Podcast Summary: AWS in Orbit: Security and Compliance with Gov Cloud

Published on May 31, 2025, on T-Minus Space Daily by N2K Networks.

In this episode of T-Minus Space Daily, host Maria Varmazes engages in an insightful discussion with Jeff McLean, Cloud Security Architect at United Launch Alliance (ULA), and Clint Crozier, Head of Global Space Business at Amazon Web Services (AWS) Aerospace and Satellite. The conversation delves into ULA's integration with AWS GovCloud, emphasizing security, compliance, and the transformative impact of cloud technology on the aerospace industry.

1. Introduction to the Guests and ULA’s Achievements

Maria Varmazes opens the episode by highlighting ULA's recent milestone: the Vulcan rocket receiving official certification from the US Space Force for national security missions, marking 163 successful missions to date.

Maria Varmazes (00:34):
"Gentlemen, welcome. Let's start with a round of intros."

Jeff McLean (01:03):
"I've been with ULA for about two years now, so it's kind of my first kind of foray into the aerospace industry."

Clint Crozier (01:19):
"I have the privilege of leading the global space business at Amazon Web Services... and I literally believe I have the best job on the planet."

2. Maintaining High Reliability and Innovation at ULA

Jeff McLean attributes ULA's impeccable 100% success rate across 163 missions to the company's talented workforce and the evolution of their rocket technology from the Atlas and Delta series to the current Atlas V and the new Vulcan rocket.

Jeff McLean (02:11):
"163 missions is an amazing accomplishment... we're taking all that and trying to up the game on it and put all that into our Vulcan rocket."

3. Evolution of the Space Industry and Launch Capabilities

Clint Crozier shares his observations on the significant shifts in the space industry over his 33-year career, notably the transition from launching single satellites to deploying large constellations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This evolution has not only reduced costs but also expanded the range of applications for satellites, from climate management to maritime security.

Clint Crozier (03:01):
"We’re launching dozens to more than 100 satellites on a single large launch vehicle. That’s a game changer in terms of cost and capability."

4. The Critical Role of AWS GovCloud in Security and Compliance

Jeff McLean discusses how AWS GovCloud facilitates ULA's operations by providing a FedRamp-certified environment that ensures rigorous security and compliance for handling national security data. The shared responsibility model between AWS and ULA clarifies the roles in maintaining security.

Jeff McLean (07:45):
"AWS GovCloud gives us a platform to work safely with our data, with national security data... and AWS provides those tools."

Clint Crozier elaborates on the creation and benefits of GovCloud, emphasizing its role in meeting the stringent data security requirements of U.S. government agencies.

Clint Crozier (08:20):
"AWS GovCloud is operated, staffed, controlled, and managed by US Citizens only... it’s a huge vote of confidence from Amazon."

5. ULA's Journey to Cloud Transformation

Jeff McLean recounts ULA's strategic move to the cloud, initiated by the company's CISO and CIO. This transition involved migrating high-powered computing tasks like telemetry analysis to AWS, resulting in significant time and cost savings. The shift also encompassed a cultural transformation within ULA, embracing cloud-native architectures and microservices for scalable and repeatable operations.

Jeff McLean (10:48):
"We used to take days to run analysis, now it takes minutes. We spin up 10,000 nodes, 100,000 nodes, whatever we need."

Clint Crozier praises ULA's phased and culturally sensitive approach to cloud adoption, highlighting the benefits of hybrid management and the flexibility it offers.

Clint Crozier (14:50):
"You don’t have to go all in on day one in the cloud. You can move over time... ULA has managed that transition wonderfully."

6. Future Perspectives: Integration of Commercial and Government Space Programs

Clint Crozier expresses optimism about the growing synergy between commercial and governmental space endeavors. He notes that commercial innovation is now matching or surpassing military advancements, leading to more integrated and cost-effective missions.

Clint Crozier (15:54):
"The U.S. Air Force, Space Force, NASA, and the National Reconnaissance Office are leveraging the commercial space market to save money and focus on mission-critical areas."

Jeff McLean echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact of diverse commercial providers on the industry.

Jeff McLean (17:10):
"Governments using commercial providers to do a lot of different things is a really good thing for the industry."

7. Leveraging AWS Tools for Enhanced Launch Capabilities

Jeff McLean outlines specific AWS tools and capabilities that have propelled ULA's operational efficiency, including High-Performance Computing (HPC) for telemetry analysis and collision avoidance (ColA). These tools have dramatically reduced analysis times from hours to seconds, enabling timely decision-making crucial for successful launches.

Jeff McLean (10:52):
"We moved all that stuff to the cloud. We can do it faster and more efficiently."

Clint Crozier highlights how these advancements facilitate mission-critical operations, such as ensuring the safety and precision of launches.

Clint Crozier (12:19):
"Using AWS to perform COLA analysis in seconds instead of hours is a big game changer."

8. Looking Ahead: Project Kuiper and Future Launches

The conversation shifts to Project Kuiper, Amazon's ambitious initiative to provide global broadband via a constellation of satellites. Jeff McLean expresses excitement about ULA's role in launching Kuiper's satellites, signaling a significant expansion into commercial launches.

Jeff McLean (18:38):
"We're immensely excited about Kuiper... it's a huge step for mankind."

Clint Crozier reinforces this by noting the strategic partnership between ULA and AWS in supporting Kuiper, underscoring the trust and confidence Amazon places in ULA.

Clint Crozier (19:15):
"Having Vulcan as a dedicated launch platform for Kuiper is a game changer."

9. Conclusion and Closing Remarks

As the discussion wraps up, both Jeff McLean and Clint Crozier share their enthusiasm for the future of ULA and AWS collaboration. They emphasize the ongoing evolution of the aerospace industry and the pivotal role of cloud technology in driving innovation and mission success.

Clint Crozier (21:33):
"Thank you, Jeff and the ULA team for trusting us to be your partner."

Jeff McLean (21:51):
"This is an exciting industry... every time you watch that rocket go off, it just gives me chills."

Key Takeaways

• Security and Compliance: AWS GovCloud provides ULA with a secure, compliant environment essential for handling sensitive national security data.

• Operational Efficiency: Migration to the cloud has enabled ULA to perform critical analyses faster and more cost-effectively, significantly enhancing mission reliability and scalability.

• Cultural Transformation: ULA's successful cloud adoption underscores the importance of cultural shifts and phased implementation in leveraging advanced cloud technologies.

• Future Collaborations: The partnership between ULA and AWS is set to play a crucial role in upcoming projects like Project Kuiper, exemplifying the integration of commercial and governmental space initiatives.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into how cloud technology, particularly AWS GovCloud, is revolutionizing the aerospace sector by enhancing security, compliance, and operational efficiency, all while paving the way for future innovations and collaborations.