PBS NOVA Features Mitchell Institute Experts in ‘Space Wars’ Documentary

ARLINGTON, Va. — AFA’s Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies spent two years advising PBS on NOVA’s “Space Wars,” a documentary on growing threats to space security and how Earth orbit is becoming the next battlefield. The documentary, which aired Oct. 7, also features commentary and insights from PBS’ interview with retired Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, the Explorer Chair of the Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence (MI-SPACE), a former commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and a former NASA astronaut.

MI-SPACE Director and Senior Resident Fellow Charles Galbreath and Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies Jennifer Reeves served as program advisors for the documentary, drawing on their lifelong careers and expertise in the space domain. They also advised on the film’s graphics and language, and helped the production team connect with military and industry experts. The film’s credits thank the Mitchell Institute and its dean, Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, USAF (Ret.).

Chilton’s interview was filmed at the Air & Space Forces Association’s headquarters in Arlington, Va. In the film, he explains why the space domain matters to national security, including the critical role of GPS in defense and everyday life, and how difficult it often is to tell military and civilian space capabilities apart. Drawing on his long career with the Air Force and NASA, he also delivers the film’s closing line, a caution from history: “There has not been a domain that human beings have not figured out how to fight in: underwater, on top of the water, on land, in the air. Why is space any different?”

“It was an honor to contribute to NOVA’s ‘Space Wars’ and help bring the realities of an increasingly contested space domain to a national audience,” Reeves said. “Space is fundamental to our national security and our everyday lives, and I hope this excellent and engaging documentary helps Americans better understand both what’s at stake and why protecting our ability to operate in space matters.”

“It was a thrill to work with the NOVA team on this special,” Galbreath said. “Then to watch the finished product was simply amazing. They did such a great job pulling it all together and making what can be a complicated subject approachable to everyone.”

“Space Wars” explores how satellites, vital to daily life and the economy, face threats from adversaries and from orbital debris, and how experts are weighing the implications. The film is available to stream at pbs.org/nova and on the PBS app.

About the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies  

The Mitchell Institute is the only think tank focused on airpower and spacepower, located in the nation’s capital. The Mitchell Institute is an independent, nonpartisan research organization established to provide innovative, insightful, fact-based research, analysis, and policy options to inform decision-makers, experts, and the public on national security issues in the air and space domains. Mitchell provides deep analysis of important issues, strategy, and technology through research reports and policy papers on a wide range of subjects. Mitchell conducts cutting edge workshops and wargames and facilitates topical expert conversations through a variety of community activities and engagement opportunities, from symposia to round tables. Mitchell also engages top air and space leaders with its internationally acclaimed webinar series and influential weekly podcast series that both cover a broad range of timely air and space issues. 

About AFA 

The Air & Space Forces Association is an independent, non-profit 501(c)3 association dedicated to advocating for the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Space Force, Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. Founded in 1946, AFA is the single largest entity of its kind focused on airpower and spacepower. With more than 350,000 members and 200 chapters spread around the world, our mission is to promote dominant U.S. Air Force and Space Force as the foundation of a strong National Defense; to honor and support Airmen, Guardians, and their Families; and to remember and respect the enduring heritage of the Air Force and Space Force.