Aerospace Advantage

The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud to present the Aerospace Advantage, with veteran fighter pilot and Senior Resident Fellow Heather “Lucky” Penney as the host.
Every week, Heather “Lucky” Penney will take listeners into the world of aerospace power and help the audience understand what it takes to fly and fight in the sky, while also protecting America’s interests in space. Whether talking to top generals, standing on a flight line full of combat aircraft, looking at a rocket being prepared for launch, or hearing from those who have laid it all on the line in defense of the nation—this podcast will afford unprecedented access and insight into where the combat aerospace community is going and why.

In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Where do the defense bills stand? What’s up with the new Air Force fighter force structure report, plus Secretary of War Hegseth’s acquisition speech? We also explore Gen. Wilsbach’s new priorities, F-35s to Saudia Arabia, as well as Lt. Gen. White’s nomination for a new job as DRPM. The conversation also covers the Space Force, including Vector 2025, the creation of Combat Forces Command, and new developments regarding their test and validation requirements.

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In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. Where do the defense bills stand as well as the shutdown? We also discuss the latest developments in Ukraine, plus the latest and greatest with spacepower. Plus, we explore organizational happenings, like the decision to role the ICC function into A5/7, not pursue Space Force Futures, and downgrading USAFE to a 3-star billet. We wrap up by highlighting the new small UAS test efforts at Grand Forks AFB and jump into the renewed debate on whether too much is being spent on Air Force R&D vs procurement and readiness.

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In this episode, our team explores the top defense issues this month in Washington, D.C. and beyond. What does a government closure mean for defense and where do the defense bills stand in Congress? What are the challenges and opportunities facing a new CSAF? We also explore the USSF’s new Force Design, plus 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. Lastly, what’s up with the Department of War’s increased focus on homeland defense?

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Heather "Lucky" Penney talks to Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Charles Galbreath, and Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski about the FY26 defense budget, Golden Dome, the potential cancelation of E-7,  a broad range of spacepower developments, and Ukraine’s strike on Russian bombers.

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In this Rendezvous episode, we discuss top Air Force and Space Force developments in Washington, D.C., and beyond. Topics include Chief of Space Operations General Saltzman at Mitchell Institute, the impact a year-long continuing resolution, the FY26 defense budget, the F-47 NGAD announcement,, SECAF nominee testimony, and Chinese “dogfighting” in space.

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In this Rendezvous episode, we discuss recent top defense leadership changes, Ukraine, Secretary of Defense Hegseth’s defense budget guidance, the latest Minuteman ICBM test launch, next generation advanced propulsion, and we provide a spacepower update. 

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In this Rendezvous episode, we discuss air and space power issues through the congressional lens, and how that may affect individual programs, broader strategy, and budget considerations. We also explore recent, increasingly direct remarks about resource needs by former Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen David Allvin.

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