Scott "Kidd" Poteet - SpaceX Polaris Dawn Astronaut on Spacewalk, Moon Landing and Mars
In this 24 March 2025 video, host Shawn Ryan talks with Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and highly experienced pilot who served more than two decades in the military. Over the course of his Air Force career, he flew F-16s in multiple combat deployments and held roles in leadership and training, earning a reputation for his strong work ethic and focus on mission excellence. Poteet’s dedication to both teamwork and mentorship helped guide the next generation of pilots, showcasing his commitment to service and the advancement of aerospace.
Since retiring from active duty, Poteet has remained deeply involved in pioneering space initiatives and operational leadership. He served as the Mission Director for Inspiration4—SpaceX’s first all-civilian orbital mission—and continues his journey into human spaceflight as a pilot for the Polaris Dawn mission, part of the groundbreaking Polaris Program. Through these endeavors, he exemplifies a passion for pushing the boundaries of exploration and technology, reflecting both his military heritage and forward-thinking vision for space travel.
https://youtu.be/KwSZgwYSoIc
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:07 Scott Poteet’s Background and Achievements
03:23 Patreon Community Questions
04:35 Moon Landing Conspiracies and Space Exploration
09:17 Civilian Space Exploration and NASA
18:47 Scott’s Call Sign and Military Missions
23:03 Childhood and Early Life
27:42 College and ROTC Experience
36:49 Pilot Training Challenges
50:24 Overcoming Motion Sickness
51:52 Space Adaptation Syndrome
55:07 Skydiving with a Bum Shoulder
57:39 Diving and Heights Underwater
59:28 Choosing the F-16
01:02:01 Flying the F-16
01:22:43 Combat Training in Korea
01:36:09 Longest Flight Experience
01:42:28 Weapons School and Training
01:47:57 First Combat Missions
01:59:09 Reflections on Combat and Faith
02:18:20 Family and Faith Journey
02:29:26 Radiant Glow of Earth from Space
02:30:45 Experiencing Night from Space
02:32:23 Faith and the Universe
02:40:08 The Influence of Temptation
02:49:16 Signs and Spiritual Moments
02:52:22 Journey to Becoming an Astronaut
02:55:06 Building a Commercial Adversary Organization
02:59:53 Inspiration4: The First All-Civilian Mission to Space
03:07:32 Polaris Program: Pushing the Boundaries of Space Exploration
03:30:29 Fighter Pilot vs. Spacecraft: A Comparison
03:31:41 The Launch Experience: From Countdown to Liftoff
03:33:34 In Orbit: Adjusting to Zero Gravity
03:37:17 Space Adaptation and Health Challenges
03:39:27 Experimental Surgery and Medical Tests
03:53:41 Spacewalk: The Ultimate Test
04:08:20 Returning to Earth: The Reentry Process
04:16:20 Reflections and Future of Space Travel
