Lex Fridman Podcast

#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion

Feb 1, 2021

Natalya Bailey, a rocket propulsion engineer and CTO of Accion Systems, dives into the cutting-edge world of space technology. She discusses innovations in efficient propulsion engines and the future of electric spacecraft. The conversation shifts to the search for extraterrestrial life and the ethical complexities of colonizing Mars. Bailey elaborates on the science behind rocket propulsion and the need for new paradigms in space travel, all while underscoring the fascinating interplay between engineering, physics, and the quest for knowledge beyond our planet.

01:39:56

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Episode guests

Natalya Bailey

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Innovations in Space Propulsion

5min

Exploring Extraterrestrial Life and Space Colonization

14min

The Science of Rocket Propulsion

21min

Propulsion Paradigms in Space Travel

15min

Exploring Earth's Perspective from the Moon and Beyond

2min

Propulsion Pioneers: Navigating Space Travel Innovations

16min

The New Frontier: Space Travel and Entrepreneurship

11min

Literature's Influence on Life

4min

10.

The Magic of Reading: Personal Journeys and Literary Inspiration

4min

11.

Exploring Imagination and the Meaning of Existence

2min

12.

Knowledge, Cooperation, and the Future of Space Exploration

3min

Natalya Bailey is a rocket propulsion engineer from MIT and now CTO of Accion Systems. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
– Munk Pack: https://munkpack.com and use code LEX to get 20% off
– Four Sigmatic: https://foursigmatic.com/lex and use code LexPod to get up to 60% off
– Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium
– Sun Basket: https://sunbasket.com/lex and use code LEX to get $35 off

EPISODE LINKS:
Natalya’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/natalya926
Accion Systems: https://accion-systems.com/

PODCAST INFO:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(06:51) – Intelligent life in the universe
(10:52) – Life in our solar system
(12:57) – Humans on Mars
(16:31) – Robots vs human in space exploration
(17:25) – AI in space
(21:30) – How rocket engines work
(26:47) – How ion engines work
(31:10) – How colloid engines work
(40:07) – Material science
(42:57) – Nuclear powered rocket engines
(47:56) – Electric propulsion out in space
(51:23) – Satellites
(56:17) – Photo of Earth from the Moon
(57:55) – Humans on Mars
(1:00:17) – Propulsion without fuel
(1:08:12) – How to build a rocket company
(1:15:10) – SpaceX and commercial spaceflight
(1:19:42) – Advice to startup founders
(1:26:18) – Book recommendations
(1:34:36) – Meaning of life

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