In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator and U.S. Congressman, who oversaw the launch of the Artemis program—America’s renewed effort to return astronauts to the Moon.Now Managing Partner of the Artemis Group, Bridenstine discusses the intersection of politics, policy, and innovation shaping the modern space race. From government shutdowns and funding instability to U.S.-China competition and the future of lunar commercialization, he shares candid insights on why America’s leadership in space depends on sustaining investment, fostering commercial partnerships, and inspiring a new generation through science and exploration.

In this episode of Space Minds, host David Ariosto speaks with Max Haot, CEO of Vast, the ambitious aerospace company based in Long Beach, California, one of a very few companies working diligently towards the first commercial space station. Just days after the successful launch of Vast’s pathfinder mission, Haot shares what it was like to see their Haven demo spacecraft come to life in orbit — from tense moments in the control room to the triumph of first contact. We talk about their next big step, Haven-1, set to become one of the first privately built, human-rated orbital habitat, and how Vast plans to ensure a seamless transition from the International Space Station to a new era of commercial space infrastructure. Haot also discusses safety, competition, and the future business of living and working in low Earth orbit — all part of Vast’s vision to make space permanently accessible.