America’s next giant leap will require more than rockets. It will require leaders. Long Blue Leadership Now welcomes NASA Deputy Administrator Col. (Ret.) Matt Anderson ’97, who shares the vision behind the proposed United States Space Academy and its potential role in preparing astronauts, engineers, scientists, operators and innovators for the challenges ahead. From the moon to Mars and beyond, Deputy Administrator Anderson shares how America can build the talent pipeline needed to lead in space for decades to come.

00:00:00 – Opening & Guest Introduction
Col. Walkewicz introduces Long Blue Leadership Now, frames the conversation, and presents Col. Anderson’s background and new role with the presidential commission on the U.S. Space Academy.

00:01:16 – Academy Roots & Early Aspirations
Col. Anderson reflects on coming to the U.S. Air Force Academy, family influence and his original plan to be a doctor.

00:02:23 – First F‑16 Ride & Career Pivot
Col. Anderson’s formative F‑16 flight at Luke Air Force Base, getting sick and deciding to pursue pilot training instead of medicine.

00:03:07 – Executive Order: What Was Just Created?
Explanation of the executive order, why it says “federal academy” not “service academy,” and the historical parallel to the creation of the Air Force Academy.

00:05:09 – Three Pillars of Space & Commercial Boom
Col. Anderson breaks down national security space, civil space (NASA), and commercial space, with examples like Starlink and launch/observation/communications.

00:07:48 – Opportunity & Access: Who Gets to Serve?
How the Space Academy may open doors for talented Americans who can’t serve in uniform (e.g., medical disqualifiers) but want to contribute through NASA and civil service.

00:09:35 – What a U.S. Space Academy Adds Beyond Existing Academies
Contrast with current service academies, focus on broader roles (astronauts, civil servants, scientists, entrepreneurs, operators, warfighters) and parallels to Merchant Marine Academy and Coast Guard Academy.

00:11:42 – New Majors for a Space Future
Why fields like astrobiology, heliophysics and nuclear engineering are critical; the Nancy Grace Roman and Hubble space telescopes; AI-driven data analysis and preparing for lunar/Mars missions.

00:15:30 – The 120‑Day Commission & 2028 Target
The nine mandated lines of effort, the tight 120‑day (target 90‑day) timeline, the December deadline and the goal of having the first class arrive in summer 2028.

00:17:35 – Core Values, Civic Mindset & Space Leadership
How core values and civic-minded service will be baked into the Space Academy, aligning with but distinct from traditional military academies.

00:20:23 – Governance, Commission Members & NASA’s Role
Who’s around the table (NASA, DoW leadership, White House staff), Col. Anderson’s “quarterback” role and NASA’s central responsibility as the civilian-led space agency.

00:22:42 – Matt’s Leadership Edge & Vision for 50 Years Out
Col. Anderson’s unique blend of biology, aeronautics and space experience; mental toughness for extreme environments; and how Space Academy grads will shape a competitive future in space vs. China and others

00:35:34 – Growing NASA’s Risk Culture & Closing Reflections
Offsite in Bozeman (skydiving, fighter flights), teaching leaders to understand astronaut risk, daily leadership habits, core values, work ethic, guidance for young leaders, public input and closing thanks.

Col. (Ret.) Matt Anderson is the 16th deputy administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The president of the United States nominated him for the position on Jan. 13, 2026, and he was confirmed by the Senate on May 18, 2026. 

Col. Anderson grew up on U.S. Air Force bases around the world as the second of three sons of Paul and Patricia Anderson. Paul served as a chaplain in the Air Force and Patricia served as a schoolteacher. 

After graduating from high school in New Jersey, Col. Anderson attended the U.S. Air Force Academy where he earned a Bachelor of Science in biology and served as the team captain of its nationally ranked Division I soccer team. He later earned a Master of Science in aeronautical science and a Master of Arts in leadership and counseling.

Col. Anderson is a decorated Air Force command pilot in multiple aircraft with more than 5,000 flight hours, including more than 650 in combat. He commanded the U.S. Department of War’s only nuclear airlift squadron and served as a senior United States Air Force fellow at the George C. Marshall Center in Garmisch, Germany. Throughout his 24-year Air Force career, he served on several senior DoW staffs and commanded at multiple levels before retiring in 2021.  

Since retiring from military service, Col. Anderson has served as the chief operating officer and chief growth officer at the Space Force Association and as a vice president at CACI International. 

Originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Col. Anderson and his wife, Christine, are proud parents of two daughters, Kayla and Lauren.  

Outside of work, he is an avid snow skier, golfer and hiker, and he is currently pursuing his A-license in skydiving.