The Burn Sequence Episode 11: Santa Claus

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, 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.

Also available on Apple & Spotify.

0:06 40 years of rocket science with Tory Bruno
1:42 Meeting a logistics expert from the North Pole
4:05 Reindeer horsepower vs. Vulcan rocket thrust
5:30 Why stopping accuracy beats Specific Impulse
7:30 Navigating without GPS: Celestial vs. Magnetic fields
11:00 Are polar routes harder than Geosynchronous Orbit?
12:30 Elf manufacturing vs. Aerospace supply chains
16:30 Nuclear propulsion and space colonization
18:00 Rapid fire round