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By MDA Space - August 7, 2025
Next Giant Leap Season 2: The Global Space Race
Our second season of the Next Giant Leap podcast in partnership with GZERO Media is now available, exploring the urgent and far-reaching implications of the global space race. Over four episodes, co-hosts Mike Greenley, MDA Space CEO, and Mike Massimino, former NASA astronaut, dive into the driving geopolitical narratives of the 21st century and what it all means for space defence, national security, and our daily lives.
Episode 1: The New Space Race
In this first episode, our hosts examine the high-stakes world of the modern space race, examining its far-reaching implications for national security, economic growth, and innovation. They’re joined by guest experts Jane Harman, former US Congresswoman, and Dean Cheng, a fellow at George Washington University’s Space Policy Institute. This first episode analyzes the key players vying for dominance, the emerging threats and opportunities posed by space-based tensions, and the pioneering role of private space companies in shaping the space sector.
Episode 2: Military in Space
In episode two of Next Giant Leap, our hosts are joined by guests Ret. Major General Kim Crider, who served in the US Air Force for more than 35 years, and Brigadier General Christopher Horner, the 3 Canadian Space Division Commander and Joint Force Space Component Commander for the Canadian Armed Forces, to dissect the critical role of space operations in modern military strategy. Together, they discuss the future of space defence, cutting-edge developments, international cooperation, and the implications for global security. Our guests offer expert insights on the threats and opportunities of space-based attacks and collaborative innovation, providing a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of space defence.
Episode 3: The Two Trillion Dollar Opportunity
The space industry is poised to blast off into unprecedented growth, with an estimated value of a staggering $1.8 trillion by 2035. In this episode, our hosts are joined by Alexander MacDonald, former Chief Economist at NASA, who sheds light on the often-overlooked impact of space technology on our daily lives. From the rapid expansion of the global space economy to the exciting possibilities on the horizon, MacDonald shares his insights on what it means for jobs, investments and innovation here on Earth.
Episode 4: The Industrialization of Space: Medicine and Mining
As space becomes more accessible, we’re entering a new era—one where the industrialization of space could transform life here on Earth. To conclude our series, our hosts are joined by two experts, Dr. Joan Saary and Dr. Gordon Osinski, who discuss the latest groundbreaking developments in pharmaceutical research, asteroid mining, and the revolutionary potential of building new organs and tissues in microgravity.
Tune into season two of Next Giant Leap to stay ahead of the curve on the latest developments in space, technology, and innovation. With expert engagement, insightful discussions, and a deep dive into the most pressing topics on space, this season is a can’t miss!
Missed season one? Listen to it here!