
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.
Episodes

3 days ago
3 days ago
56 min
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Heather "Lucky" Penney and Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.) discuss the small UAV threat and how the Air Force is fighting back with Col. Alfred Rosales, Commander of the 319th Reconnaissance Wing, and Lt. Col. Cody Moore, ACC Directorate of Operations A35 division chief. It's no secret: small UAVs are driving massive battlespace change. From Ukraine to the Middle East, cheap and highly adaptable UAVs are attacking at scale. Traditional air defense systems are strained trying to meet the threat. We talk about the Point Defense Battle Lab at Grand Forks AFB, layered sensing capability, and training airmen for the counter-UAV mission.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Guest: Brig. Gen. Houston "Slider" Cantwell, Senior Resident Fellow, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Guest: Col. Alfred Rosales, Commander, 319th Reconnaissance Wing
Guest: Lt. Col. Cody Moore, ACC Directorate of Operations A35 Division Chief
Links:
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://bit.ly/3GbA5Of
Website: https://mitchellaerospacepower.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellStudies
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#MitchellStudies #AerospaceAdvantage #uav #airforce #europe

Aug 22, 2026
Aug 22, 2026
52 min
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

Aug 15, 2026
Aug 15, 2026
55 min
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

Aug 8, 2026
Aug 8, 2026
1 hr 21 sec
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

Aug 1, 2026
Aug 1, 2026
58 min
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 #SpaceForce

Jul 25, 2026
Jul 25, 2026
56 min
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

Jul 18, 2026
Jul 18, 2026
46 min
Episode Summary:
With combatant commands requesting record levels of Air Force airpower, it’s crucial to remember that success comes down to the Total Force: Active, Reserve, and Guard. Given the scale of demand, individuals in each of these components are pressing hard to meet mission demand each and every day. We learn more about these requirements and discuss future vectors with Air Force Reserve Commander Lt. Gen. John Healy. Whether looking at air superiority, command and control, mobility, long range strike, or numerous other missions, members of the Air Force Reserve are pushing it up to get the job done.
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: Lt. Gen. John Healy, Air Force Reserve Commander
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 #Air #Military #Aviation

Jul 11, 2026
Jul 11, 2026
49 min
Episode Summary:
Air Force leaders have clearly stated that it’s time to think about resetting their mobility aircraft inventory—both tankers and airlifters. These mission sets are crucial for empowering modern military power. We chat with JetZero president and chief operating officer Dan Da Silva about how blended wing body technology could better meet these requirements going forward. We also discuss the importance of expanding America’s aerospace innovation and production capacity, including introducing new types of designs, adapting to new operational paradigms, or expanding the workforce where America builds airplanes.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: Dan Da Silva, President & COO, JetZero
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 #Air #Military #Aviation

Jul 3, 2026
Jul 3, 2026
1 hr 12 min
Episode Summary:
As America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, it's crucial to remember that air and space power have manifested some of our nation's most important achievements. Whether talking about winning wars or exploring the globe and outer space, Airmen, Guardians, astronauts, teams of engineers, support personnel, and top national leaders have repeatedly harnessed the domains of air and space to do what many previously thought was impossible. We gather to discuss the top accomplishments, innovations, and examples of personal sacrifice that our team thinks best exemplify air and space power.
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 #America250 #History #Air #Space

Jun 27, 2026
Jun 27, 2026
56 min
Episode Summary:
Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) represent the next generation of uncrewed autonomous airpower. The Air Force recently awarded a series of contracts that will see the FQ-42 and FQ-44 CCAs transition to the operational realm. We want to learn more about where the program stands at this juncture, and there’s no one better to help us do that than Anduril's Dave “Mach” Cochran and General Atomic's Mike Atwood.
Credits:
Host: Heather "Lucky" Penney, Director of Research, The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies
Producer: Shane Thin
Executive Producer: Douglas Birkey
Guest: David "Mach" Cochran, Director, Autonomous Airpower Growth, Anduril Industries
Guest: Mike Atwood, Senior Director, Advanced Programs at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
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 #CCA #Industry
