For the first time since 1972, the United States left Earth’s orbit en route to the Moon as part of the Artemis II Mission. While the astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft did not step foot on the Moon during this mission, the astronauts set a record by venturing farther from Earth than any human in history. In this episode, Vandenberg Coalition Advisory Board member Kari Bingen joins to discuss how this inspirational moment serves as both an example of American ingenuity and a reminder of how space has become increasingly important for modern warfare and national security.

(1:53) Artemis II's Goals

(4:00) The Era of Space Exploration from Kennedy to Today

(6:14) President Trump's Executive on American Space Superiority

(8:18) Defining Terms In Space Policy

(11:18) Space Treaties and Protocols

(13:45) "Extending the Battlefield to Space"

(18:27) Space Debris

(23:00) America's Adversaries in Space: China

(25:39) America's Adversaries in Space: Russia

(26:59) How the Private Sector Affects Competitive Advantage in Space

(32:09) What Winning and Leadership in Space Look Like

Mentioned Article: "Extending the Battlefield to Space" (Kari Bingen, CSIS, September 16, 2025

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ugBUumIrxqQ