Cold Star Project

Jason Kanigan

The Cold Star Project digs into the challenges of scaling fast that tech and Space manufacturing founders encounter. Money does not solve all problems--so what now? Listen in to discover what scaling problems you'll be running into soon, and get a serious advantage in starting to solve them before they run you over!

  1. 6D AGO

    Is the U.S. Already Losing the Space Nuclear Race?

    Is the U.S. Already Losing the Space Nuclear Race? Nuclear reactors may be critical for the future of space exploration. But as the United States debates policy and regulation, China is rapidly advancing plans for nuclear power systems in space. From powering lunar bases to enabling deep space missions, space nuclear power systems could determine which nations lead the next era of space development. In this interview, Dr. Bhavya Lal discusses why the United States may need to fly a nuclear reactor in space within the next decade, the strategic competition with China’s space nuclear ambitions, and the policy barriers slowing American progress. We explore the key questions shaping the future of space power: Why the U.S. may need to demonstrate a space nuclear reactor by 2030Whether China could deploy nuclear power systems on the Moon first What the cancellation of DARPA’s DRACO nuclear propulsion program means for U.S. strategy The difference between nuclear propulsion and nuclear power systems in space How regulatory barriers affect the development of space nuclear technology Whether public-private partnerships can realistically deliver space nuclear systems The strategic implications of nuclear power infrastructure beyond Earth Dr. Lal outlines the policy options, technical challenges, and geopolitical stakes surrounding the race to develop nuclear power systems for space. If humanity is going to establish a sustained presence beyond Earth, nuclear energy may be the only power source capable of supporting large-scale space infrastructure. Topics coveredspace nuclear powernuclear reactors in spaceKilopower reactorNASA space nuclear technologyChina lunar infrastructure plansDARPA DRACO nuclear propulsionlunar base power systemsspace exploration strategynuclear propulsion vs nuclear power Weighing the Future: Strategic Options for U.S. Space NuclearLeadership [White paper]: https://coldstarproject.com/lalnuclearpaper About The Cold Star ProjectThe Cold Star Project explores the technology, strategy, and economics shaping the future of space and defense. Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessment Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospace Fair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuse Portions of this video reference the following works: NASA Image and Video Libraryhttps://images.nasa.gov NASA Scientific Visualization Studiohttps://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov NASA Goddard Space Flight Center NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory NASA Headquarters U.S. National Archives (Apollo footage)https://archive.org Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain NASA imagery) Selected materials include imagery from the Apollo program, Saturn launch footage, NERVA nuclear propulsion program archives, Kilopower reactor concept demonstrations, Artemis briefings, Europa Clipper development imagery, lunar visualization datasets, and historical NASA documentary film. Most NASA images and videos are public domain courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. All referenced material is used here for commentary and analysis purposes. Remuneration Disclaimer We were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice". The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors. https://jasonkanigan.com

    1h 9m

  2. JAN 15

    Science Fiction's Secret Power: How Stories Built the Modern World

    Science Fiction's Secret Power: How Stories Built the Modern World The Cold Star Project - Season 2, Episode 99 Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan What if science fiction didn’t just predict the future — but helped create it?In this conversation, we explore how post-World War II science fiction shaped how societies think about nuclear war, AI, surveillance, and autonomous weapons before those systems fully existed. My guest is Matt, creator of Feral Historian. We examine the feedback loop between imagination and reality — how stories made invisible threats understandable, emotional, and politically usable. We talk about writers like Arthur C. Clarke, films like They Live, and how science fiction shifted from optimism to pessimism as technology and power consolidated. We also ask a harder question: Did sci-fi help kill the space-age dream — or did it simply tell the truth about where civilization was heading? If you’ve ever wondered whether science fiction influenced the military-industrial complex, or why modern futures feel recycled instead of bold, this conversation will give you a framework for understanding why. Topics Covered: * Science fiction and nuclear war psychology * AI, autonomous weapons, and cultural conditioning * Cold War fear narratives * Surveillance and control in sci-fi * Why the future stopped feeling new. “The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.” Feral Historian YouTube Channel: @feralhistorian  Ninti's Gate book: https://www.amazon.com/Nintis-Gate-Matthias-Pierce/dp/B0D8HK9YJT/ Peter Thorpe space artist interview:https://youtu.be/0R7WpYCtZaE?si=RvDvY6PMSb-gjnW0 Executive Clarity Assessment: https://coldstartech.com/assessment Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospace Fair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuse All referenced material is used here for commentary and analysis purposes. Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice". The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors. https://jasonkanigan.com

    1h 2m

  3. 2025-11-03

    Why the Space Force Needs a Tony Stark Acquisition Model

    Why the Space Force Needs a 'Tony Stark Acquisition Model'The Pentagon takes years to build what China develops in months. But what if the problem isn't the technology: it's the system itself?Colonel Eric Felt (ret.) spent his career inside the machine—leading the Air Force Research Lab Space Vehicles Directorate and shaping Space Force acquisition at the Pentagon. Now he's breaking down exactly where defense innovation breaks, and how to fix it.In this conversation, we cover: The "Valley of Death" and why it's actually a GOOD thing The "Tony Stark Acquisition Model" and how it worksSupply chain vulnerabilities in space systemsHow to bridge research labs and battlefield fasterPPBE budget reform and acquisition workarounds (OTAs, BTRs, quick-start authorities)The Replicator initiative for proliferated LEO satellitesGolden Dome missile defense and what it really meansWhy peacetime makes us complacent and vulnerableCommercial space partnerships that actually work (Starlink case study)How to sell technology to the DoD (insights from someone who bought it).Whether you're building space tech, working in defense, investing in dual-use technology, or just want to understand how America can move faster in great power competition...this is essential viewing.The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 24Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan“The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.”Previous Interviews with Col. Felt:    • Eric Felt on the Cold Star Project  Jason's latest Space industry book, for space startup founders - "The Evolution of Space Ownership": https://coldstartech.com/evospaceFair Use Disclaimer: https://coldstarproject.com/fairuseRemuneration DisclaimerWe were not remunerated by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice".The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the OpEx Society board of advisors.

    1h 16m

  4. 2025-07-23

    What Can We Learn from INTERWAR Tanks to Build the Perfect Space Vehicle?

    What Can We Learn from INTERWAR Tanks to Build the Perfect Space Vehicle? Nicholas Moran (The Chieftain) returns to Cold Star Project for an in-depth analysis of interwar tank doctrine development and its applications to modern space defense.Episode Focus: How seven major nations approached mechanized warfare challenges between 1918-1939, examining their strategic constraints, doctrinal solutions, and ultimate battlefield outcomes. Key Discussion Points: Comparative analysis of French, German, Soviet, British, American, Italian, and Japanese tank development philosophiesResource limitations and industrial capacity impacts on doctrineTactical innovation versus established military thinkingPractical applications for contemporary "space tank" or patrol vehicle concepts Target Insights: Defense professionals will recognize familiar strategic dilemmas in resource allocation, technological integration, and operational planning. History enthusiasts get detailed examination of lesser-known doctrinal decisions that shaped WWII outcomes.Why This Matters: The same fundamental questions that plagued interwar military planners—mobility versus protection, standardization versus specialization, offensive versus defensive priorities—are now central to space-based defense planning.The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 23Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan “The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.” Google Sheet: "Interwar Tank Doctrine Comparison Table Developed from Nicholas Moran's Analysis" https://coldstarproject.com/morantable The Chieftain YouTube Channel:    / @thechieftainshatch   Previous interview:    • Nicholas Moran - Tank Research with The Ch...   -- Music: W. A. Mozart, Symphony No.38 in D major Attribution: A Far Cry Music (YouTube Audio Library), no attribution required -- Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice". The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society. Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.com Operational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.org About Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com

    1h 30m

  5. 2025-07-01

    Space Force: 4 Things YOU Need to KNOW About the Future of Warfare - CSP S04E22

    Space Force: 4 Things YOU Need to KNOW About the Future of Warfare - Interview with Joel Mozer In this revealing interview with Dr. Joel Mozer, retired Chief Scientist of the US Air Force and Space Force, discover insights reshaping America's Space Force and warfighting strategies. Based on a three-year study, Dr. Mozer reveals why space has hit a critical "tipping point", transforming from government-controlled frontier into the ultimate battleground where commercial companies, military forces, and national powers collide. This strategic reality is driving Pentagon decisions right now. Learn how the Space Force's dual mandate revolutionizes military strategy, why commercial space partnerships are America's secret weapon, and what capabilities the US must develop to maintain space supremacy. Dr. Mozer breaks down four critical observations from the multi-author official "Beyond the Tipping Point" report about warfare's future, revealing how space operations connect to every Earth mission. The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 22Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan “The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.” PDF Report, "Beyond the Tipping Point:Space Strategic Foresight Implications forNational and United States Space Force (USSF)", Google Drive link:https://coldstarproject.com/mozerreportDr. Mozer's LinkedIn Profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-mozer-391a0058/Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice". The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society. Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.com Operational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.org About Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com

    55 min

  6. 2025-06-03

    NASA's BIGGEST Moon Challenges for University Students! [Paul van Susante] - CSP S05E08

    NASA's BIGGEST Moon Challenges for University Students - Interview with Paul van SusanteHow do we generate power on the Moon — and keep it running through the harsh 14-day lunar night? In this episode of the Cold Star Project, Dr. Paul van Susante of Michigan Tech shares what it really takes to make lunar infrastructure a reality. From lunar robotics to the NASA Watts on the Moon Challenge, Dr. van Susante’s team of students is solving real-world problems that will shape the future of Moon missions and deep space exploration. We share the experiences of his students participating in NASA challenges on regolith handling, power transmission, thermal issues, and what it means to build infrastructure where no one’s done it before. 🔧 Topics Covered: How to power lunar bases through extreme conditionsWhy the NASA Watts on the Moon Challenge matters — and how student teams are pushing lunar tech forwardRobotic design for dusty, low-gravity environmentsWhat students are building today to support future Moon missionsThe future of off-world civil engineering. 🎓 Guest: Dr. Paul van Susante – Professor at Michigan Technological University and Principal Investigator of the Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab (a.k.a. HuskyWorks). This episode is brought to you by Cold Star Technologies and our Internal Business Intelligence™ initiative — helping space and defense founders gain clarity and control. Learn more at 👉 https://coldstartech.com/ibi The Cold Star Project - Season 5, Episode 8 Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan “The real conversations behind the new space economy, defense tech, and policy—straight from the insiders building it.” Further resources: https://www.youtube.com/@NASAsBreakTheIceLunarChallenge NASA Break the Ice Lunar Challenge website https://breaktheicechallenge.com/NASA Lunabotics competition (student competition) webpage https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/lunabotics-challenge/ Fair Use Disclaimer: This video may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act. ​In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this video for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Credits & Attributions: 1. "[4K, 60 fps] Apollo 16 Lunar Rover 'Grand Prix' (1972 April 21, Moon)" — Film enhanced by Denis Shiryaev Original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az9nFrnCK60 2. "Side view of the crater Moltke" — Photo taken during Apollo 10 by NASA Public domain. NASA Apollo Archive, Image AS10-29-4324 Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4691773. All student and competition photos provided by Paul van Susante. Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice". The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society. Jason's latest Space industry book, The Evolution of Space Entrepreneurship: https://coldstartech.com/evospace Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.com Operational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.org About Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com

    54 min

  7. 2025-05-06

    WWII Innovation Machine: Freedom's Forge and the Arsenal of Democracy [Bill Conley] - CSP S04E21

    WWII Innovation Machine: Freedom's Forge and the Arsenal of Democracy - Interview with Bill Conley How did America transform from a peacetime economy to the "arsenal of democracy" before entering WWII? In this compelling interview, Dr. Bill Conley—former Director of Electronic Warfare at DARPA and current CTO at Mercury Systems—delves into the insights from Freedom's Forge by Arthur Herman. The book chronicles how industrial leaders like William Knudsen and Henry Kaiser revolutionized U.S. defense production.​ 🔍 Key Discussion Points: William Knudsen's Leadership: How the former GM executive spearheaded wartime production efforts.Public-Private Collaboration: The synergy between government directives and industrial execution.Modern Parallels: Applying WWII strategies to today's defense challenges, including electronic warfare and supply chain resilience.Policy Implications: The impact of initiatives like the CHIPS Act and AUKUS on current defense manufacturing.​ Dr. Conley brings a unique perspective, bridging historical strategies with contemporary defense needs. His experience at DARPA and Mercury Systems offers valuable insights into how past successes can inform future innovations. 📘 About Freedom's Forge: Arthur Herman's Freedom's Forge highlights the pivotal role of American industry in WWII, emphasizing the importance of leadership, innovation, and collaboration in overcoming monumental challenges. The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 21Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan Fair Use Disclaimer: This video may contain copyrighted material, the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for purposes of criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act.​In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this video for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use,' you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. Remuneration Disclaimer: We were not remunerated in any way by the guest or their organization if any for this discussion. This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice". The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society. Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.com Operational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.org About Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com

    1h 7m

  8. 2025-04-07

    Supercharging the DEFENSE Innovation Game for an Unrivaled Advantage! [Mike Brown] CSP S04E20

    "Supercharging the DEFENSE Innovation Game for an Unrivaled Advantage!" with guest Mike Brown The Cold Star Project - Season 4, Episode 20 Hosted, Directed, and Produced by Jason Kanigan War On the Rocks article: https://warontherocks.com/2023/09/revisiting-the-hedge-strategy-with-renewed-urgency/ Fast Follower Strategy paper: https://coldstarproject.com/fastfollower This video contains clips from the following copyrighted works used under Fair Use for commentary/criticism purposes: The Final Countdown (1980) - © United Artists / MGM The Color of Money (1986) - © Touchstone Pictures / Walt Disney Studios Top Gun: Maverick (2022) - © Paramount Pictures Modern Marvels DVD - © A&E Networks / History Channel Cold War (CNN Documentary Series) - © CNN Productions THAAD Missile Defense: How it Works - © Fox Business Network/Fox Corporation Raytheon's Ballistic Missile Defense Systems Provide Layered Defense Around the World - © Raytheon Technologies (RTX) All copyrighted content remains the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended. Music: "Per Kiilstofte - Dystopia" / perkiilstofte Royalty Free Music promoted by BreakingCopyright: https://bit.ly/dystopia-song This show is for educational/commentary and entertainment purposes only and is not meant to be what is termed "professional advice". The Cold Star Project is sponsored in partnership by Cold Star Technologies and the Operational Excellence Society. Jason Kanigan is a member of the board of advisors of the OpEx Society. Cold Star Technologies website: https://www.coldstartech.com Operational Excellence Society website: https://www.opexsociety.org About Jason Kanigan: https://jasonkanigan.com

    44 min
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About

The Cold Star Project digs into the challenges of scaling fast that tech and Space manufacturing founders encounter. Money does not solve all problems--so what now? Listen in to discover what scaling problems you'll be running into soon, and get a serious advantage in starting to solve them before they run you over!

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Kanigan
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jason Kanigan
  • Show Website
    Cold Star Project

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