Steven Kwast - The Space Force & Emerging Space Economy

We’re joined by Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast (retired) to discuss the space-based technologies of tomorrow, including point-to-point rocket transportation, space-based beamed solar energy, and mobile charging for drones and electric vehicles. Steve retired from service in 2019 as the commander of the Air Education and Training Command, where he was responsible for training over 293,000 students per year. He is a decorated veteran with over 650 combat flight hours and a 33-year career in the Air Force with over 30 awards and decorations, including the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star. He joins us today to discuss the military and economic trends driving the creation of the US Space Force in late 2019. We'll be discussing the trends and technologies of tomorrow, including point-to-point rocket transportation, space-based beamed solar energy, and mobile charging for drones and electric vehicles from space. These are only a few of the innovations already under development, and in our discussion we talk about how these technologies can help improve our existence - and the steps necessary to safeguard them in space. In addition to American innovation, China is also rapidly moving forward with their own space program. They haven’t missed a milestone in their space program in over 30 years, and they’re on a trendline to pass us technologically. The original Space Race back in the ‘60s was intertwined with the development of nuclear weapons, but you’ve described our space race with China as “a contest for economic dominance”, and suggested the Space Force should function like the Coast Guard to safeguard commerce and the rule of law in the off-world economy. Links: Genesis Systems: https://genesissystems.global/ Hillsdale College Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsPLmb6gAdw