The Spacepower Podcast

Space Force Association

Discussions to advocate for the capabilities to support the United States space superiority mission. The official podcast of the Space Force Association. www.ussfa.org. "Military spacepower has deterrent and coercive capacities — it provides independent options for National and Joint leadership but achieves its greatest potential when integrated with other forms of military power." - Gen John W. Raymond, 1st Chief of Space Operations, Space Capstone Publication, Spacepower (SCP), USSF HQ, June 2020

  1. 12/04/2025

    EP29: Interview with Space Machines

    Space Machines Company (SMC) is an Australian space startup founded in 2019 that provides orbital logistics, in-space servicing, and space resilience solutions. Its mission is to act as “roadside assistance in space,” offering rapid response capabilities to protect and support satellites in Earth orbit and beyond. Founded: 2019, headquartered in Sydney, Australia.Global Presence: Offices in Adelaide (Australia), Bengaluru (India), and Denver (USA).Core Mission: Safeguard space assets and enhance resilience in congested and contested orbital environments.Orbital Logistics & Transportation Deploy spacecraft into LEO, MEO, GEO, and beyond.Provide payload hosting services using the Optimus platform.In-Space Services Satellite inspection and imagery (down to 1 cm resolution).Refueling and life extension.Active debris removal.Spacecraft servicing and repair.Exploration Scientific and commercial missions to the Moon and deep space.Space Resilience Orbitside Assist: Rapid on-orbit response to monitor, assist, and protect satellites.Positioned as “first responders” for allied space operations under AUKUS and QUAD partnerships.Sustainability: Build resilience in space defense and commercial activities.Innovation: Develop affordable, accessible platforms for on-orbit servicing.Future Outlook: Envisions a future where all satellites are serviced in orbit, reducing costs and extending mission lifespans.In essence: Space Machines Company is positioning itself as a critical enabler of safe, sustainable, and resilient space operations, combining orbital logistics with rapid-response servicing to protect satellites and extend their utility. Would you like me to also compare Space Machines Company with other orbital servicing startups (like Astroscale or Orbit Fab) so you can see how their approaches differ? 🚀 Company Overview🔑 Capabilities & Services🌌 Strategic Vision📊 At a GlanceAttributeDetailsFounded2019HQSydney, AustraliaGlobal OfficesAdelaide, Bengaluru, DenverFlagship PlatformOptimusKey Service“Roadside Assistance in Space” (Orbitside Assist)CapabilitiesOrbital transport, servicing, debris removal, explorationPartnershipsAUKUS, QUAD footprint for allied resilience

    54 min
  2. EP28: Interview with Maj Gen James E. Smith, Commander, Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)

    11/21/2025

    EP28: Interview with Maj Gen James E. Smith, Commander, Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)

    Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) exists to prepare combat-ready USSF forces to fight and win in a contested, degraded, and operationally-limited environment through the deliberate development, education and training of space professionals; development of space warfighting doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures; and the test and evaluation of USSF capabilities.     The USSF has three intermediate-level Field Commands (FIELDCOMs) within its four-tiered organizational structure: Space Operations Command (SpOC), Space Systems Command (SSC), and STARCOM. In order to create a leaner, more agile force, the USSF eliminated two levels of command that exist within the Air Force and now consists of: USSF Headquarters (at the Pentagon with the other services), FIELDCOMs, Space Deltas (DELs), and Squadrons.    Upon approval by the Secretary of the Air Force, the locations for STARCOM headquarters and each of the deltas, except for Delta 1, will be determined following the Department of the Air Force’s Strategic Basing Process. Delta 1 will be located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The STARCOM HQ staff will be a combination of existing manpower transferred from SpOC and new authorizations to be added over the next several years, which requires Congressional approval.     HISTORY  STARCOM was activated as the Space Force's third field command on 23 August 2021. Comprised of five subordinate DELs, STARCOM carries the organizational lineage and heritage of the Space Innovation and Development Center which was inactivated in 2013. The SIDC was initially constituted as the USAF Space Warfare Center Oct. 13 1993 and activated Nov. 1, 1993. It was re-designated the Space Warfare Center July 1, 1994 and then the Space Innovation and Development Center Mar 1, 2006. About STARCOM

    36 min

About

Discussions to advocate for the capabilities to support the United States space superiority mission. The official podcast of the Space Force Association. www.ussfa.org. "Military spacepower has deterrent and coercive capacities — it provides independent options for National and Joint leadership but achieves its greatest potential when integrated with other forms of military power." - Gen John W. Raymond, 1st Chief of Space Operations, Space Capstone Publication, Spacepower (SCP), USSF HQ, June 2020

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