Live from SXSW: Pathfinder with SkyFi, Umbra, Albedo, and Firehawk

Right on the heels of their $90M funding round, this week’s Pathfinder spotlights Varda and its cofounders, Will Bruey (CEO) and Delian Asparouhov (President). The LA-based startup harnesses microgravity for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. In its latest mission, the company successfully processed ritonavir, a crucial antiviral drug utilized in HIV/AIDS treatment.In addition to Varda’s origin story and the Series B fundraise, Mo, Will, and Delian discuss:Varda’s commercialization strategyThe business case for in-space manufacturingThe significance of the W-1 missionAdapting to the regulatory environmentMicrogravity formulation optimizationAnd much more…This episode is brought to you by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). • Chapters •00:00 Intro & ITA Ad01:21 Varda’s origin05:40 What are you building?08:17 What does space have to offer for manufacturing?12:00 The business case for space manufacturing18:02 What drugs have been improved in space?19:13 What happened to ZBLAN?20:54 R&D for manufacturing in space22:34 The W-1 mission29:05 Customer traction30:38 Where does Varda's business risk lie?38:22 Competitive landscape39:49 Potential partnerships42:48 Regulatory learnings45:30 The Series B46:57 Use cases beyond pharma48:19 Space stations55:35 Other companies Will is excited about57:22 Where would Delian invest his last space investment? • Show notes •Varda’s website — https://www.varda.com/The Return of Ritonavir Paper: https://www.varda.com/papers/1711063046-return-of-the-ritonavir-a-study-on-the-stability-of-pharmaceuticals-processed-in-orbit-and-returned-to-earth.pdfWill’s socials — https://twitter.com/WillBrueyDelian’s socials — https://twitter.com/zebulgarMo'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 Pathfinder 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/

Dan Wright is no typical founder. With a formidable background at software powerhouses like AppDynamics and DataRobot, Dan has shifted his focus towards bridging the technological gap in edge computing with his latest venture, Armada. As the world’s first full-stack edge computing platform, Armada integrates computing and AI capabilities directly where data is generated.Dan started Armada after recognizing a significant shift in data generation to the edge and the inadequate response of centralized clouds to the demands of heavy data producers in sectors like oil and gas and manufacturing.In today’s episode, Dan discusses the origin story of Armada and its strategic partnership with Starlink, which allows it to extend its edge computing capabilities to remote locations. We also discuss:The impact of edge computingArmada’s product suite and roadmapBridging the digital divideBuilding a business with SpaceXAnd much more…This episode is brought to you by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). • Chapters •00:00 Intro & ITA Ad01:11 What is Armada and why did you start the company?02:33 Adding hardware capabilities04:34 What is edge computing?07:00 75% of all data will be generated at the edge10:12 Serving remote corners of the world11:22 What kind of efficiency will edge computing be able to make?14:06 Armada x Starlink16:59 How did Armada build their relationship with Starlink?18:51 How did you convince SpaceX to work with you?20:30 Without Starlink, can Armada still be successful?22:11 Armada’s product suite25:41 Creating demand for 3rd parties in the marketplace28:11 The Galleon30:44 Customer traction, targeting, and product in the field32:58 Armada's smallest but still relevant customer34:18 The competitive landscape36:13 Extreme testing for Galleon38:45 Capital raising41:38 What keeps Dan up at night43:17 Galleons but in space?44:47 10 year vision46:04 Dan's opinion on Starship's next flight test50:40 What does Dan do for fun? • Show notes •Armada’s website — www.armada.aiDan’s socials — https://twitter.com/danwrightSFMo'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 Pathfinder 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/

This week, we bring you our second installment of Pathfinder’s special podcast series on the State of the Space Industry. As a reminder, you’ll hear from two members of Payload’s editorial staff on key trends, exclusive interviews, and insights shaping the industry.Today’s episode explores EO & SatCom, featuring Payload’s Research Director, Jack Kuhr, and Lead Reporter, Rachael Zisk. Highlights from the discussion include:EOEO market dynamics in 2023Public EO companies’ trajectoryVC inclinations and startup viability in EOSpeculating on SpaceX's emerging EO ambitionsThe realities of commercial demandSatComThe SatCom market in 2023The impact of the Ukraine warExploration of direct to cell innovationsSpaceX’s strategic movesInvestor sentiment and edge computing in SatComThis episode is brought to you by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). Be sure to check out the Italian Pavilion  in South Hall (Booth 603) during Space Symposium! • Chapters •00:00 Intro & ITA Ad01:22 Jack's background02:21 Earth Observation market in 202304:41 State of the public EO06:23 Major fundraisers in 202307:51 EO startups securing venture capital14:20 Spire and BlackSky16:19 SpaceX and EO18:59 Consolidation in the EO market22:37 Rachel’s background23:30 Satcom in 202324:51 Ukraine & SatCom26:45 Direct to cell technology28:51 Starlink’s impact33:22 Edge computing35:30 Investing in SatCom39:47 FCC and regulations42:17 Predictions for SatCom in 2024 • Show notes •Jack’s socials — https://twitter.com/JackKuhrRachael’s socials — https://twitter.com/RachaelZiskMo'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 Pathfinder 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/

Pathfinder is shaking things up for the next two weeks with a special pod series on the State of the Space Industry. In each episode, you’ll hear from two members of Payload’s editorial staff on key trends, exclusive interviews, and insights shaping the industry. This week? Launch & OSAM, featuring Payload’s Managing Editor Jacqueline Feldscher and Senior Space Reporter Tim Fernholz. Highlights from the discussion include:LaunchLaunch cadence + increasing demandRole of launch providers and competitionChallenges including space debris and regulationAdvancements in reusabilityOSAMThe OSAM chicken-and-egg problemThe role of government partnerships and regulationsKey technologies required for OSAMRecent developments and upcoming missions, including Northrop Grumman's MRV mission, Astroscale's ADRAS-J mission, and SpaceX's Starship refueling demonstrationsAnd much more…This episode is brought to you by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA). Be sure to check out the Italian Pavilion  in South Hall (Booth 603) during Space Symposium! • Chapters •00:00 - Intro & ITA Ad01:35 - The state of launch in 202304:14 - Peter Beck & Rocket Lab06:31 - Tory Bruno & ULA11:43 - Tim Ellis & Relativity Space14:09 - Make or break in launch15:27 - Government’s perspective on launch outside SpaceX17:46 - What Jacqueline is excited for in 202419:07 - Blue Origin & ULA21:41 - Tim Fernholz!22:28 - OSAM. What is it and what companies fall underneath the OSAM umbrella?24:22 - Core capabilities25:19 - OSAM market in 202325:59 - Challenges of building27:10 - Gaps in technology29:53 - Should startups be investing in OSAM technology?32:21 - How integral is the government in developing OSAM?34:13 - Who is setting standards?35:42 - OSAM 137:56 - What Tim is excited for in 2024 • Show notes •Jacqueline’s socials — https://twitter.com/jacqfeldscherTim’s socials — https://twitter.com/TimFernholzMo'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 Pathfinder 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 Tuesdays 4) 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/

This week, we're going live from Austin, TX, at Payload’s inaugural event, “The Ultimate High Ground: The Role of Space in National Security,” held during SXSW. Our episode features a fireside chat with Dan Goldin, the longest-serving NASA Administrator, from April 1992 to November 2001. Dan is known for leading NASA’s resurgence during one of its most challenging periods following the Cold War. His tenure was characterized by the philosophy of "faster, better, cheaper," which established the foundation for the modern space industry.We spend a considerable amount of time discussing Dan’s contributions outside NASA, including his tenure at TRW and his efforts at Cerberus, a leading private equity firm that is now heavily involved in aerospace and defense. Additionally, we explore:The next Sputnik momentTechnology transfer between NASA and the DoDThe challenges of the space industry todayThe opportunity in the space national security marketAnd much more… • Chapters •00:00 - Introduction01:44 - Military and intelligence programs at TRW03:49 - Potential unforeseen gaps in technology06:35 - 1958 Space Act10:17 - Life at Cerberus14:12 - Common missteps from startups today17:35 - Do startups understand physics?19:29 - Overcrowding in parts of the market21:18 - Where the opportunity is today26:12 - National security…more than just weapons28:54 - Directed energy33:33 - What question is not being asked more often35:19 - Cislunar space38:24 - When will we land on the Moon?38:50 - Are we underestimating or overestimating China's capabilities?39:21 - When will we land on Mars? • Show notes •Dan’s’ socials — https://twitter.com/dansgoldinMo'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 Pathfinder 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) Parallax, our weekly space science briefing, hits inboxes Thursday4) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays 5) 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/

This week's Pathfinder podcast features Nate Hamet, cofounder and CEO of Quindar, a startup attempting to dramatically change satellite operations. Quindar's software suite simplifies satellite command and control, enhancing health, security, and connectivity management. With a rich background in satellite operations at notable companies like OneWeb and Orbital Effects, Nate's team uses their expertise to reduce human intervention and increase efficiency in satellite constellations. In addition, we discuss:Quindar’s origin storyHow mission management software simplifies satellite operationsFully autonomous satellite solutionsThe importance of space cybersecurityAnd much more… • Chapters •00:00 - Intro01:22 - What is Quindar and what are you building?03:14 - What is satellite command and control?05:47 - Nate's background and how he started Quindar10:04 - Why is cyber security important?11:34 - How does the Mission Management Software simplify the operation of satellite constellations?19:55 - Managing data21:34 - How far away are we from fully autonomous solutions?23:30 - How does Quindar make money?25:08 - Use cases beyond space?25:57 - Commercial and government traction27:37 - What is Quindar's ideal customer?29:14 - The onboarding experience33:01 - Location and team35:51 - KSAT integration38:11 - Quindar's plan from recent funding39:59 - What to look out for in the future40:57 - The Star Trek vision41:46 - What is Nate doing when he's not building Quindar? • Show notes •Quindar’s website — https://www.quindar.space/Nate’ socials — https://twitter.com/NateHametMo'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 Pathfinder 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) Parallax, our weekly space science briefing, hits inboxes Thursday4) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays 5) 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/

Did you ever think that solar power generation in space could be 10x cheaper, 20% more efficient, and extend operational life to over 50 years? Well, that’s what the Arizona-based startup Solestial believes it can achieve with its silicon cell technology. We bring in CEO and cofounder Stan Herasimenka for his first-ever podcast to discuss the unique challenges and differences between terrestrial and space solar cells, and the technological advancements his company is making to produce radiation-hardened, thin, and flexible solar cells for space use.Stan and Mo also cover:Market potential for solar technologyReengineering long-established technologySolestial’s business model and scaling plansFuture trends in space solarAnd much more…• Chapters •00:00 - Intro00:36 - What are you building?00:59 - What prompted Stan to start Solestial?01:57 - Terrestrial vs extraterrestrial solar cells05:10 - How long would a terrestrial solar cell last in space?08:27 - Who are the main players?11:02 - What is III-V?12:25 - Supply/demand gap16:03 - Core product offering18:26 - What is the reason not to have a turnkey solution?19:53 - Cost of activeness vs COTS23:40 - Target cost of cells24:30 - Why would a customer pay more for a premium solar cell?27:37 - Self-curing radiation damage30:52 - Perovskite cells33:20 - Manufacturing and scaling36:18 - Where is Solestial based?37:01 - Customer traction38:39 - Team makeup40:18 - Financing plans?41:51 - When will Solestial have their first array in space?43:13 - What does Stan do when he's not talking about solar cells?44:09 - Other companies Stan is excited about • Show notes •Solestial’s website — https://solestial.com/Stan’s socials — https://www.linkedin.com/in/stan-herasimenka-5932561b/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/@payloadspace Pathfinder 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) Parallax, our weekly space science briefing, hits inboxes Thursday4) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays 5) 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/

This week’s Pathfinder features Lori Garver, a pioneering force in the space industry known for her instrumental role in propelling NASA into the modern era of commercial spaceflight. The former Deputy Administrator of NASA joins us today to discuss how partnerships with private space firms helped to shift the landscape from government-dominated missions to a thriving commercial space sector. In addition, Lori and Mo discuss:NASA’s budget and prioritiesTiming of Artemis and MarsNASA as a Cold War instrumentMuch needed policy changesAnd much more… • Chapters •00:00 - Introduction01:00 - Commercial partnerships during Lori's tenure05:55 - Why did you write your book?08:29 - The COTs program10:42 - Support for the Constellation program12:44 - Is the SLS part of the future of Artemis?15:40 - Feasibility of NASA's Artemis plan19:00 - NASA’s CLPS program22:40 - View on SpaceX's launch dominance25:52 - Future of human spaceflight27:05 - Does NASA risk losing relevance?29:25 - How does great power competition affect NASA?32:48 - Policies Lori is championing34:14 - What prompted Lori to work in the industry?38:40 - What Lori is working on today45:33 - Viability of asteroid mining49:18 - Lori's bets on next Moon/Mars landing50:52 - What does Lori do for fun? • Show notes •Lori's book — https://www.amazon.com/Escaping-Gravity-Quest-Transform-Launch/dp/1635767709Lori’s socials — https://twitter.com/lori_garverMo'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 Pathfinder 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) Parallax, our weekly space science briefing, hits inboxes Thursday4) Polaris, our weekly policy briefing, publishes weekly on Tuesdays 5) 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/

San Francisco-based venture capital firm, Bessemer Venture Partners, is diving into defense technology, with Payload securing the first interview to discuss the firm's new strategy with Partner Tess Hatch. Despite the firm's historical successes with space companies such as Terra Bella (formerly Skybox), Spire, and Rocket Lab, they are cautiously awaiting a new technological catalyst before making further industry investments.Meanwhile, Tess has turned her attention to the defense sector highlighted in the firm’s recent Bessemer's defense tech roadmap. She highlights AI/ML solutions and autonomous systems as critical investment areas, aiming to influence the future of national security significantly.Tess joins us to recount her transition from an aspiring astronaut to a deep tech investor. In addition, Mo and Tess discuss:Bessemer’s early space thesisA breakdown of defense techThe concept of “dual use”Tech shaping the future of national securityChallenges to defense investingAnd much, much more… • Chapters •00:00 - Intro02:15 - Tess's career arc04:06 - Tess’s transition from engineer to investor06:27 - High capex in deep tech investing09:04 - BVP’s investment strategy15:59 - Space industry today and future predictions18:37 - New investors in the space industry21:07 - A third catalyst?23:41 - Bessemer's defense tech roadmap26:28 - How does Bessemer differentiate itself28:11 - How do you define defense tech?30:43 - Concept of dual use32:21 - Reality of dual use35:12 - Challenges of defense tech investing38:41 - Future opportunity in national security40:53 - Liquidity in defense tech42:48 - Who should partner with Bessemer?45:08 - Favorite war movie/book • Show notes •BVP’s Defense Tech Roadmap — https://www.bvp.com/atlas/roadmap-defense-techBVP’s socials — https://twitter.com/BessemerVPMo'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 Pathfinder 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 15,000+ 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 three media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern (https://newsletter.payloadspace.com/)2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Parallax, our weekly space science briefing, hits inboxes Thursday (https://parallax.payloadspace.com/)

Our guest this week not only has a PhD in theoretical astrophysics but is also a pilot, musician, entrepreneur, language enthusiast, and a thought leader on how humanity can create a better future for itself.  No, we’re not constructing a dating profile, but describing Casey Handmer, the founder of Terraform Industries, a startup focused on scaling technologies to produce cheap natural gas with sunlight and air. Today, Casey joins us not to talk shop about his company's innovations but to share his vast knowledge on a subject he's deeply passionate about—Starship, Starlink, and the future of space exploration. Casey has been a prolific writer on these topics, sharing his insights and analyses on his blog since first discussing Starship in 2019. He has a very clear message: the industry significantly underestimates what Starship is capable of and the impact it will have on society at large.Additionally, Mo and Casey chat:The Artemis program and NASA’s futureThe role of Starlink in societyMars exploration and humanity’s futureEnergy production beyond fossil fuelsThe future of science fictionAnd much, much more…this is one of the most special discussions we've had, so don't miss it.This episode is brought to you by Epsilon3, software for complex engineering, testing, and operational procedures. Learn more at https://www.epsilon3.io/• Chapters •00:00 - Intro & Epsilon3 Ad02:45 - Career arc and Terraform Industries06:33 - Humanity will move beyond fossil fuels by 204009:33 - Everyone must read Casey’s blog10:13 - Is Starship still misunderstood?16:12 - In what ways does Starship challenge traditional design philosophies19:33 - Launch capacity22:25 - $10m launch costs25:14 - Epsilon3 Ad Break25:43 - HLS & why Artemis hasn't been redesigned28:24 - Thoughts on Blue Moon29:43 - Why does a non-Starship Artemis program not move the needle?34:18 - Mars & NASA36:47 - Is Mars a business?37:55 - Startups building in this new regime41:09 - Starship IFTs42:36 - When will we see the first payload deploying Starship launch?43:18 - Does the Starlink model work without Starship?44:28 - Is the Falcon enough to replenish Starlink satellites?45:24 - Will there be political support for a future with Starship?52:05 - How will Starship affect the science fiction genre? • Show notes •Casey’s blog — https://caseyhandmer.wordpress.com/Terraform’s website — https://terraformindustries.com/Casey’s socials — https://twitter.com/CJHandmerMo'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 Pathfinder 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 15,000+ 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 three media properties across multiple platforms:1) Payload, our flagship daily newsletter, sends M-F @ 9am Eastern (https://newsletter.payloadspace.com/)2) Pathfinder publishes weekly on Tuesday mornings (pod.payloadspace.com)3) Parallax, our weekly space science briefing, hits inboxes Thursday (https://parallax.payloadspace.com/)