The Burn Sequence - Episodes Tagged with “Space”

Episode 6: Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen

United Launch Alliance — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

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, former 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.

Episode 5: Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno

United Launch Alliance — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

She helped build the U.S. Space Force. She was the first woman general officer in its history. Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno (Ret.) joins Tory Bruno to discuss deterrence, the origins of the U.S. Space Force, and the importance of leading the space domain against China.

Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno was one of the first officers to take launch seriously as a career path. She went on to help stand up the United States Space Force, becoming one of its founding leaders and shaping how we think about space as a true warfighting domain. A true pioneer, she was the first woman to serve as a general officer in the Space Force, and during her tenure as director of staff at Space Force headquarters, she helped build the foundation of America's newest military service. Over her career in the Air Force and Space Force, she’s commanded Space Wings, led the second largest operations group in the Air Force, led a squadron, and been at the forefront of missile warning, space surveillance, and strategic operations.

Episode 2: Jim Bridenstine

United Launch Alliance — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The second episode of the Burn Sequence featuring special guest Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator and member of Congress discuss space technology, global rivals, our future among the stars and much more.