Episode #307: Indigenous Space Ambitions

On this week's episode, we’re joined by Dan Hawk to discuss lunar dust mitigation, planetary defense, and hemp rocket fuel.  We’ll also chat about the important work that Dan is doing to make Indigenous peoples the “new face of space.”

Dan was raised and lived on the Oneida Indian Reservation in Wisconsin.  While in the Army National Guard and the U.S. Navy, he developed extensive experience in electronics (both in repair and testing) as well as propulsion.  While working with Space Grants, Dan worked with high powered rockets, high-altitude balloons, tethered aerostats, and CubeSat satellites.  He operated both First Nations Launch and Tethered Aerostat Programs.  Dan has extensive carbon-based research experience and is an Amazon Black Earth expert.  He is currently working with the UN’s Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to ensure Native Americans have a seat at the space table.  Dan is also working with NASA to create an Office of Tribal Affairs.  He also started the United First Nations Planetary Defense, a Jay 1794 Treaty Company, to slow and or deflect asteroids of less than 300 meters in diameter.