BSV Podcast 0154: General Galactic

Balerion Principal Emerson Garnett sits down with Halen Mattison, Co-Founder & CEO of General Galactic, to discuss water-powered orbital logistics. General Galactic is developing the Genesis water-based multimode propulsion system and the Selden spacecraft to provide high-delta-V orbital mobility without toxic propellants. Its roadmap extends from commercial orbit raising and defense logistics to refueling networks supplied by lunar and Martian resources.Timestamped Overview00:00 – Introduction, Mattison’s SpaceX background, and the energy challenge in space02:48 – General Galactic’s vision for in-space logistics and energy infrastructure04:19 – Genesis water-based multimode propulsion and alternatives to hydrazine07:14 – Water electrolysis and the technical basis for higher-performance propulsion09:33 – Selden spacecraft architecture, high delta-V, and rapid launch readiness12:01 – Lower-cost access to GEO and other high-energy destinations13:34 – Near-term commercial and defense missions versus lunar and Martian infrastructure15:58 – How greater spacecraft mobility could change mission design and space strategy18:31 – Full-stack operations, orbital refueling depots, and a cislunar transportation network22:05 – Sabatier reactors, methane production, and resource utilization on Mars23:28 – Roadmap from initial demonstrations to a broader orbital economy25:11 – Flight heritage, rapid iteration, risk reduction, and operational scaling26:45 – Constellation growth and platforms supporting Space Force operations28:07 – Competitive differentiation, water propulsion adoption, and market defensibility31:04 – Nuclear thermal and nuclear electric propulsion within the long-term roadmap33:45 – Customer integration, standardized interfaces, pricing, and upcoming milestones37:55 – Closing remarks and where to follow General Galactic This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit balerionspace.substack.com