In this week's episode of Space Minds Retired Space Force Lt. Gen. John Shaw explains what it was like building a new military branch, the risks of commercial integration and the race to protect U.S. satellites in orbit.

General Shaw shares some of the history on the formation of the Space Force and its cultural shift away from the Air Force, to the growing influence of commercial players like SpaceX and the conversation dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of the “Third Space Age.”

General Shaw also shares insights on emerging technologies, vulnerabilities in space infrastructure, the strategic implications of China’s advancements, and the potential of data centers and AI-enabled autonomy in orbit.

And don't miss our co-hosts' Space Take on important stories.