As Commercial Space has taken off, so too has popular interest in it.

Converting that interest into a bigger pipeline of future talent is something Aerospace

Industries Association CEO Eric Fanning is very focused on accomplishing.

We've got to think about investing, I think, more in the educational system and broadening

the opportunities that are available for kids at an early age.

We've got to start young to have that big part of the funnel as big as possible.

Then we have to do things that excite kids to pursue STEM.

AIA is the top advocacy organization for the broader U.S. aerospace and defense industry, representing

more than 320 companies ranging from the biggest prime contractors to small family-owned businesses.

Prior to AIA, Fanning served as the US Army Secretary under the Obama administration and

held senior appointments in all three military departments and the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

On this episode, which was taped at the Reagan National Defense Forum in early December,

we discuss space policy, national security concerns, and education.

I'm Morgan Brennan and this is manifest space. Joining

now,

Eric Fanning, head of the Aerospace Industries Association and

former Secretary of the Army,

among other roles.

It's so great to speak with you for the podcast. There's so much we could talk about, but one of the areas of your jurisdiction is space specifically. You did just come off of a meeting of the National

Space Council just walk me through some of the headlines yeah absolutely so the

the National Space Council which is the senior government officials chaired by the

Vice President has an external equivalent, the user advisory group.

...