This Week in Startups

The Next-Generation of Single-Stage-to-Orbit Spaceplanes with Radian's Richard Humphrey | E2022

Oct 8, 2024

55:42

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Richard Humphrey, co-founder of Radian Aerospace and an aviation veteran, dives into the exciting world of single-stage-to-orbit spaceplanes. He discusses how spaceplanes like the Radian One can revolutionize space travel, including their advantages over traditional rockets. Humphrey tackles funding challenges and venture capital interest in the space industry while sharing insights on rocket sled launch mechanisms. He emphasizes the technological advancements being made and the role of real-world testing in ensuring the success of innovative aerospace projects.

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Quick takeaways

Radian Aerospace, co-founded by Richard Humphrey, aims to revolutionize space travel with innovative single-stage-to-orbit spaceplanes like the Radian One.

The development of spaceplanes offers significant advantages over traditional rockets, particularly in cost-effectiveness and reusability for small satellite launches.

Securing over one billion dollars in funding is crucial for Radian's success, with diverse opportunities from both venture capital and government partnerships.

Deep dives

Background and Ambition of Radian Aerospace

Richard Humphrey, co-founder of Radian Aerospace, has a longstanding passion for aviation and space exploration, stemming from his childhood interests and experiences in rocketry. His background includes founding Kavu, a private airline, which sparked his interest in combining aviation with space technology. This ambition is further reflected in Radian's pursuit of developing a space plane capable of single-stage orbital flight. Humphrey's collaboration with Livingston Holder, a seasoned astronaut and engineer, has propelled this vision forward, as both share a commitment to advancing space travel capabilities.

Intro

2min

From Aviation to Space: The Radian Aerospace Journey

5min

Exploring Rocket Sled Launches and Payload Dynamics

4min

Lessons from the X-33 Spaceplane Project

9min

Exploring Spaceplane Specifications and Startup Compliance Needs

2min

Launching the Radian One: Technical Insights

6min

Exploring Thermal Protection and Voice Data Innovations

3min

Testing Ground: Radian's PFV01 in Extreme Conditions

5min

Navigating the Future of Space Travel

20min

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Todays show:

Radian’s Richard Humphrey joins Alex to discuss the future of space travel, focusing on spaceplanes like the Radian One (2:05). The two dive into technological advancements (10:20), funding challenges (14:28), the potential to reduce orbital launch costs (47:56), and more!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Radian’s Richard Humphrey joins Alex

(2:05) Discussion on Richard Humphrey's aviation history and spaceplane development

(4:22) Spaceplanes versus rockets: advantages and disadvantages

(8:51) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist

(10:20) Spaceplane projects: historical context and current technology

(14:28) Funding challenges and venture capital interest in space industry

(17:14) Radian 1 spaceplane's rocket sled launch mechanism and specifications

(20:22) Vanta - Get $1000 off your SOC 2 at https://www.vanta.com/twist

(25:28) Reusability and refurbishment process of the Radian 1 spaceplane

(29:03) AssemblyAI - Get 100 free hours to start building at https://www.assemblyai.com/twist

(30:33) Radian 1 project updates: recent tests and future timeline