The Mitchell Institute’s Aerospace Nation Podcast

Autonomy and AI Assessment with Honorable Frank Kendall

Autonomy and AI dominate the defense debate. Whether talking about next generation collaborative combat aircraft, command and control decision making aids, or cyberspace tools–there’s no question that these technologies are reshaping national security.

Frank Kendall will join us to discuss this topic, which he explored in his recently released book “Lethal Autonomy: The Future of Warfare Whether We Like It Or Not.”

During his tenure as the 26th United States Secretary of the Air Force, Kendall was at the leading edge of this discussion. A veteran of the defense industry and former Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, he spent his tenure overseeing the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force through a major modernization effort focused on strategic competition. Join us for this important discussion.

Lt. Gen. Steven Whitney | Aerospace Nation

Lt. Gen. Steve Whitney serves as the Director, Force Structure, Resources and Assessment, J-8. In this position, he oversees the development of capabilities, conducts studies and assessments, and evaluates plans and programs for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He also serves as Secretary of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and Chairman of the Joint Capabilities Board. Lt. Gen. Whitney plays an important role in ensuring that the Air Force and Space Force are properly sized and resourced for future conflicts. He also brings valuable insights from his extensive acquisition experience. Join us for what will be a fascinating discussion with one of the senior Guardians on the Joint Staff.

Brig. Gen. Nikki R. Frankino & Ms. Melissa D. Blakesly | Schriever Spacepower Series

Through authorization and appropriation, Congress holds the definitive power to shape military growth and readiness. As the nation’s youngest and smallest service, it is vital for the Space Force to have effective advocacy on the Hill. Leading this effort are Brigadier General Nikki Frankino, Legislative Liaison for the U.S. Space Force and Ms. Melissa Blakesly, the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison. From budget priorities and force design to long-term strategic objectives, congressional decisions will play a decisive role in determining how the Space Force develops in the years ahead. Join us for an inciteful discussion on their work, priorities, and impact shaping the Space Force at this historic moment.

Space Superiority Through the Spectrum of Conflict: Findings and Recommendations from the Conflict in Space Workshop

Space has become an indispensable element of modern military, economic, and societal functions, yet the character of conflict in the space domain is only just emerging and is not well understood. The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE) held a two-day unclassified workshop that sought to clarify how hostile acts in space might be identified, how escalation thresholds could be assessed, and what effects and response options the United States and its allies should prioritize to achieve and maintain space superiority. Join us to discuss the key findings in our newest report, Space Superiority Through the Spectrum of Conflict: Findings and Recommendations from the Conflict in Space Workshop and gain insight on how the United States must continue to build combat credibility, deter hostile behavior, control escalation, and ensure the United States’ ability to prevail in future space conflict.

Gen. John D. Lamontagne | Aerospace Nation

Join us to learn more about current Air Force priorities with Vice Chief of Staff Gen. John Lamontagne. As one of the service’s top leaders, Gen. Lamontagne plays an instrumental role in organizing, training, and equipping Airmen across the force. His insights will be incredibly valuable give this year’s historic defense investments and pressing global security requirements. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Congressman August Pfluger | Aerospace Nation

With the Trump Administration requesting a major defense budget boost, it’s now up to Congress to turn this proposal into reality. To discuss this and a wide variety of national security topics, we are pleased to welcome Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX). Before his time in Congress, Congressman Pfluger graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy and served for over two decades as a fighter pilot–including time as a squadron commander. After 26 years in uniform, August retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Air Force on February 1, 2026. Representing the 11th District of Texas, which includes Goodfellow Air Force Base, Congressman Pfluger is Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, and also serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee plus is the Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Additionally, Congressman Pfluger serves as Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. Join us as we explore national security perspectives as seen from Capitol Hill through the lens of a combat veteran fighter pilot.

Military Human Spaceflight: A Key Component to American Space Superiority

As the modern space race heats up and more humans venture into orbit and to the Moon, the Space Force will likely need to place Guardians in space to defend American interests. In the latest paper from the Mitchell Institute’s Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence, Col (ret) Kyle “Puma” Pumroy outlines the conditions requiring future human military spaceflight and the steps the Space Force can take to make it a reality. With increasing competition for positional advantage in space exploration and the burgeoning commercial human spaceflight market, the United States is at a pivotal moment to initiate a program that will provide a crucial element for enduring space superiority. Join us for an in-depth discussion on this thought-provoking paper.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Fernengel | Schriever Spacepower Series

The Space Force is on the verge of one of the largest percentage budget increases of any military service in history. Brig. Gen. Christopher “Trigger” Fernengel will have a significant role in shaping what the service will prioritize and how it will manage this growth. As Resourcing Lead, he is responsible for executing U.S. Space Force programs across the Future Years Defense Plan and the Program Objective Memorandum. Join us for an in-depth discussion on how the Space Force is seizing this historic opportunity.

Gen. Stephen N. Whiting | Schriever Spacepower Series

Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Commander of U.S. Space Command, is responsible for defending U.S. and allied interests in the space domain, while also providing space-enabled combat effects to joint warfighters around the globe. He exercises combatant command authority over Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and Guardians operating ground and space-based systems around the world. From growing Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender, to ongoing combat operations in Iran, and supporting NASA’s return to the Moon, the space domain has never been busier or more critical. Hear first-hand from the leader at the center of it all to learn about progress achieved, challenges remaining, and objectives on the horizon.

Col. Corey J. Klopstein & Col. Craig J. Hackbarth | Schriever Spacepower Series

Ensuring Guardians and their weapon systems are combat credible demands an innovative, realistic test and training approach. The Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) is that approach—combining live and virtual elements to represent the range of threats and operating conditions the Space Force might face.

Join us for an in-depth discussion with Colonel Corey Klopstein, the Program Executive Officer for OTTI, and the Commander of System Delta 81, and Colonel Craig Hackbarth, Director of Capability, OTTI, to hear about their progress and the priorities of Space System Delta 81.