248 episodes
- Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney talks combat search and rescue (CSAR) with Col. Michael "Mongo" Kingry, Deputy Commander of the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base. When two F-15E aircrew were shot down deep inside Iran during Operation Epic Fury, the Air Force paused an entire air campaign to bring them home and did so successfully. CSAR matters. It's the product of decades of investment in unique technology, training, tactics, and people. Join us for a deep dive into how a rescue is executed and how the mission is evolving.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Col. Michael "Mongo" Kingry, Deputy Commander, 31st Fighter Wing, Aviano Air Base
Links:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #CSAR #Europe #Rescue - Episode Summary:
Collaborative combat aircraft are no longer just a concept. Airmen are now loading weapons onto them, controlling them in flight, and flying them alongside manned platforms. In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney and Houston "Slider" Cantwell of the Mitchell team talk to Col. Scott Gunn and Col. John Cummings about the Experimental Operations Unit at Creech AFB—the team charged with transforming CCA from prototype to operational reality.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Brig. Gen. Houston "Slider" Cantwell, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Col. Scott Gunn
Guest: Col. John Cummings
Links:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Defense #Quantum #Technology - Episode Summary:
Quantum technologies, including sensing, communication, and computing, are potential game changing breakthroughs identified in the Space Forces’ Future Operating Environment 2040. Join our discussion with a technology leader demonstrating quantum capabilities, not in the lab, but on-orbit. Jay Lowell, the Chief Engineer for Boeing’s Q4S effort shares details about the science and operational applications of what promises to be one of the 21st century's most important advancements.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Jay Lowell, Boeing Quantum Systems
Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)
Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, MI-SPACE
Links:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Defense #Quantum #Technology Hill Update, Chinese Space Progress, and Airpower Attacks Falling Short: The Rendezvous — Ep. 301
01/08/2026 | 58 mins.Episode Summary:
In this episode, our team reviews where the defense bills stand in Congress. We also discuss Lt. Gen. Schiess' confirmation hearing for CSO, as well as China's success in recovering an orbital class booster. When it comes to airpower, we discuss capacity strains, how to reset the munitions deficits, and the latest with CCA contract awards. Our team wraps up exploring why recent attacks on airpower don't match with reality.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Lt. Gen. David Deptula, USAF (Ret.), Dean, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)
Guest: Mark "Gonzo" Gunzinger, Director of Future Concepts and Capability Assessments, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Anthony "Lazer" Lazarski, Principal, Cornerstone Government Affairs
Links:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Hill #Government #Budget #AirForce #SpaceForceBlueprint for 2040: Inside the Space Force's Objective Force Baseline — Ep. 300
25/07/2026 | 56 mins.Episode Summary:
To secure the growing U.S. interests in space, it is imperative we have a capable and ready Space Force that can meet the challenges of the future. The Future Operating Environment 2040 and the Objective Force Baseline are the Space Force’s assessment of what to expect and what forces and capabilities it will need to preserve space superiority. To learn more about these documents we had an in-depth discussion with two of the principal authors, Col. Paul Latour and Lt. Col. Sean Frederick.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Charles Galbreath, Director & Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, The Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE)
Guest: Jennifer "Boots" Reeves, Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies, MI-SPACE
Guest: Col. Paul LaTour
Guest: Lt. Col. Sean Frederick
Links:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mitchell.Institute.Aerospace
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3nzBisb
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchellstudies/
#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #Space #Military #Future
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About The Aerospace Advantage
The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies is proud to present The Aerospace Advantage, with Heather ”Lucky” Penney as the host. Every week, Lucky takes listeners into the world of aerospace power and help the audience understand what it takes to fly and fight in the sky, while also protecting America’s interests in space. Whether talking to top generals, standing on a flight line full of combat aircraft, looking at a rocket being prepared for launch, or hearing from those who have laid it all on the line in defense of the nation—this podcast will afford unprecedented access and insight into where the combat aerospace community is going and why.
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