Krystal Azelton Talks Space Priorities, Policy Uncertainty in SpaceNews Interview at the 40th Space Symposium

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Secure World Foundation’s Krystal Azelton, Senior Director of Program Planning, joined Mike Gruss of SpaceNews for a special edition of the SpaceMines podcast recorded at the 2025 Space Symposium in Colorado Springs.

In the interview, Ms. Azelton offered insights into the shifting landscape of U.S. space policy under a new administration, highlighting uncertainty around NASA’s science budgets, international space partnerships, and regulatory signals related to commercial space. She emphasized the importance of sustained investment in space science and sustainability, and the need for continued U.S. leadership in global space governance.

Azleton also noted concerns about mixed messages on commercial priorities and called for clearer direction on space safety, sustainability, and international cooperation. “The orbital dynamics are the orbital dynamics,” she said. “You cannot act completely alone in space.”

The full interview is available on the SpaceMines podcast by SpaceNews and is included below.