#185 Scott "Kidd" Poteet - SpaceX Polaris Dawn Astronaut on Spacewalk, Moon Landing and Mars
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Scott "Kidd" Poteet, a former U.S. Air Force pilot and current SpaceX astronaut, discusses his remarkable journey from intense combat missions to space exploration. Poteet shares his transformative experience with faith, recounting how his daughter's near-drowning profoundly shaped his worldview and perspective on moral responsibility.
The episode delves into Poteet's involvement with groundbreaking spaceflight missions like Inspiration4 and the upcoming Polaris Dawn. He provides insights into the physical and psychological challenges of space travel, including the effects of weightlessness and the complexities of conducting research in spacecraft confines. Poteet also expresses his optimism for the future accessibility of space travel, envisioning advancements like space hotels enabled by technologies such as Starlink's global communications network.
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1-Page Summary
Scott Poteet's Military Career
Scott Poteet is a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who served for 20 years. During his career, he accrued over 3,200 flight hours, including over 400 combat hours in aircraft like F-16s, A-4s, and T-38s. Poteet reached top speeds of Mach 2.05.
Poteet's Korea Deployment
While deployed to Osan Air Base in Korea, Poteet flew intense combat missions near the border, constantly prepared for potential conflict. His experience involved challenging nighttime flights using night vision goggles. Off-duty, the predominantly young squadron embraced a "work hard, play hard" culture, frequently partying in Seoul.
Faith's Profound Impact
Initially not deeply religious, Poteet became devoted to faith after his daughter Maddie nearly drowned in 2011. He feels her survival was divinely intervened. His faith shapes his view of his combat decisions as morally responsible actions.
Spaceflight Missions: Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn
As mission director for Inspiration4 in 2021, the first all-civilian spaceflight, Poteet led crew training and execution, raising $250M for St. Jude's hospital. In 2024's Polaris Dawn, Poteet aims to set new spaceflight records with the first commercial spacewalk.
Space Travel's Physical and Psychological Challenges
Poteet describes the disorienting effects of transitioning between gravity and weightlessness. He recounts the intense re-entry forces, health risks, and the necessity of complex medical procedures in space. Adapting to a spacecraft's confines and conducting research poses immense physical and mental difficulties.
The Future of Accessible Space Travel
Poteet is optimistic that SpaceX innovations will significantly reduce spaceflight's costs. He envisions a future where civilian space travel becomes commonplace, with facilities like space hotels enabled by technologies like Starlink's global communications network.
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Additional Materials
Clarifications
- The Inspiration4 mission was a historic 2021 spaceflight by SpaceX, involving only private citizens onboard. It aimed to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and marked a significant milestone in commercial space travel. The crew included Jared Isaacman, Hayley Arceneaux, Christopher Sembroski, and Sian Proctor. The mission highlighted the potential for civilian space exploration and charitable initiatives in space.
- The Polaris Dawn mission was a private crewed spaceflight led by SpaceX as part of the Polaris program. Launched in September 2024, it set milestones by flying the crew to a record distance from Earth, conducting a commercial spacewalk, and contributing to records for people in orbit. The mission aimed to study the effects of space radiation and spaceflight on the human body. The crew safely returned after nearly five days in space.
- Re-entry forces are the intense physical stresses experienced by spacecraft and astronauts during the return to Earth's atmosphere. These forces are caused by the rapid deceleration of the spacecraft as it re-enters the atmosphere, leading to high temperatures and pressures. Astronauts must withstand these forces as the spacecraft slows down and lands safely on Earth. The design of spacecraft and re-entry procedures are crucial in managing and mitigating the effects of re-entry forces.
- Starlink is a satellite internet constellation project developed by SpaceX, aiming to provide high-speed internet access globally, especially in remote and underserved areas. The network consists of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit, working together to beam internet connectivity to users on the ground. Starlink's goal is to offer reliable and low-latency internet service, bridging the digital divide and expanding access to high-quality internet around the world. The project has the potential to revolutionize internet connectivity, offering an alternative to traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure.
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Poteet's Fighter Pilot and Military Career
Scott Poteet is a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel with a distinguished career marked by over 3,200 flight hours in various military aircraft and a significant number of combat hours.
Poteet's Distinguished Air Force Career Includes 3,200+ Flight Hours in F-16s, A-4s, T-38s, and Over 400 Combat Hours
Throughout his 20 years of service in the US Air Force, Scott Poteet accrued more than 3,200 flight hours across a range of aircraft, including F-16s, A-4s, and T-38s. He supported operations such as Northern Watch, Joint Guardian, Freedom's Sentinel, and Resolute Support, accumulating over 400 hours in combat. Poteet recalls reaching Mach 2.05 speeds in an F-16 and discusses the constraints of flying such a powerful aircraft, especially for taller pilots. He shares the significance of graduating from F-16 school and the exhilaration of dangerous night flying in South Korea.
Poteet Deployed To Korea and Experienced Fighter Pilot Culture
Scott "Kidd" Poteet describes his time in Korea as a blend of intense training missions and significant off-duty partying within the squadron culture. He flew combat missions along the Korea border and describes the experience as "constantly prepared for an invasion." His deployment to Korea was marked by challenging missions at night using NVGs (night vision goggles), an atmosphere he refers to as "scary type flying." While stationed at Osan Air Base, Poteet immersed himself in a "push it up" mentality culture, where the squadron engaged in combat-focused missions offset by significant downtime partying in Seoul.
Poteet's Korea: Intense Training and Off-duty Partying With the Squadron
With approximately 70% of the squadron consisting of bachelors at Osan Air Base, Poteet recounts how they adhered to a "work hard, play hard" ethos. As a new guy, also known as an FNG, he found support among his peers within the "Lieutenant Protection Asso ...
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Poteet's Fighter Pilot and Military Career
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore the dynamics of teamwork and leadership by joining a local amateur sports team, where the focus is on both performance and camaraderie. Similar to the squadron culture described, sports teams often embody a "work hard, play hard" mentality, allowing you to experience the balance of rigorous training with team bonding. For example, joining a community soccer league can give you a taste of this dynamic, as you'll train together, face challenges as a unit, and celebrate wins and losses, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
- Enhance your stress management and decision-making skills by engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, which can simulate the adrenaline and quick thinking required in high-pressure situations. HIIT workouts require you to push your limits and make rapid decisions about pacing and movement, akin to a pilot navigating a fast-paced mission. By regularly practicing HIIT, you can improve your ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure, which is beneficial in both personal and professional settings.
- Develop a deep ...
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Poteet's Faith and Its Influence
Scott "Kidd" Poteet's commitment to faith has become central to his life following a sequence of profound personal experiences, particularly the near-drowning of his daughter. His faith is further influenced by his experiences in combat.
Poteet's Faith Revived After His Daughter's Near-Drowning
Near-Tragedy Sparked Poteet's Commitment to Faith, Feeling Divine Presence and Intervention
Poteet wasn't raised with a deep religious foundation. His wife, a strong Christian, was pivotal in sparking his turn to faith. This change was especially influenced by the near-tragedy in 2011 when his daughter Maddie nearly drowned after falling off a dock while the family prepared for the Fourth of July fireworks.
As Poteet recollects the panic and desperation of rescuing Maddie, performing resuscitation, and praying for her life, he remembers that the incident occurred just hours after they had been baptized. To him, the fact that Maddie recovered completely, without any damage, despite being in the water for an estimated two to three minutes, was nothing short of divine intervention. This sequence of events fortifies his faith, prompting him to read the Bible regularly and place God at the forefront of his life decisions, hoping to be used as a voice to share God's message.
Poteet's Faith and His Combat Experience Reflections
Poteet Reconciles Warrior Mentality With Being a Vessel of God's Love
In discussing his experiences of combat and releasing munitions, Poteet describes the heavy emotional toll and the scrutiny he applies to ensure the decision to use force is just. He hopes his combat decisions were made for the right reasons, striving for mo ...
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Poteet's Faith and Its Influence
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Actionables
- You can start a reflective journal to explore how personal experiences shape your beliefs. Write down significant life events and reflect on how they have influenced your values and decisions. This practice can help you understand the role of personal experiences in shaping your worldview, much like how a pivotal event can ignite a deeper exploration of faith.
- Create a personal ethics code to guide your decisions in challenging situations. Consider what principles are most important to you and how they align with your beliefs. This code can serve as a compass during difficult times, helping you to make choices that you believe are morally right and in line with your values.
- Engage in nature-based mindfulness exercises to deepen your appreciation for the world around you. Take time to observe nat ...
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Poteet's Astronaut Experiences: Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn Missions
Scott "Kidd" Poteet's career in space exploration marks a significant shift with his leadership roles in two groundbreaking missions: Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn, both of which have pushed the boundaries of civilian space travel.
Poteet's Career Shifted With a Leadership Role in Inspiration4, the First All-civilian Spaceflight
Poteet transitioned from FinTech to become the mission director for Inspiration4, the world's first all-civilian space flight in 2021. His connection to Jared Isaacman, who had developed the largest privately owned fleet of fighter jets, paved the way for Poteet's involvement in the mission.
Poteet's Role: Key in Inspiration4 Planning, Training, and Execution, Raising $250M For St. Jude
Poteet played a central part in the planning, training, and execution of the mission. With a vision to impact the world significantly, the team carried out the mission with randomly selected crew members despite COVID-19 challenges and a compressed training period. Poteet selected Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon for their spacecraft systems knowledge and expressed his sense of being blessed for the opportunity. Chris Sembroski and Dr. Sian Proctor were chosen for the other seats through various means, including a contest and a donation. The training was rigorous, involving centrifuge, altitude chamber, and simulator training, as well as climbing Mount Rainier and fighter jet flights. Poteet recounts the emotional experience of the mission, its successful conclusion with a splashdown, and the crew's exceptional capabilities. This mission ultimately raised an impressive $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Inspired by Inspiration4's Success, Poteet Tackled a More Ambitious Challenge With Polaris Dawn, Aiming For New Human Spaceflight Records
Encouraged by the achievements of Inspiration4, Poteet took on an even more ambitious project with the Polaris Dawn mission.
Polaris Dawn: First Mission in Program, Focus on Commercial Spacewalk Exploration
As the mission pilot for Polaris Dawn in 2024, Poteet was slated to venture nearly 900 miles above Earth, setting new human spaceflight records, including the first-ever commercial spacewalk. Polaris Dawn was the first mission in the Polaris program, targeting developmental space flight challenges and aiming to achieve significant milestones over three years. With a comprehensive training program, various scientific experiments, and the testing of ...
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Poteet's Astronaut Experiences: Inspiration4 and Polaris Dawn Missions
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Actionables
- You can start a fundraising challenge for a cause you're passionate about by leveraging a personal goal or project as a platform. For instance, if you plan to run a marathon, create a campaign where friends and family can pledge donations for every mile you complete. This approach not only motivates you to reach your goal but also raises awareness and funds for a charity close to your heart.
- Explore online courses or local workshops on astronomy and space exploration to deepen your understanding of the field. By engaging in these educational activities, you can satisfy your curiosity about space and gain a broader perspective on human spaceflight endeavors. For example, you might take a beginner's course in astronomy that includes stargazing sessions, which can be a stepping stone to more advanced topics like spacecraft systems.
- Participate in virtual si ...
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Spaceflight and Living: Challenges and Realities
In an insightful discussion, astronaut Scott Poteet shares the immense physical and psychological hurdles astronauts face during space adaptation, highlighting both the risks of spaceflight and the challenging realities of living and working aboard a spacecraft.
Poteet's Physical and Psychological Hurdles in Space Adaptation
Poteet compares space adaptation syndrome to seasickness, which affects half of all astronauts. He describes the disorienting transition from the high G-forces of launch to the weightless environment of space, and how it varies in duration for different people. Poteet underscores the level of trust required to be strapped to a rocket, contrasting it with the control one has when flying a fighter jet.
Poteet's Invasive Procedure Experience Highlights Spaceflight's Risks and Sacrifices
Poteet delves into the more harrowing aspects of spaceflight, including his experience of re-entry—the build-up of vibrations, intense G-forces, and the sensation of being on fire as temperatures outside the spacecraft reach 2,600 degrees. Poteet's harrowing account emphasizes the profound risks and sacrifices astronauts willingly undertake. He shares the physical adjustment to returning to gravity and the necessary medical checks. Additionally, the psychological burden on his family is discussed, given the risks associated with space missions.
Challenges Of Living and Working In Spacecraft
Poteet recounts a training incident that led to dislocating his shoulder during a simulated emergency egress, emphasizing the challenges posed by the design limitations of the spacesuit. This incident not only shows the risks of space training but also the potential issues faced during actual space missions.
Poteet's Sensory and Routine Descriptions Reveal Long-Duration Spaceflight Realities
Describing the invasive experience of an experimental surgery to measure intracranial pressure, Poteet notes the complication of a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which led to severe headaches and subsequent surgeries, underscoring the intense medical risks of spaceflight.
Poteet shares insights into everyday challenges faced on the spacecraft, such as adapting to weightlessness, dealing with a rotating capsule, and managing orbital maneuvers. He describes the physical discomforts of launch, the need to adapt medical procedures for zero-gravity, and the overview effect—a ...
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Spaceflight and Living: Challenges and Realities
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Actionables
- You can simulate the overview effect by using virtual reality (VR) to experience Earth from a space perspective, fostering a greater appreciation for our planet. By using VR apps or videos that simulate the view of Earth from space, you can gain a new perspective on the interconnectedness and fragility of our home planet, similar to what astronauts describe feeling during the overview effect. This can lead to increased empathy for environmental issues and a stronger desire to engage in sustainable practices.
- Develop a personal risk assessment routine by drawing inspiration from astronaut training to evaluate the risks and benefits of your daily decisions. Start by listing potential risks in your activities, assessing their likelihood and impact, and then devising mitigation strategies. For example, if you're considering a new exercise regimen, evaluate the risks of injury, the benefits of improved health, and plan for gradual progression to ...
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Future of Space and Democratization of Travel
SpaceX insider Scott "Kidd" Poteet shares an optimistic outlook on the future of space travel, arguing that SpaceX's innovations are leading to significant cost reductions and will ultimately make space travel as commonplace as taking a school trip.
Poteet Optimistic About Advances in Cost-Reducing Space Technology
Poteet describes how SpaceX has managed to develop an EVA suit without the necessity of a multi-billion dollar program, showcasing advances in cost-reducing space technologies. SpaceX's achievements, such as their innovative reusability and launch approaches like catching boosters with "chopsticks," are seen as steps towards making regular space travel a more achievable goal.
Poteet's Role With Spacex and Polaris Highlights Plans for Accessible Space Travel
Poteet praises SpaceX for their rapid advancement and "fail fast" approach. He notes the larger design goals of envisioned spacecraft, which point toward accommodations far surpassing the current 12-feet diameter capsules. SpaceX’s strategy of in-house production is credited for faster, more efficient rocket manufacturing, signaling the company's commitment to accessibility in space travel. The discussion around these advancements, coupled with Poteet's role at SpaceX and the Polaris Program, emphasizes the company's dedication to democratizing space travel.
Poteet Foresees Inevitable Democratization of Space Travel, Enabling School Trips to Orbit and Space Infrastructure Like Hotels and Research Facilities
Poteet imagines a future where school trips to orbit are possible and space infrastructure such as hotels and research facilities are commonplace. He asserts that space travel serves as an insurance policy against various Earthly challenges, like population growth, climate change, and asteroid threats, indicating the broader societal implications of these advancements. Poteet states that transporting the first humans in starships will happen soon, and points to infrastructure prototypes at Starbase in Texas as a testament to the impending reality of accessible space trips.
Poteet's View on the Societal and Technological Implications of Routine Space Travel Beyond Government Programs
The conversation touches on the necessities of future communication technologies such as Starlink, which has already demonstrat ...
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Future of Space and Democratization of Travel
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Clarifications
- An EVA suit, short for Extravehicular Activity suit, is a specialized garment designed to protect astronauts during spacewalks outside of their spacecraft. It provides life support systems such as oxygen supply, temperature regulation, and protection from the harsh conditions of space. EVA suits are crucial for astronauts to safely conduct tasks and repairs in the vacuum of space or on other celestial bodies like Mars. These suits are tailored to withstand extreme temperatures, micrometeoroids, and radiation while allowing astronauts mobility to work in the challenging environment of space.
- The Polaris Program is a private spaceflight initiative led by entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, known for his role in the Inspiration4 mission. It involves missions using SpaceX's spacecraft, aiming for significant milestones in space exploration. The program includes missions like Polaris Dawn, which focused on studying space radiation effects and conducting commercial spacewalks. The ultimate goal of the Polaris Program is to advance crewed space missions, including utilizing SpaceX's Starship for future launches.
- Starlink technology is a satellite internet constellation ...
Counterarguments
- While SpaceX has made significant strides in reducing costs, space travel is still prohibitively expensive for the average person, and it may remain a luxury for the foreseeable future.
- Reusability and innovative launch approaches are promising, but they have yet to be proven at the scale required for regular space travel to become commonplace.
- In-house production can lead to faster manufacturing, but it also risks creating a monopoly, which could stifle competition and innovation in the long run.
- The democratization of space travel is a noble goal, but there are significant regulatory, safety, and ethical considerations that need to be addressed before it can be realized.
- The idea of school trips to orbit and space infrastructure like hotels and research facilities is exciting, but there are substantial technical, financial, and health challenges that must be overcome first.
- While space travel can serve as an insurance policy against Earthly challenges, it should not detract from addressing pressing issues such as climate change and sustainability on Earth.
- The timeline for transporting humans in starships is still uncertain, and there may be unforeseen delays or challenges that push this milestone further into the future.
- Starlink technology has shown promise, but there are concerns about space debris, the impact on astronomy, and the monopolization of spa ...
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