The Burn Sequence

Episode 11: Santa Claus

United Launch Alliance — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

This holiday season, Santa joined us for a special episode with the elves keeping careful watch to ensure no North Pole secrets were revealed. Santa Claus shares insights into the logistics of delivering gifts around the world in one night. He discusses the blend of efficient planning, navigation, and the sprinkle of Christmas magic that makes it all possible. Tory and Santa explore the similarities between Christmas operations and rocket science, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, joy, and the spirit of collaboration. As the conversation unfolds, Santa reflects on the future of Christmas logistics, the significance of generosity, and personal touches in celebrations, culminating in a light-hearted lightning round of questions.

The Burn Sequence, a podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, former president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.

Episode 10: Destin Sandlin

United Launch Alliance — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 07:30:00 -0500

Tory Bruno and Destin Sandlin explore the fascinating world of rocket science and engineering. They discuss Destin's journey from a mechanical engineer to a prominent STEM communicator on YouTube, emphasizing the importance of integrity, problem-solving, and effective communication in technical fields. The dialogue delves into complex topics such as orbital mechanics, the physics of conflict, and the future of space exploration, all while maintaining a light-hearted and insightful tone.

Also available on Apple & Spotify.

Episode 9: Rob Meyerson

United Launch Alliance — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Tory Bruno and Rob Meyerson discuss the potential of harvesting natural resources from space, focusing on the Moon and helium-3. They explore the importance of sustainability, the engineering challenges of space mining, the legal frameworks surrounding space resource ownership, and the role of government in supporting these initiatives. The discussion highlights the urgency of establishing a domestic source of helium-3 for quantum computing and the broader implications for national security and economic growth.

Also available on Apple & Spotify.

Episode 8: Butch Wilmore

United Launch Alliance — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:45:00 -0500

Tory Bruno and astronaut Butch Wilmore discuss the significance of space exploration, sharing personal experiences from their careers. They delve into the intricacies of rocket launches, the importance of human safety in spaceflight, and the teamwork required for successful missions. The discussion also touches on the future of space exploration, including the challenges of Mars missions and the role of technology in advancing human capabilities in space. Wilmore reflects on his career, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and the people who have supported him along the way.

Episode 7: Dr. Miles Yu

United Launch Alliance — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Tory Bruno and Dr. Miles Yu discuss the growing threat posed by China, particularly in terms of military buildup, strategic competition, and the importance of Taiwan. They explore China's perspective on space and warfare, its regional ambitions, and the implications of the Belt and Road Initiative. The discussion also touches on the nature of Chinese governance and economy, and concludes with a hopeful outlook for the future of the Chinese people.

Episode 6: Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen

United Launch Alliance — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

This episode features Tory Bruno and Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen who served as NASA’s Science Mission Directorate associate administrator from 2016 to 2022, leading one of the most ambitious periods in the agency’s history. During his tenure, NASA launched and managed groundbreaking missions like the Perseverance rover on Mars, OSIRIS-REx which just returned samples from the asteroid Bennu, the Parker Solar Probe mission, which has taken us closer to the Sun than any spacecraft in history, and the James Webb Space Telescope. Dr. Z is known not only for championing bold missions, but also for pushing NASA to take smart risks, embrace innovation, and inspire a new generation of explorers.

Episode 5: Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno

United Launch Alliance — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:00:00 -0400

She helped build the U.S. Space Force. She was the first woman general officer in its history. Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno (Ret.) joins Tory Bruno to discuss deterrence, the origins of the U.S. Space Force, and the importance of leading the space domain against China.

Lt. Gen. Nina Armagno was one of the first officers to take launch seriously as a career path. She went on to help stand up the United States Space Force, becoming one of its founding leaders and shaping how we think about space as a true warfighting domain. A true pioneer, she was the first woman to serve as a general officer in the Space Force, and during her tenure as director of staff at Space Force headquarters, she helped build the foundation of America's newest military service. Over her career in the Air Force and Space Force, she’s commanded Space Wings, led the second largest operations group in the Air Force, led a squadron, and been at the forefront of missile warning, space surveillance, and strategic operations.

Episode 4: Amanda Bacchetti

United Launch Alliance — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:15:00 -0400

Vulcan isn’t just another rocket. It’s America’s most advanced launch system. Guest Amanda Bacchetti, Vehicle Upgrades Director at ULA, joins The Burn Sequence to break down the story of Vulcan. 

The Burn Sequence // A podcast hosted by Tory Bruno, former president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), takes listeners on a journey through the evolving world of space exploration and cutting-edge technology. Drawing from his own personal experiences over several decades, Tory explores everything from rocket science and the future of space missions to the impact of AI, national security, and innovation in the aerospace industry. Each episode dives into what’s next for society--whether it’s the next leap for spaceflight, advancements in space exploration, or the technologies shaping our future on Earth and beyond. The Burn Sequence is about more than just rockets, it’s about the ideas, strategies, and breakthroughs that will define the next era of exploration and security. Tune in for thought-provoking conversations and a look at what the future of space will bring us.

Episode 3: Jeff Armstrong

United Launch Alliance — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Space tech, innovation, and inspiring the next generation. Cal Poly President Jeff Armstrong joins Tory to discuss the demand for engineers, STEM education, and sparking space inspiration through space technology.

Episode 2: Jim Bridenstine

United Launch Alliance — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The second episode of the Burn Sequence featuring special guest Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator and member of Congress discuss space technology, global rivals, our future among the stars and much more.

Episode 1: General Lester L. Lyles

United Launch Alliance — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

The Burn Sequence episode 1 featuring special guest General Les Lyles discussing the future of space deterrence including the Golden Dome, missile technology, anti-satellite weapons and much, much more.