This Week in Startups

Why We Need Ferries and Tugboats in Space w/ Orbital Operations | E2208

29 snips
Nov 13, 2025
Guest
Ben Schleuniger
Ben Schleuniger, co-founder and CEO of Orbital Operations, discusses groundbreaking advancements in space logistics. He highlights the challenges of moving satellites in increasingly crowded orbits and the critical need for mobility in space. With their innovative cryogenic orbital maneuvering vehicles, like Astraeus, they're tackling space refueling and transportation. Ben also shares insights on the future of reusable rockets, the importance of active refrigeration systems, and the rising demand for commercial space solutions amidst growing defense interests.
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INSIGHT

LEO As The New Orbital Port

  • Orbital Ops targets the movement problem in orbit, enabling repositioning and logistics as orbits get contested and infrastructure grows.
  • Low Earth orbit will act as a port where tugs like Astraeus ferry payloads to higher orbits, reducing wasted rocket hardware.
INSIGHT

Why Cryogenics Unlocks Range And Thrust

  • Cryogenic propellants like liquid hydrogen and oxygen give far higher performance than storables, improving miles-per-gallon in space maneuvers.
  • The core challenge is storing them in sunlight; Orbital Ops solves this with an active refrigeration cycle on the vehicle.
ADVICE

De-Risk With Staged Demonstrations

  • De-risk novel space tech with staged demonstrations: prove subsystems on ground, run subscale flights, then full-scale demos in orbit.
  • Expect iterative demos and reserve backups instead of betting everything on a single flawless first flight.
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