Impulse Space’s Pioneering Approach to In-Space Transport
The world is currently witnessing the rapid commercialization of space. There are over 100 launch companies, some of which are already in regular operation. But what happens when these rockets deliver their payloads to space? How do payloads like satellites move from their drop-off points to the specific orbits assigned by the International Telecommunications Union?
Today, we’re joined by Dan Olson, the Vice President of Engineering at Impulse Space, a startup dedicated to in-space transportation and infrastructure for the commercialization of space. In this episode, we will explore various aspects of Impulse Space’s work and the aerospace industry.
In this episode, you will gain insights into the exciting developments in the commercialization of space and Impulse Space’s pivotal role in this rapidly evolving industry. Additionally, you’ll discover more about Dan’s remarkable journey, from designing race cars to spacecraft, highlighting the surprising commonalities in design and innovation across different sectors.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Dan’s journey from designing race cars to spacecraft (02:12)
- Impulse Space and its innovative products (07:05)
- SpaceX launch and payload capabilities (12:15)
- Space transportation and missions with Impulse Space (17:08)
- Impulse Space and its Siemens software integration. (23:41)
Guest: Daniel Olson
Daniel Olson is currently the VP and Director of Vehicle Engineering at Impulse Space, a position he has held since 2021. From 2019 to 2021, he was the Managing Director at Joe Gibbs Aerospace, where he led a start-up business serving the aerospace and defense industries with engineering solutions and in-house manufacturing capabilities. From 2012 to 2019, he functioned as a consultant and analyst at MSI Defense Solutions, LLC, where he designed components and systems for heavy off road military vehicles and conducted extensive non-linear FEA modeling of structural components to meet customer test requirements. From 2006 to 2012, Olson was the Senior Development Engineer at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Host: Kevin Blevins
Kevin Blevins is the Portfolio Development Executive for SMB and Startup Companies and manages the Siemens Digital Industries Software Startup Program. He works with the Siemens sales organizations as well as Siemens Partners to engage and evangelize the Siemens Startup Program in the Americas. Kevin has spent more than 35 years in the Engineering and Manufacturing software industry. Prior to this he spent seven years in the automotive design industry. Kevin has been with Siemens for 33 years. During this time, he has held positions in Technical Support, Technical Sales Support Leadership, Sales Director for the Automotive Region, Partner Sales Executive, and his current position. Kevin has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI.
Designed and built from the ground up, Impulse Space is creating orbital maneuvering vehicles specifically for last-mile payload delivery. These vehicles are capable of delivering multiple payloads to unique orbits from a single launch. They are committed to the stewardship of earth and space, which is why they have chosen green non-toxic propellants to power their thrusters, and are designing all of their spacecraft to minimize orbital debris. For more information, visit Access Any Orbit | Impulse Space
Pioneers: Startups from Dreams to Reality
Ideas alone can’t change the world. It takes grit, and serious funding. In Pioneers, host Kevin Blevins sits down with startup founders to discuss the startup lifestyle- from concept to execution- and the big ideas that fuel these pioneers. From the future of farming to autonomous flight, there’s no frontier too far.
