Episode
#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
1:39:56
Published: Mon Feb 01 2021
Description
Natalya Bailey is a rocket propulsion engineer from MIT and now CTO of Accion Systems. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Munk Pack: https://munkpack.com and use code LEX to get 20% off - Four Sigmatic: https://foursigmatic.com/lex and use code LexPod to get up to 60% off - Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium - Sun Basket: https://sunbasket.com/lex and use code LEX to get $35 off EPISODE LINKS: Natalya's Twitter: https://twitter.com/natalya926 Accion Systems: https://accion-systems.com/ PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexFridmanPage - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (06:51) - Intelligent life in the universe (10:52) - Life in our solar system (12:57) - Humans on Mars (16:31) - Robots vs human in space exploration (17:25) - AI in space (21:30) - How rocket engines work (26:47) - How ion engines work (31:10) - How colloid engines work (40:07) - Material science (42:57) - Nuclear powered rocket engines (47:56) - Electric propulsion out in space (51:23) - Satellites (56:17) - Photo of Earth from the Moon (57:55) - Humans on Mars (1:00:17) - Propulsion without fuel (1:08:12) - How to build a rocket company (1:15:10) - SpaceX and commercial spaceflight (1:19:42) - Advice to startup founders (1:26:18) - Book recommendations (1:34:36) - Meaning of life
Chapters
Natalia Bailey, a rocket scientist and spacecraft propulsion engineer, discusses the future of space propulsion engines for satellites and spacecraft in this podcast interview.
00:00 - 02:10 (02:10)
Summary
Natalia Bailey, a rocket scientist and spacecraft propulsion engineer, discusses the future of space propulsion engines for satellites and spacecraft in this podcast interview.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The conversation delves into the possibility of signaling other universes and communication with possible beings in there, using advanced technology.
02:10 - 10:02 (07:52)
Summary
The conversation delves into the possibility of signaling other universes and communication with possible beings in there, using advanced technology. A product advertisement for Four Sigmatic and Blinkist is included.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker suggests that we may be able to generate more knowledge and understanding of life on other planets if we stop attempting to send humans and instead try sending AI, robotics, and stem cells.
10:02 - 19:49 (09:46)
Summary
The speaker suggests that we may be able to generate more knowledge and understanding of life on other planets if we stop attempting to send humans and instead try sending AI, robotics, and stem cells.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the possibility of civilian travel to Mars and whether they would prefer a vacation on Earth or Mars.
19:50 - 31:12 (11:22)
Summary
The speaker discusses the possibility of civilian travel to Mars and whether they would prefer a vacation on Earth or Mars. They also express interest in ion propulsion engines and their unique combination of quantum mechanics and electrostatics.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Scientists have discovered that they can generate jets of ions from liquid by applying a strong electric field to stresses the liquid, causing a cone to form at the tip that generates a jet of ions.
31:12 - 42:52 (11:39)
Summary
Scientists have discovered that they can generate jets of ions from liquid by applying a strong electric field to stresses the liquid, causing a cone to form at the tip that generates a jet of ions. By providing the liquid with a support, the electric field can be focused on the tip, requiring less voltage to create the field.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The limitations of current energy supplies for electric propulsion may be overcome through the use of nuclear power, which has been proven to be safe and efficient.
42:52 - 48:17 (05:25)
Summary
The limitations of current energy supplies for electric propulsion may be overcome through the use of nuclear power, which has been proven to be safe and efficient. This could lead to the development of a propulsion system that works for the entirety of the vehicle's life travel, making it a more sustainable option for space exploration.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Maneuvering a satellite can help avoid being hit by space debris or take higher resolution images, but it also adds to the risk of creating more debris.
48:17 - 54:57 (06:39)
Summary
Maneuvering a satellite can help avoid being hit by space debris or take higher resolution images, but it also adds to the risk of creating more debris. Satellites used to be as large as a school bus, but the space industry now uses smaller satellites to manage data and latencies.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
With the increasing need for better communication and internet services worldwide, the number of satellites in orbit is expected to rise significantly, with more being launched to provide the necessary coverage for improved services.
54:57 - 59:44 (04:46)
Summary
With the increasing need for better communication and internet services worldwide, the number of satellites in orbit is expected to rise significantly, with more being launched to provide the necessary coverage for improved services.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses phenomena like quantum tunneling that physicists struggle to explain and mentions the possibility of dark matter and other dimensions.
59:44 - 1:08:12 (08:27)
Summary
The podcast discusses phenomena like quantum tunneling that physicists struggle to explain and mentions the possibility of dark matter and other dimensions. It also explores how technology could enable pure democracy but raises the question of whether this would be preferable to representative democracy.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The ability to build strong networks and relationships is crucial in business.
1:08:12 - 1:15:56 (07:43)
Summary
The ability to build strong networks and relationships is crucial in business. Drawing upon one's existing network and providing unsolicited connections between people can also be a valuable tool in building a successful company.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Private companies competing to be delivery vehicles for NASA's missions have helped to innovate and cut costs, which has improved the speed and efficiency of NASA's operations.
1:15:56 - 1:19:46 (03:50)
Summary
Private companies competing to be delivery vehicles for NASA's missions have helped to innovate and cut costs, which has improved the speed and efficiency of NASA's operations. However, for missions that straddle commercial and scientific goals, the heavy bureaucratic involvement of NASA may still be necessary.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Prioritizing company culture and spending time and effort on it is often an afterthought for leaders and founders, but it is important to deliberately carve out time for it and acknowledge the cost it may have.
1:19:46 - 1:26:13 (06:26)
Summary
Prioritizing company culture and spending time and effort on it is often an afterthought for leaders and founders, but it is important to deliberately carve out time for it and acknowledge the cost it may have. It is also important to ensure that the company's values align with those of the founder and co-founder to successfully rally others towards achieving the company's vision.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares about their experience reading classic literature and mentions how being introduced to jargon like memes and DNA as ultimate meme as well as concepts like infinity and objective beauty set them on the path of becoming an avid reader.
1:26:14 - 1:31:30 (05:16)
Summary
The speaker shares about their experience reading classic literature and mentions how being introduced to jargon like memes and DNA as ultimate meme as well as concepts like infinity and objective beauty set them on the path of becoming an avid reader. They also express their love for the flowery prose of authors such as Fitzgerald and how they came to realize that classic literature is just a collection of love stories.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The guest discusses the benefits of reading condensed materials like blog posts and papers while also emphasizing the importance of fictional reading in developing empathy.
1:31:31 - 1:38:22 (06:51)
Summary
The guest discusses the benefits of reading condensed materials like blog posts and papers while also emphasizing the importance of fictional reading in developing empathy.
Episode#157 – Natalya Bailey: Rocket Engines and Electric Spacecraft Propulsion
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Natalia Bailey discusses spacecraft propulsion techniques and the exciting field of space exploration.
1:38:22 - 1:39:32 (01:09)
Summary
Natalia Bailey discusses spacecraft propulsion techniques and the exciting field of space exploration.