Summary
Highlights
Neil deGrasse Tyson introduces Jeff Thornburg, CEO of Portal Space Systems, an aerospace engineer with a vast background including NASA and SpaceX. Thornburg explains that Portal Space Systems is developing rapidly maneuverable spacecraft with payload flexibility for defense and commercial customers, aiming to solve the current slowness of movement in space.
Thornburg discusses his work on a high-performing rocket engine at the Air Force Research Lab and the importance of Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs). He emphasizes that FFRDCs are crucial for seeding new technologies that lack immediate business cases, while venture capital chases profit. This points to a potential gap where private industry will not invest, highlighting NASA's essential role in foundational research.
Thornburg elaborates on the historical divergence between Russian and American rocketry post-WWII. Russian focus on reliability and manufacturability led to systems like the Soyuz, which have remained consistent and reliable. In contrast, the US, starting with Von Braun, prioritized performance and perfection. This difference manifested in the high cost and complexity of programs like the Space Shuttle, which struggled with reusability and maintenance.
The discussion shifts to the rise of commercial space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. Thornburg recalls how SpaceX's Falcon 9 achieved capabilities at price points that NASA initially doubted. This success led to a new era where private companies developed and launched systems, with NASA often adopting these 'off-the-shelf' solutions, reducing launch costs significantly. This model benefits the market as customers can choose between expendable and reusable options based on their needs and budget, making space access more affordable and frequent.
Jeff Thornburg highlights the critical role of failure in engineering, contrasting the 'failure is not an option' motto of traditional government programs with the 'break it to learn' approach of commercial startups. He underscores that accepting and learning from failures—not blunders—is essential for faster product development and innovation. The conversation also addresses the challenges of public perception surrounding failures and the importance of leadership documenting acceptable risks.
Thornburg expresses concern about cuts to NASA's budget and the implications for R&D. He fears a brain drain as scientists move to other countries with better funding and warns that reduced investment in fundamental research will severely impact America's leadership in science and technology for decades. He advocates for continued government funding in technology areas where there is no clear business case but critical national need.
Neil and Jeff discuss the history and future of propulsion. While chemical rockets remain essential for escaping Earth's gravity, other methods are more efficient in orbit. Electric propulsion (ion engines) offers high efficiency but low thrust, suitable for patient maneuvers. Thornburg introduces his company's Supernova, an innovative thermal engine using concentrated solar energy and flexible propellants to achieve rapid, efficient movement in space without combustion. This system offers versatility for different missions and aligns with a 'live off the land' approach to space exploration.
Thornburg warns that, unlike the U.S., China is brute-forcing space maneuverability with larger rockets and spacecraft, threatening critical infrastructure. Neil explains the Space Force's role not in traditional warfare but in defending orbital assets crucial for modern civilization (GPS, communication satellites). He highlights vulnerabilities, such as adversaries harassing satellites to reduce lifespan, emphasizing that maneuverability is key to national security in space.
Chuck asks about the 'Holy Grail' of commercial space travel. Neil shares his desire for suborbital travel to reach any point on Earth within 45 minutes. Thornburg's vision is for human travel to any orbit between Earth and the Moon to be a routine, non-significant event in his lifetime. Neil concludes by emphasizing the indispensable role of engineers in solving complex problems under constraints, asserting that 'there is no civilization without happy engineers,' who drive progress in energy, housing, and climate.