The SPAC wave promised liftoff—but reality hit hard. In this episode of Specific Impulse, hosts Jason Carvalho (Carvalho Capital) and Jeff Thornburg (CEO, Portal Space Systems) dissect the post-SPAC correction, the rise of defense-aligned investing, and why real space infrastructure—not hype—is finally having its moment.
🔍 In this episode, we cover:
💬 “VCs are finally asking the right question: How does this space company actually become a business?” — Jeff Thornburg
Whether you're an investor, founder, or operator navigating the dual-use frontier, this is essential listening for understanding where space is really headed.
🎧 Listen on: SpecificImpulse.fm
🔗 Mentioned in This Episode:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:11 Setting the Stage: Space Economy 2.0
03:16 Segment One: The Tipping Point of 2024
04:04 Investment Trends and Market Corrections
08:25 The SPAC Era and Its Aftermath
11:14 Challenges and Opportunities in Space Tech
19:55 The Role of Defense in Space Investment
42:22 AI and Robotics: The Future of Space Exploration
46:14 Building Successful Space Tech Companies
50:43 Scaling a Business: The CEO's Role
52:24 Aligning Sales and Engineering
54:53 The Importance of Leadership and Mentorship
55:25 Fractional Executives and Pricing Strategies
56:52 Building a Strong Network
59:42 Recommended Reading for Executives
01:03:22 The Role of Vision in Space Tech
01:11:51 Manifest Destiny in Space
01:16:28 NASA's Future and Commercial Space
01:29:15 Global Space Ambitions and Cooperation
01:35:56 The Future of Space Companies
01:37:45 The Future of Telecom: Satellite-Based Internet
01:39:09 Leapfrogging Traditional Infrastructure: India and Africa
01:39:57 China's Independent Space Ambitions
01:40:27 The New Space Race: Infrastructure and Investment
01:40:54 Emerging Technologies and the Future
01:47:24 The Role of NASA and Government Policy
01:59:13 Global Space Collaboration and Challenges
02:04:26 The Impact of Leadership and Policy on Space Innovation
Welcome to Episode 2 of 'Specific Impulse,' the podcast that propels you through the universe of space technology and exploration. I'm your co-host, Jason Carvalho, joined by my co-host Jeff Thornburg. Today, we take a deep dive into the engineering marvels and challenges behind the development of the Raptor Engine.
In this episode, we explore:
Join us as Jeff shares exclusive insights into SpaceX’s journey from 2011 to 2015, including the development of the Raptor engine and the transformative reusability of rockets. Whether you're an engineer, investor, or space enthusiast, this episode is packed with fascinating details you won't want to miss.
Key Milestones Discussed:
About Our Co-Host: Jeff Thornburg, co-host of 'Specific Impulse,' led the development of the groundbreaking Raptor engine at SpaceX, which became the world’s first methane-powered full-flow staged combustion cycle rocket engine. With a rich background at NASA, Aerojet, and the Air Force Research Laboratory, Jeff brings unparalleled expertise in propulsion engineering.
Tune in as we ignite the engines and set course for the stars!
Listen to the episode now and subscribe to 'Specific Impulse' for more deep dives into space technology and exploration.
Welcome to the inaugural episode of our series where we embark on an exploratory journey into the burgeoning NewSpace economy. This episode serves as your gateway into understanding the dynamic landscape of the space sector, unraveling the wealth of opportunities it presents for investors and engineers alike, alongside the formidable challenges that startups encounter.
The NewSpace economy is rapidly reshaping our approach to space exploration and commercialization, moving beyond the confines of traditional space agencies to a more inclusive and innovative arena. Here, we'll dissect the current state of the industry, highlight key players, and provide insights into the technological advancements propelling us forward.
But it's not all smooth sailing; the path to stellar success is fraught with obstacles. We'll delve deep into the hurdles startups face, from securing funding to navigating regulatory frameworks, and the resilience required to overcome them. This episode not only sets the stage for the season but also equips listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the space sector's potential and pitfalls.
Join us as we explore the final frontier through the lens of the NewSpace economy, offering a blend of expert interviews, industry analysis, and forward-looking discussions. Whether you're an investor eyeing the next big opportunity, an engineer dreaming of the stars, or simply a space enthusiast, this episode is your launchpad into a universe of possibilities.
