Prof. Ulrich Walter: from the Space Shuttle to the data diode
SMARTDATA Podcast by legal data

SMARTDATA Podcast · 17 February 2026

Prof. Ulrich Walter: from the Space Shuttle to the data diode

Guest: Prof. Ulrich Walter, Astronaut and scientist, Technical University of Munich (TUM)

What it is about

A conversation about artificial intelligence, post-quantum cryptography and high-security technology: from the fundamentals of today's AI and realistic expectations for the coming years to security architectures and digital sovereignty.

In this episode

  • How to become an astronaut and how that changes your view of technology
  • How AI actually works today, beyond the buzzword
  • Realistic expectations for the next five and ten years
  • Post-quantum cryptography
  • Data diodes and high-security technology
  • Digital sovereignty

In 20 minutes you will know where you stand.

We clarify where action is needed on data protection, AI and information security - and what you should do next.