In this episode of Inside West Point: Ideas that Impact, Lt. Col. Will Koch, Program Director for the Space Science Program at West Point, discusses the critical role of space in modern warfare. He shares his extensive experience from serving in Iraq to working with NASA on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. Koch highlights the challenges soldiers face with rapidly advancing technology, the importance of understanding and trusting space equipment, and the potential vulnerabilities in space assets.

The conversation delves into the Space Science Program at West Point, recent research projects, including nuclear thermal propulsion, and the importance of programming skills for leaders. The discussion also touches on the militarization of space and maintaining technological advantages on the battlefield.

00:00 Introduction to the Space Science Program 

00:21 Lieutenant Colonel Will Koch's Background 

01:40 Challenges in Modern Warfare and Space 

02:53 Trust and Technology in Combat 

03:41 Integrating Space Capabilities on the Battlefield 

05:32 The Role of GPS and Technological Overreliance 

08:40 Space Domain's Impact on Global Conflicts 

11:30 Space Science Program Initiatives 

17:47 Innovative Research and Projects 

18:47 Nuclear Thermal Propulsion: The Future of Space Travel 

24:12 Private Industry's Role in Space Exploration 

24:58 The Space Cadre Course at West Point 

26:28 Space Science and the War Fighter 

28:31 Challenges in Space Militarization 

31:56 West Point's Future in Space Innovation 

33:37 A Journey from NASA to West Point 

39:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

44:06 Final Thoughts and Advice 

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• Website: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics
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• Learn more about the Space Science Program: https://www.westpoint.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/space-science-major

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Credits:

1. Guest: LTC Will Koch: (https://www.westpoint.edu/physics-and-nuclear-engineering/profile/william_koch)
2. Host: Brigadier General Shane Reeves: (http://linkedin.com/in/shane-reeves-7950a31b3)
3. Recording: West Point Public Affairs-Visual Information
4. Production: Growth Network Podcasts: (https://growthnetworkpodcasts.com)
5. Publisher: West Point Press (https://westpointpress.com)

This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.