Broadcast 2025 (Special Edition)

Guest: Dr. Dmitriy Tseliakhovich. Topics: Escape Dynamics microwave beam propulsion for launches. Please direct all comments and questions regarding Space Show programs/guest(s) to the Space Show blog, http://thespaceshow.wordpress.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. We welcomed Dr. Dmitriy Tseliakhovich, CEO & CTO of Escape Dynamics (http://escapedynamics.com) to discuss their work on making microwave beamed propulsion possible for space launch. During our 1 hour 39 minute discussion, Dr. Tseliakhovich talked about his background and passion for space, including helping to open up commercial space. His work and experience led him to creating Escape Dynamics in 2010 to find a better and more efficient way to space than by using chemical rockets. Dmitriy then took us through many of the benefits of external launch, including a higher specific impulse, better payload ratios, and even the ability to use an SSTO frame for the vehicle. During this segment, we also talked about safety issues and using the possibility of using the technology as a space weapon. During this discussion, Dmitriy was very focused and precise in saying that their systems had to prove out as being safe on all of the issues we were discussing. Next, we learned that the initial beamed propulsion vehicles would be robotic but at some point in the future, eventually crewed launch vehicles would be possible. We talked about their step by step incremental development and testing plan, including starting with suborbital launches. I asked our guest about the probable cost of electricity and support from the existing electrical grid. Our guest had much to say about the cost of electricity, the use of the grid for their power needs & the capability of existing systems to support their needs. He also did not rule out partnerships with utility companies. Listeners sent him emails asking about competition and markets as well as the use of hydrogen for fuel. Our guest was also asked about their heat exchanger, a key component on the vehicle. In our second segment, Dmitriy was asked about weather issues for launch & we learned that there were concerns and requirements suggesting launching in dry areas would be best. Another listener asked about ocean launch possibilities & Charles called in expressing skepticism, to support chemical rockets, and to raise questions about the high g force, boost stations, and the size of the ground array needed for the beam propulsion launch system. Roger emailed us to ask about orbital fuel depots & beamed propulsion. We then talked about the company timeline & learned about 2015 as a suborbital launch target date. In response to an email about the main challenges, our guest said the challenges to the system were mostly non-technical. John was our last caller asking about DARPA, project financing, fuels, and more. In closing we talked about available internships and the hiring opportunities at Escape Dynamics. Please post your comments/questions on The Space Show blog. You can contact our guest through his website or by using drspace@thespaceshow.com.