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

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

Update: 2025-10-04
Share

Description

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

Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

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

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

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies