Q&A: Northrop Grumman CEO Kathy Warden on Space Innovation

Q&A with Kathy Warden, CEO and President of Northrop Grumman

Q: What is the greatest threat to U.S. leadership in space?

Warden: Continued U.S. leadership in space will require two things: robust investment in civil and national security space technologies and a commitment to developing and maintaining a best-in-class workforce. The criticality that space plays in maintaining our military and commercial technologies advantage is clear and our leadership is being challenged. We are at a very important moment in our history, and it is critical that we focus on inspiring the next generation to join us in pushing the bounds of human discovery in space.

Q: How has space technology changed American life?

Warden: Space technologies and capabilities have transformed the way we live and work. A clear example is the GPS service we use from our vehicle or mobile device daily. GPS was a technology developed for national security applications and then was expanded to commercial use. Much of our day-to-day lives are impacted by the technology we have deployed into space and this is yet another reason why we must maintain our technological leadership.

Q: What’s the most exciting thing on the new frontier of space technology?

Warden: I believe it’s the potential for humans to sustainably work and live in space enabled by technological advancements in robotics and human space flight technologies. This could be the equivalent in America’s history of the transition from exploring the western frontier to settling it. An idea that was once science fiction, is now conceivable.