Government Shutdown and Defense, USSF Force Design, and a new CSAF: The Rendezvous — Ep. 257

The Aerospace Advantage

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Heather “Lucky” Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Jeff Rowlison, and Brig. Gen. Houston "Slider" Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) about the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond.

Our team digs into what a government closure means for national security and where the defense bills stand in Congress. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Gen. Wilsbach as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force nominee. On the spacepower side of the equation, we explore the USSF’s new Force Design, what it will take to better track threats in space, Space Development Agency’s Tranche 1 satellites on orbit, and recent space-based laser communication advancements. We wrap by looking at the Department of War’s increased focus on homeland defense.

Credits:

Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Producer: Shane Thin 

Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey

Guest: Lt Gen David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Brig. Gen. Houston "Slider" Cantwell, Senior Fellow for Airpower Studies, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies

Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)

Guest: Todd “Sledge” Harmer, Senior Vice President, American Defense International

Guest: Jeff Rowlison, VP, Space & Intel Programs, American Defense International

Guest: Anthony “Lazer” Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs

Links:

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of

Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/

#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #rendezvous #government #defense

2025-10-04 54 min

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