Specific Impulse

Jason Carvalho & Jeff Thornburg •www.specificimpulse.fm

Welcome to 'Specific Impulse,' the ultimate podcast for space technology enthusiasts and professionals. Join spacetech investor Jason Carvalho and legendary space engineer Jeff Thornburg as they dive deep into the latest advancements in rocket engines, propulsion systems, and the future of space exploration. Whether you're an aspiring aerospace professional or a passionate space enthusiast, tune in for expert insights and inspiring conversations that propel you towards the stars.

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Episodes

SPAC Fallout, Defense Dollars & the Real Space Economy

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: Why most space SPACs failed—and what comes next The myth of building “the next SpaceX” How defense funding is shaping the real space economy New b...

Jun 23, 2025•2 hr 42 min•Ep. 3

Mars-Bound: Engineering the Raptor Engine with Jeff Thornburg

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: Engineering Hurdles : The major challenges faced during the Raptor Engine's initial development and how the team tackled them. Breakthroughs : Unexpected...

Jul 06, 2024•2 hr 39 min•Ep. 2

The New Space Economy: Opportunities and Challenges

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...

Apr 17, 2024•57 min•Ep. 1

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