The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →PBS NOVA’s Space Wars is a 53-minute, 54-second documentary about military competition in space, the vulnerability of satellites, orbital debris and efforts to reduce those risks. The Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies advised the production for two years, with institute fellows Charles Galbreath and Jennifer Reeves helping shape the film’s language and graphics and connect its team with experts.
What is NOVA’s Space Wars about?
PBS lists Space Wars as Season 53, Episode 12, dated October 7, 2026, with a runtime of 53 minutes and 54 seconds. Its description frames space as a domain of military competition and examines risks to satellites people rely on, the growth of orbital debris and possible responses. See PBS’s official episode listing.
The film’s framing raises the question, “What would a war in space actually look like?” Its reported themes include both deliberate hostile actions and the hazards posed by debris, as well as the close relationship between civilian services and military capabilities. The documentary’s subject is broader than combat alone: satellite systems have national-security roles and also support everyday life.
How did the Mitchell Institute contribute?
The Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), the Mitchell Institute’s parent association, says the institute advised PBS over two years. MI-SPACE Director and Senior Resident Fellow Charles Galbreath and Senior Resident Fellow for Space Studies Jennifer Reeves served as program advisors. Their work included advising on graphics and language and connecting the production team with military and industry experts. AFA’s account of the collaboration.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
Reeves said, “It was an honor to contribute to NOVA’s ‘Space Wars’ and help bring the realities of an increasingly contested space domain to a national audience.” Galbreath described the work as “a thrill to work with the NOVA team on this special.” Both quotations are from the AFA announcement.
Who is interviewed in the documentary?
Retired Gen. Kevin P. Chilton is a featured interviewee. AFA identifies him as the Explorer Chair of the Mitchell Institute Spacepower Advantage Center of Excellence, a former commander of U.S. Strategic Command and a former NASA astronaut. His interview was filmed at AFA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.
Rank #2
- Book - space atlas, second edition: mapping the universe and beyond
- Language: english
- Binding: hardcover
According to AFA, Chilton discusses GPS’s importance to defense and daily life, and the difficulty of distinguishing military from civilian space capabilities. The announcement attributes the film’s closing line to him: “There has not been a domain that human beings have not figured out how to fight in: underwater, on top of the water, on land, in the air. Why is space any different?”
Where can you watch Space Wars?
PBS lists the episode for streaming on pbs.org/nova and the PBS app. Its listing gives November 5, 2026, as the expiration date, so availability may change after that date; check the official episode page for current access before planning to watch.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat the episode’s debris figure does—and does not—establish
The PBS transcript includes a statement by Patrick Binning that SpaceX had to make 300,000 maneuvers in 2025 to avoid impacts with debris or other satellites. The episode page does not identify the underlying data publisher or methodology. Treat this as a statement made in the program, not as an independently verified statistic.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
