The Burn Sequence Episode 11: Santa Claus

This holiday season, Santa joined us for a special, scripted 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.

Channel: United Launch AllianceGenerated by anonymousDuration: 21mPublished Dec 14, 2025Model: gemini-3-pro-preview
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Video Chapters

Original Output

0:06 40 years of rocket science with Tory Bruno
1:42 Meeting a logistics expert from the 3rd century
4:05 Reindeer horsepower vs. Vulcan rocket thrust
5:30 Why stopping accuracy beats Specific Impulse (ISP)
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: Star Trek captains & fuel choices

Timestamps by StampBot 🤖
(450-the-burn-sequence-episode-11-santa-claus)

Unprocessed Timestamp Content

0:06 Tory Bruno shares highlights from forty years of rocket science
1:42 Welcoming a logistics expert operating since the third century
2:27 How optimal path planning and magic fuel the delivery run
3:24 Discussing the hundred percent mission success rate of Christmas Eve
4:05 Comparing reindeer leaping power against massive Vulcan rocket engine thrust
5:30 Why stopping accuracy matters more than specific impulse for sleighs
7:30 Using celestial navigation and magnetic fields instead of commercial GPS
8:45 Why the sleigh never scrubs a launch for bad weather
11:00 Debating if polar routes are harder than reaching geosynchronous orbit
12:30 Managing elf production versus a nationwide aerospace supply chain network
14:00 Finding common ground between engineering craftsmanship and holiday joy
16:30 Exploring nuclear sleigh propulsion and future space colonization plans
18:00 Rapid fire questions on Star Trek captains and fuel choices
19:30 Exchanging mission patches and a unique Vulcan Hawaiian shirt

Timestamps by StampBot 🤖
(450-the-burn-sequence-episode-11-santa-claus)