Joan Johnson-Freese

Dr. Joan Johnson-Freese, with a Ph.D. in Political Science, is a recognized expert on space and security issues ranging from the future of human spaceflight to missile defense and anti-satellite weapons. She is a former member of the Space Studies Board within the National Academies of Science, has written seven books on space issues, the most recent forthcoming in 2016 titled Space Warfare in the 21st Century, and is regularly interviewed by media outlets such as CNN, ABC, CBS, NPR, The New York Times and National Geographic. Additionally, through working in military education for over 20 years, she wrote a book on the topic, Educating America’s Military and while not all agree with its critical and controversial tennants, it is a must read for anyone interested in the topic.

Sub-specialties: Space warfare, the Chinese space program, the future of human spaceflight, missile defense, the folly of anti-satellite weapons, the effect of the military-industrial complex on space policy, NewSpace, Military officers as educators, preparing military officers for strategic positions, why the US military keeps getting beat, sexism in military education.