, United States Air Force.
Lt Gen Harris shared his thoughts on developing Air Force strategy and concepts, delivering an integrated force design, conducting strategic assessments of the operating environment through wargames and workshops, and achieving timely and effective operational capabilities required for tomorrow’s Airmen to fight and win.
Bottom line, the Air Force is in the middle of a generational evolution when it comes to developing operational concepts, fi...
2024-04-121h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastClosing Keynote: MG Brian W. Gibson, Director, Strategy, Plans, and Policy U.S. Space CommandThe Mitchell Institute hosted its Third Annual Spacepower Security Forum on March 27, 2024—Washington DC’s premiere gathering of spacepower leaders. The insightful discussions shed light on the key trends in national security space and what they portend for the defense community as a whole. The closing keynote speaker was MG Brian W. Gibson, Director, Strategy, Plans, and Policy U.S. Space Command.
2024-04-1248 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPanel 3: Responsible Counterspace CampaigningThe Mitchell Institute hosted its Third Annual Spacepower Security Forum on March 27, 2024—Washington DC’s premiere gathering of spacepower leaders. The insightful discussions shed light on the key trends in national security space and what they portend for the defense community as a whole. The third panel comprised Brig Gen Devin R. Pepper, Deputy Commanding General, Operations, and Vice Commander, Space Operations Command; Dr. Kelly Hammett, Director & PEO, Space Rapid Capabilities Office; Robert “Otis” Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs, Kratos Defense; Mike Neylon, Director, Space Protection & Control, Raytheon; and Dr. John “Patsy” Klein, Senior Fellow and Strategi...
2024-04-1244 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPanel 2: Avoid Operational SurpriseThe Mitchell Institute hosted its Third Annual Spacepower Security Forum on March 27, 2024—Washington DC’s premiere gathering of spacepower leaders. The insightful discussions shed light on the key trends in national security space and what they portend for the defense community as a whole. The second panel comprised Lt Gen Douglas A. Schiess, Commander, U. S. Space Forces-Space and Combined Joint Force Space Component Commander; Maj Gen Gregory Gagnon, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Intelligence, United States Space Force; Brig Gen James Smith, Assistant Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear; Scott Forney, President, General Atom...
2024-04-0948 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastFireside Chat: Dr. John F. Plumb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space PolicyThe Mitchell Institute hosted its Third Annual Spacepower Security Forum on March 27, 2024—Washington DC’s premiere gathering of spacepower leaders. The insightful discussions shed light on the key trends in national security space and what they portend for the defense community as a whole. Fireside chat with Dr. John F. Plumb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy and Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair, Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence
2024-04-0950 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPanel 1: Deny First Mover AdvantageThe Mitchell Institute hosted its Third Annual Spacepower Security Forum on March 27, 2024—Washington DC’s premiere gathering of spacepower leaders. The insightful discussions shed light on the key trends in national security space and what they portend for the defense community as a whole. The first panel comprised Dr. Derek Tournear, Director of the Space Development Agency; Col Scott Klempner, Deputy PEO, Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power, Space Systems Command; Joe Laurienti, CEO, Ursa Major; and Johnathon Caldwell, Vice President & Deputy General Manager, National Security Space, Lockheed Martin. Moderated by Maj Gen Larry Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Director of Rese...
2024-04-0943 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastOpening Keynote: Gen B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations (2024)The Mitchell Institute hosted its Third Annual Spacepower Security Forum on March 27, 2024—Washington DC’s premiere gathering of spacepower leaders. The insightful discussions shed light on the key trends in national security space and what they portend for the defense community as a whole. The opening keynote speaker was Gen B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, United States Space Force.
2024-04-0953 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastResearch Paper Release: The Need for Collaborative Combat Aircraft for Disruptive Air Warfare
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy our rollout for our newest paper: The Need for Collaborative Combat Aircraft for Disruptive Air Warfare by Mark A. Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments and a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, with Maj Gen Lawrence A. Stutzriem, USAF (Ret.), Mitchell's Director of Research, and Bill Sweetman. This discussion featured Robert Winkler, Vice President, Corporate Development and National Security Programs, Kratos Defense, and Curtis Wilson, Senior Director, Emergent Missions, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. The event was moderated by Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (R...
2024-02-071h 03The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPolicy Paper Release: The Quantum Advantage: Why it Matters and Essential Next StepsThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy the rollout for our newest policy paper: The Quantum Advantage: Why it Matters and Essential Next Steps by Heather Penney, Senior Resident Fellow. She was joined by Dr. Michael Hayduk, Deputy Director, Air Force Research Lab Information Directorate and Laura Thomas, Chief of Staff, Infleqtion. The event was moderated by Lt Gen Dave USAF (Ret.) Deptula, Dean of the Mitchell Institute. Quantum information science and technology (QIST) is a major focus of defense innovation, yet few in the defense community really understand what is needed to mature these technologies...
2024-01-3055 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPolicy Paper Release: Securing Cislunar Space and the First Island Off the Coast of Earth
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy our rollout for our newest policy paper: Securing Cislunar Space and the First Island Off the Coast of Earth by Charles Galbreath, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies. He was joined by Thomas A. Lockhart Jr., Director, Capability and Resource Integration, U.S. Space Command, Dr. Joel B. Mozer, former United States Space Force Director of Science, Technology and Research, and Jim Bridenstine, former NASA administrator. The event was moderated by Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair, Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Spacepower Advantage Center of E...
2024-01-181h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Lt Gen DeAnna BurtThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to the Schriever Spacepower Series with Lt Gen DeAnna Burt, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber, and Nuclear.
Lt Gen Burt discusses the state of space operations and initiatives to assure continued access to and use of the space domain in the face of increasing kinetic, non-kinetic, and cyber threats. This event was moderated by Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE).
2024-01-051h 02The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPolicy Paper Release: Winds of Change: Environmental Monitoring for an Era of Peer CompetitionThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to the rollout of our newest policy paper: Winds of Change: Environmental Monitoring for an Era of Peer Competition by Tim Ryan, Senior Fellow for Spacepower Studies, Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) .
The discussion was joined by Col Patrick C. Williams, Director of Weather, U.S. Air Force, and Lt Col Joseph L. Maguadog, Materiel Leader, EO/IR Weather Systems, Space Systems Command. The discussion was moderated by Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair, MI-SPACE.
The U.S. military requires...
2023-11-201h 02The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Mr. Thomas J. LawheadThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Aerospace Nation event with Mr. Thomas J. Lawhead, acting Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Force Futures.
Mr. Lawhead discussed how his organization embodies “the voice of tomorrow’s airmen,” with the mission of ensuring that the Air Force is organized, trained, and equipped to successfully face competitors with confidence in future conflicts. Mr. Lawhead also covered the most impactful trends forecasted by Air Force Futures and how they inform long-term force planning and capability requirements.
2023-11-151h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Lt Gen Kevin B. KennedyThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Aerospace Nation event with Lt Gen Kevin B. Kennedy, Commander, Sixteenth Air Force; Commander, Air Forces Cyber, and Commander, Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (Air Force). Lt Gen Kennedy discussed the priorities of the Sixteenth Air Force regarding cyber and electronic capabilities, along with their associated operational concepts and strategies.
2023-11-1358 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Dr. Lisa CostaThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to Schriever Spacepower Series with Dr. Lisa Costa, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO).
Dr Costa discussed how the United States Space Force is leveraging digital technologies such as Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis (MS&A) and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to increase the effects generated by a lean Guardian workforce. This event was moderated by Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE).
2023-11-081h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Gen Luca GorettiThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to Aerospace Nation with Gen Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff, Italian Air Force. Gen Goretti discussed Italian Air Force priorities regarding technologies, operational concepts, and associated strategies.
Our two air forces operate common systems like the F-35 and MQ-9, plus the two air forces have shared security interests around the globe. This creates a key allied relationship rooted in the advocacy of using airpower to provide options for our nation’s leaders to address security challenges. The partnership of the U.S. and Italian Air Force is a model fo...
2023-10-1259 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Maj Gen Christopher PovakThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to Schriever Spacepower Series with Maj Gen Christopher Povak, Deputy Director, National Reconnaissance Office.
General Povak joined us to discuss the latest details regarding how the NRO develops, acquires, launches, and operates the latest space-based intelligence assets. This event was moderated by Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE).
2023-10-1058 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastOperational Imperative Series: Resilient Basing, Sustainment, and Communications
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to enjoy Aerospace Nation with Brig Gen Michael Zuhlsdorf, Deputy Director, Resource Integration - Engineering, Logistics, and Force Protection; Col James Hartle, Associate Director of Logistics, Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Engineering and Force Protection; Col Patrick Launey, Chief, Logistics Readiness Division and Logistics Readiness Officer Career Field Manager, Directorate of Logistics; and Mr. Todd Serres, Associate Chief, Command and Control and Integrated Air and Missile Defense Division within the Training and Readiness Directorate/DCS Operations.
As the leads for Secretary Frank Kendall’s fi...
2023-08-2959 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Lt Gen John E. ShawThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Schriever Spacepower Series event with Lt Gen John E. Shaw, Deputy Commander, U.S. Space Command.
Gen Shaw discussed the various challenges facing U.S. Space Command in its mission to protect and defend critical space systems from the growing threats posed by China and Russia, as well as provide insights into the Command’s plans for its continuing support to the joint fight around the world.
2023-07-061h 02The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPolicy Paper Release: Accelerating 5th-Generation Airpower: Bringing Capability and Capacity to the MergeThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to the rollout of our newest policy paper: Accelerating 5th-Generation Airpower: Bringing Capability and Capacity to the Merge by Lt Gen Joseph Guastella, USAF (Ret.), former Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Mitchell Institute Senior Fellow; Douglas Birkey, Mitchell Institute Executive Director; and Eric Gunzinger, former F-35 Program Manager for Flight Simulation Test and Evaluation. They were joined by Gen Jeffrey Harrigian, USAF (Ret.), former Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe; Commander, U.S. Air Forces Africa; and Commander, Allied Air Command. The event was moderated by Lt Ge...
2023-06-291h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPolicy Paper Release: Building U.S. Space Force Counterspace Capabilities: An Imperative for America’s DefenseThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to the rollout of our newest policy paper: Building U.S. Space Force Counterspace Capabilities: An Imperative for America’s Defense by Charles Galbreath. He was joined by Maj Gen David N. Miller Jr., Director of Operations, U.S. Space Force and Robert Atkin, Vice President, Special Space Systems, General Atomics. The event was moderated by Gen Kevin P. Chilton, USAF (Ret.), Explorer Chair, (MI-SPACE).
2023-06-271h 09The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPolicy Paper Release: Bolstering Arctic Domain Awareness to Deter Air and Missile Threats to the Homeland
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen the rollout of our newest policy paper: Bolstering Arctic Domain Awareness to Deter Air and Missile Threats to the Homeland by Dr. Caitlin Lee. Dr. Lee was joined by Gen Glen D. VanHerck, Commander, United States Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command. The event was moderated by Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF, (Ret.) Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.
The U.S. military’s ability to detect, track, and defeat a long-range aviation and cruise missile strikes emanating from the...
2023-06-2359 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Gen David D. ThompsonThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Schriever Spacepower Series event with Gen David D. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations. Gen Thompson discussed challenges and opportunities facing the Space Force in the broader context of the threat environment and America’s security requirements in space.
2023-06-121h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Gen Charles Q. Brown Jr.The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to Aerospace Nation with Gen Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Gen Brown discussed the lessons from his tenure as Air Force Chief, the challenges of building capability and capacity under budget constraints, and the critical importance of America’s Airmen in great power competition.
2023-06-071h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Lt Gen Stephen N. WhitingThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Schriever Spacepower Series event with Lt Gen Stephen N. Whiting, Commander of Space Operations Command. Gen Whiting discussed the space domain’s criticality to national security, the latest in space technologies and tracking, and space’s role in winning our kill chain competitions.
2023-05-2459 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Lt Gen Leah LauderbackThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to Aerospace Nation with Lt Gen Leah G. Lauderback, Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber Effects Operations. Lt Gen Lauderback discusses what it means to successfully fight and win in the information age with the full spectrum of ISR and cyber tools the USAF brings to the equation.
2023-05-1759 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastPolicy Paper Release: Scale, Scope, Speed, and Survivability: Winning the Kill Chain CompetitionThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to the rollout of our newest policy paper: Scale, Scope, Speed, and Survivability: Winning the Kill Chain Competition by Heather Penney. She was joined by Brig Gen Richard A. Goodman, Commander, 57th Wing.
In this report, Penney explains how “kill chain” is an enduring framework for the process of securing battlespace effects. Often, this means putting a bomb or missile on target, all while the adversary is attempting to do the same against U.S. forces. Winning this kill chain competition matters. Due to the rapid advance and...
2023-05-111h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Series: Maj Gen Shawn N. BrattonThe Mitchell Institute invites you to listen to the Schriever Spacepower Series with Maj Gen Shawn N. Bratton, Commander, Space Training and Readiness Command. Maj Gen Bratton joins us to discuss Space Force training, education and doctrine, and STARCOM’s contributions to space warfighting.
2023-05-101h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Lt Gen Richard Moore & Lt Gen Philip A. GarrantThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to Aerospace Nation with Lt Gen Richard G. Moore, Jr., Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, United States Air Force and Lt Gen Philip A. Garrant, Deputy Chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements, United States Space Force. The general officers discussed the nature of modern adversary threats, cooperation with allies and partners, and how our forces are preparing to overcome operational challenges in this vast and unique theater.
2023-04-0659 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSpacepower Security Forum 2023 | Closing Keynote: Dr. Lisa A. Costa, SES, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO), USSFMitchell Institute Spacepower Security Forum 2023
April 5, 2023, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA.
Closing Keynote: Dr. Lisa A. Costa, SES, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO), USSF:
Dr. Lisa A. Costa, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the first permanent Chief Technology and Innovation Officer (CTIO) of the United States Space Force. In this role, she is charged with unlocking and harnessing innovation to leverage increased speed and advantage.
2023-04-0647 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSpacepower Security Forum 2023 | A Vision for Proliferated Orbits and Small SatellitesMitchell Institute Spacepower Security Forum 2023
April 5, 2023, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA.
A Vision for Proliferated Orbits and Small Satellites:
Space Force leaders have repeatedly discussed the advantages they expect to accrue by placing a larger number of smaller, simpler satellites into orbit as part of integrated, collaborative low earth orbit constellations. Not only does this promise to deliver capability in a faster, lower-cost fashion, it also eliminates single points of failure. This panel will discuss this vision and provide an update regarding how Space Force leaders are seeing this concept evolve—driven both by operational req...
2023-04-0643 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSpacepower Security Forum 2023 | Lunch Keynote: Dr. Derek Tournear, Director, Space Development AgencyMitchell Institute Spacepower Security Forum 2023
April 5, 2023, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA.
Lunch Keynote: Dr. Derek Tournear, Director, Space Development Agency:
SDA is responsible for unifying and integrating the Department’s space development efforts, monitoring the Department’s threat-driven future space architecture, and accelerating fielding of new military space capabilities necessary to ensure U.S. technological and military advantages in space.
2023-04-0642 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSpacepower Security Forum 2023 | Space’s Role in North American Defense: Missile Warning and TrackingMitchell Institute Spacepower Security Forum 2023
April 5, 2023, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA.
Space’s Role in North American Defense: Missile Warning and Tracking:
Adversaries are increasingly developing long-range strike missiles that legacy ground-based radars are unable to track in the time needed to provide warning and cue defenses. They are also fielding anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons to degrade or destroy existing U.S. space-based missile warning sensors. This panel will explore operational concepts and associated technologies required to address these threats.
Moderator: Lt Gen Joseph T. Guastella, Jr, USAF (Ret.), Senior Fellow, The Mitchell Ins...
2023-04-0646 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSpacepower Security Forum 2023 | A Mission to Protect and Defend Assets in SpaceMitchell Institute Spacepower Security Forum 2023
April 5, 2023, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA.
A Mission to Protect and Defend Assets in Space:
Space is no longer a peaceful domain, but instead a region increasingly contested both kinetically and non-kinetically by U.S. adversaries. As in any other domain, it is not sovereign, and forces must be able to protect U.S. freedom of action. This demands that the U.S. national security space community, particularly Space Command and the Space Force, consider new strategies, operational concepts, and associated technologies that will ensure desired effects can b...
2023-04-0650 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSpacepower Security Forum 2023 | Opening Keynote: Gen B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space OperationsMitchell Institute Spacepower Security Forum 2023
April 5, 2023, Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA.
Opening Keynote: Gen B. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations:
As Chief, Gen Saltzman serves as the senior uniformed Space Force officer responsible for the organization, training and equipping of all organic and assigned space forces serving in the United States and overseas.
2023-04-0649 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastOperational Imperative Series: Defining the Next Generation Air Dominance System-of-Systems
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to the next session of our Operational Imperative Series on Next Generation Air Dominance, or NGAD. Join us for a panel discussion with the Air Force leaders collaborating on this imperative: Maj Gen R. Scott Jobe, Director of Plans, Programs, and Requirements, Headquarters Air Combat Command; Maj Gen Heather L. Pringle, Commander, Air Force Research Laboratory; Maj Gen Evan C. Dertien, Commander, Air Force Test Center; and Brig Gen Dale R. White, Air Force Program Executive Officer for Fighters and Advanced Aircraft.
Autonomy...
2023-03-271h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Gen Mark D. Kelly & Gen James B. Hecker
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Aerospace Nation with Gen Mark D. Kelly, Commander of Air Combat Command, and Gen James B. Hecker, Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, U.S. Air Forces Africa, and Allied Air Command.
Europe and Africa encompass a region marked by distinct security considerations, whether discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, expanding NATO membership base, or continued threat posed by violent extremists in parts of Africa. Air Combat Command is a key force provider for U.S. Air Forces Europe an...
2023-03-2259 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastResearch Paper Release: Understanding the B-21 Raider: America’s Deterrence BomberThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to the rollout of our newest research paper: Understanding the B-21 Raider: America’s Deterrence Bomber by Mark Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments.
Gunzinger was joined by Maj Gen Jason R. Armagost, Director of Strategic Plans, Programs, and Requirements, Air Force Global Strike Command to discuss the opportunities the B-21 program presents. They discussed the need to rebuild a U.S. bomber force that can provide theater commanders with the range, capacity, and precision they need to defeat peer aggression, and then sustain operations to s...
2023-03-211h 01The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Gen Ken WilsbachThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Aerospace Nation with Gen Kenneth Wilsbach, Commander, Pacific Air Forces and Air Component Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. General Wilsbach discussed the nature of modern adversary threats, cooperation with allies and partners, and how our forces are preparing to overcome operational challenges in this vast and unique theater.
2023-03-2059 minThe Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastAerospace Nation: Lt Gen James C. SlifeThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Aerospace Nation with Lt Gen James C. Slife, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. Against the backdrop of quickly changing security threats, General Slife discussed the latest on Air Force global operations, force management, training, and readiness. The event was moderated by Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.
2023-02-211h 00The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation PodcastSchriever Spacepower Forum: Dr. John PlumbThe Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies invites you to listen to our Schriever Spacepower Forum with Dr. John F. Plumb, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. Dr. Plumb joined us to discuss his perspective on space infrastructure, space capabilities and defining the threat environment.
2023-02-1455 min