This episode takes listeners inside Space Force's daily operations, revealing how young Guardians control trillion-dollar satellite systems from windowless control rooms. Miles Mercer examines the GPS constellation's critical role in military precision and civilian life, satellite communications enabling global military coordination, and missile warning systems that could prevent nuclear war. The episode explores space situational awareness tracking thirty-four thousand orbital objects, environmental monitoring supporting worldwide operations, and intelligence coordination with classified agencies. It reveals the unique challenges of continuous global operations, the integration of artificial intelligence, and the operational tempo required to maintain America's space-based military advantages in an increasingly contested orbital environment.
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This episode examines the unprecedented challenge of creating America's first new military service since 1947. Miles Mercer explores how sixteen thousand Air Force personnel became Space Force Guardians overnight while maintaining critical national security missions. The episode covers General Jay Raymond's leadership, the service's three-command structure, and the geographic distribution across key bases like Peterson and Schriever. It delves into recruitment challenges competing with private industry, creating new military traditions and identity, developing specialized training programs, and navigating complex budget and congressional oversight. The episode reveals the bureaucratic moonshot of building organizational culture, uniforms, and doctrine for a service fighting wars that had never been fought using constantly evolving technologies.
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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

This opening episode traces how space evolved from peaceful exploration to contested warzone. Starting with Sputnik's 1957 launch that shocked America into the space race, Miles Mercer examines the parallel development of military space programs alongside NASA's civilian efforts. From Cold War spy satellites and Soviet anti-satellite weapons to Reagan's "Star Wars" initiative, the episode reveals space's hidden military history. It explores how GPS revolutionized both warfare and daily life, creating trillion-dollar dependencies that became strategic vulnerabilities. Covering China's anti-satellite tests, Russia's electronic warfare capabilities, and emerging space threats, the episode culminates with Space Force's 2019 establishment as America's response to the militarization of the final frontier.
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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI