In this week's episode of Space Minds, former Navy captain, shuttle astronaut, and current president of the Space Operating Group at ASRC Federal, Scooter Altman, reflects on his remarkable career—from performing stunts in Top Gun to commanding space missions—and shares his insights on why Mars represents humanity's next great leap.In the conversation Altman begins by sharing his experience performing aerial stunts for the movie Top Gun, offering a glimpse into the crossover between military aviation and popular culture.The discussion then shifts to the evolution of space exploration, reflecting on the capabilities and limitations of the space shuttle, the stalled ambitions of a Mars mission by 2015, and the challenges of transitioning to new launch systems. Altman highlights the rise of commercial spaceflight, especially the role of companies like SpaceX, while acknowledging the risks and regulatory complexities involved. The conversation touches on broader themes like national prestige, competition with China, and the urgent need for better space traffic management as launch rates and satellite numbers surge. Altman closes with a personal story of perseverance, detailing his setbacks and determination to become an astronaut, emphasizing the importance of resilience and never giving up on one’s goals.

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