Spacepower Podcast

The FY27 President's Budget request for the U.S. Space Force comes in at $71.24 billion, more than double the prior year, and the largest budget request in the service's history. But what does a number like that actually mean, and will Congress fund it?Read Shawn Barnes Full Op-Ed: https://ussfa.org/shawn-barnes-pbr-response/In this episode of the Spacepower Podcast, SFA Founder and host Bill Woolf sits down with two guests who've lived this process from the inside: Shawn Barnes, who spent years walking space budgets to Capitol Hill as the Department of the Air Force's primary liaison to the Appropriations Committee, and SFA CEO Brig. Gen. (ret.) Damon Feltman, who helped build the Space Force budget structure from inside the Pentagon as Deputy Director of the S-5. Together, they break down what this request really says about the administration's commitment to space, and what stands between this budget and becoming law.In this conversation, they discuss: Why both guests had an immediate "wow — and about time" reaction to the top line What Congress will actually focus on: execution risk, empire-building concerns, and line-by-line scrutiny Why the $71B is Space Force dollars — separate from Golden Dome funding — and what that signals strategically The manpower surge: from ~10,600 Guardians to a proposed 13,200, and what that ramp could mean long-term How the reconciliation/appropriations split structure complicates the path to passage Space Domain Awareness funding more than doubling — and whether it's enough against China and Russia The classified R&D budget jumping from $6.5B to $17.3B, and how you defend a number you can't explain publicly P-LEO SATCOM investment and what it signals to the commercial sector Launch services tripling — and the industrial base bottlenecks that money alone won't solve The AMTI/GMTI mission transfer to space and whether the Space Force is organizationally ready A 250% increase in education and training — and why it's probably still a down payment SFA's Capitol Hill briefing series and how the association is helping educate members and staff on what this budget is really asking for Hosted by Bill Woolf Produced by Ty Holliday Guests:Shawn Barnes, Former Department of the Air Force Primary Liaison to the Appropriations Committee and Former Chief of Space Policy, Joint Staff. One of the most experienced voices in navigating the intersection of space investment and congressional politics. Brig. Gen. (ret.) Damon Feltman, CEO, Space Force Association. Former Deputy Director of the Space Force S-5 (budget) and former Numbered Air Force Vice Commander. Feltman helped build the Space Force's budget architecture from inside the Pentagon before retiring from civil service. Learn more about the U.S. Space Force: https://www.spaceforce.mil/ Read Shawn Barnes Full Op-Ed: https://ussfa.org/shawn-barnes-pbr-response/ Join SFA: https://ussfa.org/ Subscribe for more conversations on spacepower, national security, and the future of the space domain. Views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the views of the U.S. Government, Department of War, or their respective organizations.

What does it take to build combat power when the domain itself is still being defined?In this episode of the Spacepower Podcast, SFA Founder and host Bill Woolf speaks with Lt. Gen. Greg Gagnon, Commander of Combat Forces Command, about how the Space Force is preparing Guardians to operate in the most contested environment humanity has ever tried to control.Space is no longer a benign domain. As adversaries develop capabilities designed to contest U.S. operations on orbit, the mission is shifting from support to warfighting. And that shift demands operators who can do more than execute technical tasks. It demands resilience, judgment, and the ability to adapt under pressure.In this conversation, Lt. Gen. Gagnon discusses:What "training like we fight" actually means in space operationsHow realistic, integrated exercises prepare Guardians for degraded environmentsWhy integration with the joint force isn't optional—it's the missionHow Combat Forces Command builds readiness through immersive, scenario-based trainingThe cultural shift needed to move from compliance to initiativeWhy leadership expects operators to think critically, not just follow checklistsHow after-action reviews focus on learning, not blameWhat it takes to sustain combat readiness in a domain defined by speed and competitionFrom training operators to integrating with combatant commanders, from building culture to delivering effects under pressure, this episode explores how the Space Force is turning technology into combat power through the people who operate it.Hosted by Bill WoolfProduced by Ty HollidayGuest: Lt. Gen. Greg Gagnon, Commander, Combat Forces Command, U.S. Space ForceHe leads the training, readiness, and force presentation for space operations, ensuring Guardians are prepared to deliver effects in contested environments across the joint force.Learn more about Combat Forces Command: https://www.ussf-cfc.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/About-Combat-Forces-CommandLearn more about the U.S. Space Force: https://www.spaceforce.mil/Join SFA: https://ussfa.org/Subscribe for more conversations on spacepower, national security, and the future of the space domain.

What does it take to achieve space superiority when the fight is already underway?In this episode of the Spacepower Podcast, SFA Founder and host Bill Woolf speaks with Lt. Gen David N. Miller Jr., Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements, about how the Space Force is building a warfighting force in real time to meet a rapidly evolving threat.As adversaries expand their capabilities on orbit and develop systems designed to deny U.S. access to space, the domain is no longer benign. From supporting ongoing operations to preparing for future conflict, the Space Force must ensure freedom of action in, from, and to space, while denying that same advantage to its competitors.In this conversation, Lt. Gen. Miller discusses:• What “space superiority” actually means in a warfighting context• How adversary capabilities, particularly from China, are reshaping the domain• Why the Space Force is not yet sized for the fight it must prepare for• The shift from a support function to a contested warfighting domain• How the “objective force” is guiding future design, investment, and growth• Why acquisition, requirements, testing, and fielding are all being fundamentally reworked• How training and readiness are evolving to prepare Guardians for real-world conflictFrom missile warning to targeting, from resilience to orbital defense, this episode explores how spacepower is being transformed from an enabling capability into a decisive element of modern warfare.Hosted by Bill WoolfProduced by Ty HollidayGuest:Lt. Gen. David N. Miller Jr., Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements, U.S. Space ForceHe leads the development of the Space Force’s long-term strategy, force design, and capability requirements, translating emerging threats into the systems and structures needed to ensure space superiority for the joint force.Learn more about the U.S. Space Force:https://www.spaceforce.mil/Join SFA:https://ussfa.org/Subscribe for more conversations on spacepower, national security, and the future of the space domain.

Episode Recorded March 5th, 2026How is spacepower actually shaping operations across the Western Hemisphere?In this episode of the Spacepower Podcast, SFA Founder and host Bill Woolf speaks with Col. Brandon Alford, Commander of U.S. Space Forces Southern, about how space-enabled capabilities are integrated into day-to-day operations across Central and South America.From satellite communications and GPS to space-based sensing, these capabilities quietly enable coordination, precision, and awareness across a region defined by complex humanitarian challenges, maritime operations, and multinational partnerships.As space becomes more contested, U.S. Space Forces Southern plays a critical role in ensuring these capabilities remain available while strengthening collaboration with allies and partners across the region.In this conversation, Col. Alford discusses:• How U.S. Space Forces Southern integrates space capabilities into regional operations• The role of space domain awareness in addressing emerging threats• Why partnerships across the Western Hemisphere are essential to security• How commercial technologies are augmenting military space capabilities• Real-world examples of how spacepower supports operations on the groundHosted by Bill WoolfProduced by Ty HollidayGuest:Col. Brandon Alford, Commander, U.S. Space Forces SouthernHe leads efforts to integrate space capabilities across U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, enhancing regional security through partnerships, operational support, and space domain awareness. His work focuses on ensuring freedom of action in space while enabling joint and coalition forces across Central and South America.Learn more about U.S. Space Forces Southern: https://www.spaceforcesouth.spaceforce.milJoin SFA:https://ussfa.org/

Episode Recorded March 5th, 2026How are space systems actually built, delivered, and sustained for the joint force?In this episode of the Spacepower Podcast, SFA Founder and host Bill Woolf speaks with Col. Menschner, Deputy Commander of Space Systems Command, about the realities of space acquisition, innovation, and the future of space-enabled warfighting.From GPS and missile warning to SATCOM and ISR, Space Systems Command is responsible for delivering the capabilities that underpin modern military operations. As demand for resilient and responsive space systems grows, SSC is evolving how it acquires, integrates, and fields those capabilities at speed.In this conversation, Col. Menschner discusses:• How Space Systems Command delivers capabilities to the joint force• The shift toward faster, more agile acquisition models• Why integrating operations and acquisition is critical to success• How partnerships with commercial industry and allies are shaping the future• What the next 5–10 years hold for space systems, including NAVWAR and resilient PNTHosted by Bill WoolfProduced by Ty HollidayGuests:Col. Andrew Menschner, Deputy Commander, Space Systems Command.He leads more than 15,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel worldwide and an annual budget of $15.6 billion, while managing the research, design, development, acquisition, launch, and sustainment of satellites and the associated command and control systems. Space Systems Command’s extensive portfolio includes military satellite communication, missile warning, navigation and timing, space-based weather, space launch and test ranges, space superiority, responsive space and other emerging evolutionary space programs. See the blog post: https://ussfa.org/col-menschner/Join SFA at https://ussfa.org/

Views and opinions expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not represent the views of the U.S. Government, Department of War, and their respective organizations.In this episode of the Spacepower Podcast, SFA Founder and host Bill Woolf discusses the pivotal role of space in modern warfare with SFA CEO Brig. Gen. (ret.) Damon Feltman and NSPC Committee Chair Dillon Cox.This episode is essential for understanding how space superiority shapes future conflicts. Operation Epic Fury showcases how U.S. Space Force capabilities disrupted adversary networks, highlighting the necessity of space control for joint operations.Key topics include:The integration of space and cyber effects in combat strategyThe importance of space-enabled sensing and navigationTraining pipelines that prepare Guardians for rapid responseUpdates on Operation Epic Fury: https://www.centcom.mil/OPERATIONS-AND-EXERCISES/EPIC-FURY/Documents discussed: https://www.starcom.spaceforce.mil/resources/digital-library/SFA National Spacepower Center: https://ussfa.org/national-space-center/Hosted by Bill WoolfProduced by Ty HollidayGuests:SFA Ceo Brig. Gen. (ret.) Damon FeltmanNSPC Comittee Chair Dillon CoxJoin SFA at ussfa.org

Episode Recorded Friday, Febuary 27th, 2026In this episode of the Spacepower, host Bill Woolf sits down with Gen. Stephen Whiting, Commander of U.S. Space Command, to discuss the growing importance of space in the Indo-Pacific and how the United States is preparing for an increasingly contested space domain.From missile warning and satellite communications to precision navigation and intelligence, space systems underpin nearly every aspect of modern military operations. As strategic competition intensifies, ensuring those capabilities remain resilient and available to the joint force has become a central mission for U.S. Space Command.Gen. Whiting shares insights on the evolving counterspace environment, the role of international partnerships in maintaining a stable space domain, and how the command is thinking about deterrence and readiness in the years ahead.This conversation is part of the newly upgraded Spacepower Podcast, bringing deeper conversations with the leaders, operators, and thinkers shaping the future of national security in space.Listen in for a thoughtful discussion on how spacepower is shaping the strategic landscape today and what it means for the future of global security.

John F. Plumb serves as Head of Strategy at K2 Space, where he focuses on advancing next-generation satellite capabilities designed to deliver greater scale, resilience, and affordability to national security space missions.Plumb previously served as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy, where he was responsible for overseeing U.S. Department of Defense space strategy, policy, and international engagement. In that role, he helped shape national security space priorities during a period of rapid evolution in the space domain, including strengthening allied cooperation, advancing responsible space behavior, and guiding policy for resilient space architectures in an increasingly contested environment.Before his Pentagon leadership, Plumb held senior policy roles on Capitol Hill and within the executive branch, including serving on the National Security Council staff and as a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Across government and industry, his career has centered on aligning strategy, technology, and policy to ensure the United States maintains a competitive edge in space.At K2 Space, Plumb brings that strategic depth to the commercial sector — helping bridge national security requirements with innovative satellite manufacturing approaches built for scale.

Rob Mitrevski serves as President, Golden Dome Strategy and Integration at L3Harris Technologies, where he leads strategic integration efforts focused on advancing next-generation missile defense and space-enabled capabilities in support of national security missions.With more than three decades of experience in aerospace and defense, Mitrevski has held senior executive roles spanning space systems, missile defense, air and missile integration, and advanced mission solutions. Prior to his current role, he served as President of Space and Airborne Systems at L3Harris, overseeing a broad portfolio of space payloads, missile warning systems, resilient communications, ISR technologies, and classified national security programs.Throughout his career, he has led large-scale engineering and integration organizations responsible for delivering complex, mission-critical systems to the U.S. Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, civil agencies, and international partners. His expertise spans strategic planning, systems engineering, operational integration, and scaling advanced technologies from concept to deployment.Mitrevski holds degrees in engineering and business and has built his career at the intersection of technical innovation and strategic execution — aligning industry capabilities with evolving national security priorities.On this episode of Spacepower, Rob joins us to discuss the strategic importance of integrated missile defense architectures, the role of industry in accelerating resilient space capabilities, and what it will take to align technology, policy, and partnerships to meet emerging threats in an increasingly contested domain.

Lt. General (Ret.) David J. Buck is the President of BRPH Mission Solutions at BRPH, a technically focused architecture, engineering, and construction firm supporting mission-critical clients in aerospace, defense, national security, and advanced manufacturing.Lt. General (Ret.) David J. Buck is a retired U.S. Air Force officer whose distinguished military career spanned more than three decades in space, nuclear, and cyberspace operations. He earned his commission as a distinguished graduate of Officer Training School in 1986 and went on to command at the squadron, group, and wing levels throughout his service. His operational experience included strategic missile operations, space launch and range operations, satellite command and control, and advanced space mission areas.Buck culminated his Air Force service as Commander of the 14th Air Force (Air Forces Strategic) and Commander of the Joint Functional Component Command for Space under U.S. Strategic Command at Vandenberg Air Force Base. In that capacity he led more than 19,500 personnel responsible for providing strategic missile warning, nuclear command and control, space situational awareness, position/navigation/timing, and other critical space effects in support of national security objectives. He retired from the Air Force in 2018.In his current role at BRPH, Buck applies his operational leadership and strategic expertise to help organizations navigate complex mission requirements, develop innovative capabilities, and accelerate growth across defense, aerospace, national security, and manufacturing sectors.His awards include multiple Defense and Air Force distinguished service decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal, reflecting both his leadership and impact over decades of service.