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Pathfinder

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Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 5min

A Future Lunar Architecture, with Alex MacDonald (NASA) & Rob Chambers (Lockheed Martin)

In this discussion, Alex MacDonald, NASA's Chief Economist, and Rob Chambers, Director of Strategy for Human Space Exploration at Lockheed Martin, delve into the future of lunar architecture. They explore the ambitious Artemis program and the shift towards sustainable lunar operations. The conversation highlights the role of international partnerships and innovative technologies like nuclear power. They also reflect on lessons from Apollo, the evolving lunar economy, and the vision for a human presence on the Moon and beyond.
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Nov 26, 2024 • 49min

From F-18s to Term Sheets, with Chris Morales (Partner at Point72 Ventures)

This week on Pathfinder, we are joined by Chris Morales, Partner at Point72 Ventures, for a discussion on venture capital’s role in shaping the space and defense technology landscape. In this episode, Chris provides a detailed overview of Point72 Ventures’ strategic approach to investing, drawing on his background as a former naval officer and his experience in venture capital. The conversation covers key trends and challenges facing the space and defense sectors, with a focus on how startups can navigate this evolving ecosystem.In addition, we discuss:Point72 Ventures’ investment framework and focus on emerging technologies critical to national securityThe growth of the space economy, from the adoption of proliferated LEO architectures to in-space mobility innovationsEvaluating companies across different stages of maturityThe role of government programs and non-dilutive fundingSpaceX’s impact on market dynamics and its broader implications for venture-backed companiesStructural and financial barriers that space and defense startups face, and how investors can help address them • Chapters •00:00 - Intro01:02 - Chris's Thanksgiving must-haves02:15 - Point72 Ventures overview05:35 - History with space06:42 - Why did Point72 Ventures first get into space?09:00 - Chris's thesis about the space industry10:49 - Proliferated LEO12:11 - Predictive work and investments13:02 - At what stage in a company is Point72 Ventures looking to invest?13:53 - How does space fit into the investment strategy?15:51 - What happens when a portfolio company isn't hitting their milestones?17:12 - The process18:39 - How Point72 Ventures separates itself and what it provides beyond capital20:31 - Public and private sides of the firm21:13 - Market dynamics24:05 - Is there enough government funding for startups, and are they winning enough contracts?27:29 - Does SpaceX's valuation make sense?29:47 - Starship vs. Starlink business prediction32:42 - Is SpaceX a monopoly?33:26 - Is SpaceX a concern when it comes to investing in the industry?35:04 - Biggest issues facing startups today and how can investors help39:04 - Over and under-hyped areas of the market40:36 - Space ventures in the next decade42:25 - Gaps in the market43:37 - Advice to founders looking to start a space company45:00 - Mars47:00 - What does Chris do for fun? • Show notes •Point72 Ventures’ website — https://p72.vc/Point 72 Ventures’ socials — https://x.com/p72vcChris’ socials — https://x.com/MrChrisMoralesMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspacePathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes • About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on Wednesdays You can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/
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Nov 19, 2024 • 53min

End-to-End Space, with Peter Beck (CEO of Rocket Lab)

This week on Pathfinder, we’re excited to welcome the one and only Peter Beck, founder and CEO of Rocket Lab. Rocket Lab continues to solidify its position as a leading end-to-end space company, offering launch services, spacecraft platforms, and in-house satellite manufacturing.In light of Rocket Lab’s Q3 earnings report, which saw a 55% year-over-year revenue increase and a growing backlog of over $1B, this episode dives deep into the company’s strategic and operational decisions driving its success.In addition, we discuss:Rocket Lab’s journey from its early days to becoming the world’s third most frequent launch providerThe development of Neutron and its significance in addressing medium-class launch demandPeter’s philosophy on efficient engineering and capital allocationThe rise of Rocket Lab’s spacecraft business and its role in the company’s end-to-end space strategyInsights into launch market dynamics, from smallsat needs to Starship’s impact on the industryAnd much more... • Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:34 - Where is Peter Beck?01:20 - Space and the coming administration02:05 - Rocket Lab in the market and where they're going03:42 - Neutron's first launch04:24 - What's next after Neutron?05:41 - What will be the most dominant aspect of Rocket Lab in the future?07:10 - Hypersonics08:51 - Electron demand vs. supply10:02 - Electron after Neutron13:05 - Neutron's development timeline16:07 - How does Neutron compare to Falcon 9?17:20 - Neutron launch cadence18:12 - What leads to capital efficiency?21:03 - How Rocket Lab created successful projects23:04 - Aesthetics vs Engineering24:26 - SDA contract and de-risking25:23 - Why build both spacecraft and launch vehicles?27:33 - Why own and operate your own constellation?29:56 - DoD's proliferated LEO satellite services program30:40 - Frank Klein joining Rocket Lab31:50 - Operations and scaling philosophy33:25 - Outlook of the supply and demand for launch market35:13 - Is there still room for new launch startups?36:46 - Future of launch outside the US38:30 - Timeline on human spaceflight at Rocket Lab40:01 - Most strategic or technical risk that Rocket Lab currently faces41:14 - Rocket Lab and the Moon43:24 - Things to embrace in order to build a successful company44:30 - What keeps Peter up at night?45:16 - When will the space industry be welcomed by the public markets?49:20 - Things Peter is keeping an eye on51:03 - Date for humans on Moon and Mars • Show notes •Rocket Lab's website — https://www.rocketlabusa.com/Rocket Lab’s socials — https://x.com/RocketLabPeter's socials — https://x.com/Peter_J_BeckMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspacePathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes • About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on WednesdaysYou can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/
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Nov 11, 2024 • 55min

Direct to Deployment, with Robert Sproles (CEO of Exolaunch)

This week on Pathfinder, we explore the world of satellite deployment and launch services with Robert Sproles, CEO of Exolaunch. Exolaunch is a leader in satellite integration, offering launch services and deployment solutions for commercial and government clients.We explore how Exolaunch has built a cashflow-positive business with a remarkable track record of reliability, all without external funding. In addition, we discuss:Exolaunch's founding story and its bootstrapped growth from a university project in Berlin to a $100M revenue companyHow Exolaunch navigates partnerships with major launch providers like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and ArianeRobert’s insights on the demand for satellite launches and the need for diversity in orbital accessExolaunch's plans for the future, including scaling to support larger satellites and expanding their U.S. operationsThe broader ecosystem of launch services and how larger rockets like Starship and New Glenn fit into the marketAnd much more... • Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:30 - Robert's background08:13 - What is Exolaunch and the products offered?10:02 - Founding of Exolaunch and building a company without the need for raising capital14:09 - Bootstrap from day one and future funding plans16:35 - From Arkansas to Germany19:02 - Robert transitioning to CEO21:16 - Current market for rideshare, deployment, and mission management23:45 - What is different about Exolaunch?25:48 - Are more launch companies good for Exolaunch and is SpaceX a monopoly?27:02 - Are transporter missions anti-competitive to other launch companies?30:13 - Future satellite trends31:42 - How larger launch vehicles affect Exolaunch33:33 - Is the launch market supplier demand constrained?35:35 - How do non-American operators feel about using American launch providers?37:39 - What does reliability look like?40:08 - Exolaunch's agility43:34 - Missions that pushed the boundaries of Exolaunch's capabilities45:36 - Exolaunch headcount and future plans46:32 - Growth areas47:37 - 10+ year outlook49:07 - What does Robert do outside of Exolaunch?52:26 - Places to eat in Little Rock, Arkansas • Show notes •Exolaunch’s website — https://exolaunch.com/Freeform’s socials — https://twitter.com/ExolaunchMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspacePathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes • About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on WednesdaysYou can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/
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Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 2min

The Future of Manufacturing, with Erik Palitsch & TJ Ronacher (Co-Founders of Freeform)

This week on Pathfinder, we explore the future of 3D metal printing and manufacturing with Erik Palitsch and TJ Ronacher, co-founders of Freeform, a pioneering startup aiming to redefine industrial-scale additive manufacturing. Both SpaceX alumni, Erik and TJ share their journeys from leading projects on the Merlin and Raptor engines to co-founding Freeform, where they’re using high-power lasers and real-time process control to create a new era of rapid, scalable 3D printing.We dive into how Freeform’s approach is addressing longstanding challenges in the additive industry, from quality control to production speed. Erik and TJ outline their vision for Freeform as a “manufacturing as a service” model, where clients can access high-quality printed parts without the steep learning curve and costs of traditional additive systems. We also discuss:The engineering challenges they tackled at SpaceX and how that shaped Freeform’s technology and business modelFreeform’s technology, including their real-time closed-loop process that enables unprecedented print speeds and precisionTheir vision for the “factory of the future,” where autonomous 3D printing facilities operate globallyThe role of 3D printing in off-planet manufacturing and its impact on space explorationAnd much more… • Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:35 - TJ's background02:15 - Erik's time at SpaceX before Freeform07:25 - How has materials in 3D printing changed in the past 10 years?12:27 - Manufacturing as a service and the tech at Freeform18:16 - 3D printing vs traditionally manufactured parts23:11 - What is the tech that Freeform is building?32:45 - True factory scale 3D printing37:10 - Traction beyond space38:06 - What Freeform is printing today38:41 - Revenue and customers41:53 - Manufacturing capability today and in the future43:51 - Advice for investors looking to invest in 3D printing49:18 - Future of 3D printing54:24 - What will off-planet 3D printing look like?57:08 - Favorite stories from SpaceX days60:47 - Milestones to look out for • Show notes •Freeform’s website — https://freeform.co/Freeform’s socials —https://x.com/freeform_futureMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspacePathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes • About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on WednesdaysYou can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/
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Oct 22, 2024 • 53min

Harnessing the Sun, with Baiju Bhatt (CEO of Aetherflux)

In this week’s pod, we dive into the world of space-based solar power with Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and now founder of Aetherflux, a new startup aiming to change how we think about energy from space. Baiju takes us on his personal journey from building a public company to tackling one of the most ambitious ideas in the space industry. Drawing on a lifelong passion for space—rooted in his father's work at NASA—Baiju reveals how Aetherflux plans to bring to life a 1970s sci-fi vision: harnessing solar power from space to solve Earth’s most pressing energy challenges.Baiju shares the challenges and excitement of launching Aetherflux, and how his team is taking a modern approach to an old concept by using advanced laser technology and modular satellite networks. We also discuss:How Aetherflux is developing the first practical demonstration of space-based solar powerThe major potential applications, from powering forward-deployed military bases to remote mining sitesHow his experience at Robinhood shaped his entrepreneurial philosophy for solving massive challenges like global energyAetherflux’s ambitious timeline for a demo mission in 2026And much more... • Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:44 - Robinhood to space03:51 - A father's influence06:54 - Why Aetherflux?11:15 - Natural resources in space12:18 - Why do we need solar power in space?13:53 - Market and applications for space solar19:53 - Lasers for power transmission23:02 - Efficiency gain / loss with space solar26:06 - Real time power delivery29:21 - Why not nuclear?31:37 - Space-based solar for space32:28 - Safety and regulation34:37 - Economics of space solar38:06 - Constellations at scale39:06 - Early revenue model40:09 - Competitors41:05 - Funding44:05 - An Apple moment48:19 - Aetherflux team, growth, and goals49:26 - Space startups that Baiju is excited about51:20 - Who would Baiju choose to play him in a movie? • Show notes •Aetherflux’s website — https://www.aetherflux.com/Aetherflux’s socials — https://twitter.com/AetherfluxUSABaiju’s socials — https://twitter.com/BaijuBhattMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspacePathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes • About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on WednesdaysYou can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/
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Oct 8, 2024 • 50min

Telemetry Unleashed, with Karthik & Austin (CEO & CTO of Sift)

In this week’s Pathfinder pod, we bring in Karthik Gollapudi, CEO, and Austin Spiegel, CTO, of Sift, as they dive into the company's mission to build software tools for complex machines, with a focus on telemetry solutions. Sift’s platform enables end-to-end data ingestion, real-time analysis, and visualization, helping companies streamline the testing and operation of intricate hardware systems, such as spacecraft and rockets.Karthik and Austin share the story behind Sift’s founding and highlight the key role telemetry plays in improving safety and efficiency for hardware engineers. We also cover:How SIFT automates data review and reduces testing timeThe challenges of managing large data volumes in aerospace and beyondHow the company helps engineers identify anomalies and prevent failuresThe importance of real-time insights for complex hardware systemsTheir recent funding round led by Google VenturesAnd much more... • Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:31 - What is Sift building?04:18 - Origins07:30 - Austin at Riot Games10:52 - Product walkthrough13:19 - Why is data ingestion so difficult?19:30 - What is a company doing if they're not using Sift?22:05 - How do you make sure that there's no data loss?24:50 - What does a user experience look like?27:44 - What does the demand look like for real-time telemetry?28:57 - Competition29:43 - Revenue model31:56 - How Sift's tools help their customers36:46 - What's next for Sift?39:04 - What keeps you up at night?44:56 - Long-term view45:54 - Companies to be excited for • Show notes •Sift’s website — siftstack.com/Sift’s socials — https://x.com/SiftStackMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspacePathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes • About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on WednesdaysYou can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/
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Oct 1, 2024 • 40min

Algorithmic Debris Management, with Chiara Manfletti (CEO of Neuraspace)

In this week’s Pathfinder pod, Chiara Manfletti, CEO of Neuraspace and former President of the Portuguese National Space Agency, discusses the growing importance of space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic management. Neuraspace is a Portuguese startup that is developing a software platform that provides satellite operators with risk assessments, maneuvering advice, and insights on space debris.Chiara explains Neuraspace’s mission to tackle the challenges of space debris and why it's essential to develop better tools for managing space traffic. She also shares the story behind Neurospace’s founding, the company’s growth, and their innovative approach to automating satellite operations.We also discuss:The threat of space debris and its long-term implicationsHow Neuraspace integrates multiple data sourcesThe role of space situational awareness in the future of autonomous spacecraftDifferences in commercial and government customer needsThe long-term vision for making space a safer, more sustainable place for satellites and other assetsAnd much more... • Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:58 - What is Neuraspace?02:14 - The founding vision04:07 - Is space debris an issue?08:18 - Unnecessary maneuvers09:40 - Neuraspace's ecosystem11:17 - Neuraspace's ground-based hardware12:36 - Challenges acquiring the right data amidst competition14:17 - Value chain of space situational awareness15:26 - Benefits of having a company focused on intelligence17:40 - How Neuraspace predicts collision events20:22 - Challenges integrating different sources of data22:00 - Automation and level of control satellite operators24:37 - Scaling26:39 - Catalysts for satellite threat detection28:24 - Primary customers28:53 - Expectations of governments vs. commercial clients30:05 - State of orbital debris globally and how Chiara thinks it'll change31:12 - Competitors today32:25 - Revenue model33:36 - Work Neuraspace does with regulatory bodies34:20 - Funding36:07 - Long-term vision for Neuraspace • Show notes •Neuraspace’s website — https://www.neuraspace.com/Neuraspace’s socials — https://x.com/neuraspaceChiara’s socials — https://x.com/chiaramanflettiMo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspacePathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes• About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world. Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on WednesdaysYou can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/
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Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 3min

Mega Scale Prop Production, with Saurav Shroff (CEO of Starpath)

The cost to build a mass scale propellant production system on the Moon? Much less than $100M according to Starpath cofounder and CEO Saurav Shroff. The LA-based startup is developing the infrastructure for lunar resource extraction—including a power plant, a fleet of rovers, and a processing plant.In this episode, Saurav breaks down Starpath's approach to off-planet fuel production and how it can enable cost-effective and reusable space travel. He also shares his thoughts on the future of lunar and Martian colonization and how propellant production plays a pivotal role in making interplanetary travel economically viable.We also discuss:The technical hurdles of producing propellant on the Moon and MarsThe impact of propellant production on reducing the cost of space travelThe potential customers and business modelsHow Starpath’s approach complements the vision of companies like SpaceX and Blue OriginThe long-term vision for a human presence on the Moon and Mars, and what it will take to get thereAnd much more… • Chapters •00:00 - Intro01:25 - What is Startpath?04:11 - How was Starpath founded?07:28 - The team08:55 - Starpath with and without SpaceX13:20 - Mega scale propellant production16:30 - What type of propellant is Starpath making?20:15 - What is Starpath building?24:56 - Why build this power system yourself and why not nuclear?28:56 - Plant & Rover35:35 - Plan for success39:59 - Speculation on SpaceX's propellant production43:49 - Who else is a potential customer?45:49 - Revenue model48:27 - Investors and common misconceptions50:26 - Capital needs51:43 - Competitors? China?54:37 - First fuel production prediction56:03 - 10-year vision58:16 - Other businesses Saurav is excited about1:00:17 - Which celebrity will play Saurav? • Show notes •Starpath’s website — https://starpath.space/Starpath’s socials — https://twitter.com/StarpathSpaceSarah’s socials — https://twitter.com/SauravShroff5Mo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspace • About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on WednesdaysYou can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/
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Sep 17, 2024 • 1h 5min

Fission Surface Future, with Lindsay Kaldon (NASA)

This week on Pathfinder, we sit down with Lindsay Kaldon, NASA’s Fission Surface Power Project Manager, to explore NASA's plans for deploying small nuclear reactors on the Moon and Mars as part of the Artemis missions. Before her current role at NASA, Lindsay spent over a decade in the DoD, where she worked as an Air Force officer specializing in electronic warfare, keeping pilots safe at extreme altitudes. With a background in both electrical and nuclear engineering, Lindsay’s experience spans high-altitude spy planes, drones, and EMP defenses for Navy ships, giving her a unique perspective on technology in extreme environments.In this episode, Lindsay walks us through NASA's efforts to deploy small nuclear reactors on the Moon as part of the Artemis missions and beyond. She also explains how her defense background prepared her for managing the technical and regulatory complexities of space nuclear power.In addition, we cover:The history of nuclear systems in space, from SNAP-10 to today's advancementsNASA's collaboration with industry partnersThe role of nuclear power in supporting long-term lunar and Martian missionsThe technical challenges of fission in spaceThe potential future of nuclear propulsion and energy solutions for space explorationAnd much more… • Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:28 - Lindsey's role at NASA01:07 - Power reactors in space and when the project started08:05 - Highly enriched uranium10:21 - Importance of NASA's long-term nuclear goals13:53 - RPS vs FSP16:44 - Lindsey's background24:14 - Why not work in a nuclear sub?29:54 - How does the team evolve in the next 5 years?35:26 - Why should a company bid for phase 1 of NASA's plan to return to the Moon?38:01 - Overall architecture of NASA's FSP needs40:43 - Supply chain problems44:12 - Technical challenges of nuclear in space50:16 - Who regulates space nuclear?52:11 - DOD & NASA57:33 - Milestones to look out for01:00:21 - The state of nuclear on Earth • Show notes •NASA FSP website — https://www.nasa.gov/tdm/fission-surface-power/Mo's socials — https://twitter.com/itsmoislamPayload’s socials — https://twitter.com/payloadspace / https://www.linkedin.com/company/payloadspacePathfinder archive — Watch: https://www.youtube.com/@payloadspacePathfinder archive — Listen: https://pod.payloadspace.com/episodes • About us •Pathfinder is brought to you by Payload, a modern space media brand built from the ground up for a new age of space exploration and commercialization. We deliver need-to-know news and insights daily to 19,000+ commercial, civil, and military space leaders. Payload is read by decision-makers at every leading new space company, along with c-suite leaders at all of the aerospace & defense primes. We’re also read on Capitol Hill, in the Pentagon, and at space agencies around the world.Payload began as a weekly email sent to a few friends and coworkers. Today, we’re a team distributed across four time zones and two continents, publishing five media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays4) Payload Research, our weekly research and analysis piece,  comes out on WednesdaysYou can sign up for all of our publications here: https://payloadspace.com/subscribe/

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