Episode Summary
Episode 8 of Aerospace Advantage features a conversation with Chief of Space Operations General Jay Raymond. To put it simply, there is no viable joint force without the Space Force. The capabilities yielded on orbit are fundamental for all forms of power projection. Host Lt Col (Ret.) John Baum and Mitchell Institute dean Lt Gen (Ret.) Dave Deptula explore current opportunities and challenges facing America’s newest military service in an extended conversation with Gen Raymond. This dialogue ranges from policy and budget issues necessary for Space Force’s future success, to opportunities afforded by new technologies.
Full Topic Guide
In Episode 8 of the Aerospace Advantage host John “Slick” Baum is joined by U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen Jay Raymond and Mitchell Dean Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula to open the discussion on the U.S. national security space enterprise, emphasizing that space is a critical domain for both commercial and military purposes.
Military satellites provided by the Space Force underpin many of the technologies that we use every day and space-based capabilities provide with the U.S. military with distinct asymmetric advantages. However, our adversaries have begun to weaponize space, a development that must be managed with utmost attention.
Gen Raymond explains the present circumstances surrounding the national security space mission, challenges and opportunities facing Space Force, and his goals as he leads this organization in its second full year of existence.
Time Marks
02:05 – Lt Gen David Deptula joins the show to elaborate on space-based capabilities in a military context
05:41 – Gen Deptula differentiates Space Force and Space Command
09:59 – Gen Raymond offer his opening remarks on the history of the U.S. military’s strategic space-based capabilities
15:17 – Gen Raymond describes the importance of bringing the weaponization of space into the public discourse
20:53 – As the Space Force grows, growing its capabilities is key, Gen Raymond explains what he sees as some of the top priorities for the Space Force’s future
30:22 – Leveraging industry and deterrence demands reducing the classification level of Space, Gen Raymond elaborates on what Space Force is doing to streamline this process
36:58 – Gen Raymond dives into some of the less focused on challenges and opportunities the Space Force is pursuing, and the accomplishments of the Space Force in year one
Credits
Host: Lt Col (ret.) John “Slick” Baum, USAF, ret.
Co-host: Lt Gen (ret.) David Deptula, USAF, ret.
Producer: Daniel C. Rice
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Chief of Space Operations Gen John “Jay” Raymond, USSF