Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen

This episode features Tory Bruno and Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen who served as NASA’s Science Mission Directorate associate administrator from 2016 to 2022, leading one of the most ambitious periods in the agency’s history. During his tenure, NASA launched and managed groundbreaking missions like the Perseverance rover on Mars, OSIRIS-REx which just returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, the Parker Solar Probe mission, which has taken us closer to the Sun than any spacecraft in history, and the James Webb Space Telescope. Dr. Z is known not only for championing bold missions, but also for pushing NASA to take smart risks, embrace innovation, and inspire a new generation of explorers.

The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.