AI, quantum computing, and the view from space – with Prof. Walter
What happens when artificial intelligence, post-quantum cryptography, and high-security technology meet someone who not only conducts research but also knows what Earth looks like from space as an astronaut?
In this new episode of the Smart Data Podcast, we take you on a journey through the AI era—from the basics to the real limits of what is possible today. Our guest, Prof. Walter, combines scientific depth, practical security architectures, and a biographical perspective that literally goes beyond the horizon like no other.
Prof. Ulrich Walter – From the Space Shuttle to the Data Diode
An exciting insight into space travel, security technology, and digital sovereignty.
We are talking about
- How to become an astronaut – and how this changes your view of technology, responsibility, and the future.
- how AI really works today (beyond the buzzword),
- what we can realistically expect in five and ten years' time,
- Why post-quantum cryptography is no longer a topic for the future
- and how technologies such as data diodes actually protect critical infrastructure.
Finally, it gets personal and visionary:
👉 What would Prof. Walter do if he were "King of Germany" for a day?
An episode for anyone who wants to understand technology—and its impact on our future.
Selected links from the episode
Show Notes – Recap
Episode: Prof. Ulrich Walter – from the space shuttle to the data diode
Guest: Ulrich Walter
🚀 Space travel & change of perspective
- Training and deployment as a research astronaut (Spacelab mission).
- "Overview Effect": a changed view of Earth, technology, and responsibility.
- Precision, redundancy, and safety awareness from space travel as a guiding principle.
🤖 Artificial intelligence
- Distinction between hype and real technological substance.
- AI as a tool – data quality is crucial.
- Risks due to uncontrolled automation and lack of transparency.
🔐 IT security & data diodes
- Data diodes as a physical one-way security solution for high-security environments.
- Differentiation from traditional firewalls.
- Relevance for critical infrastructure, industry, and government systems.
🧮 Post-quantum cryptography
- Threat to traditional encryption methods posed by quantum computers.
- The necessity of early migration strategies.
- The importance of long-term security architectures.
🏭 Industry & Critical Infrastructure
- Security gaps due to networking (OT/IT convergence).
- "Security by design" instead of retroactive security measures.
- Physical security as an underestimated factor.
🌍 Future prospects
- Technology as a malleable factor, not as fate.
- Interdisciplinary thinking between physics, computer science, and ethics.
- Responsibility of science, politics, and business.
About the podcast
The podcast series "SMARTDATA Podcast by legaldata" combines technology and information security in in-depth discussions with leading experts. The episodes are available on Apple Podcasts and are aimed at decision-makers, IT managers, and those interested in technology who want to gain a practical understanding of future technologies.
