Comments on: Listen

By: john hare

john hare — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:43:16 +0000

That’s a market well worth looking into. A lot larger than Newspace at this time.

By: Roderick Reilly

Roderick Reilly — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 16:33:06 +0000

FWIW, on markets for turbopumps, or any powerful propellant pumps: Years ago someone figured out that rocket engine turbopumps made for hallacious water pumps. Some large industrial site had a pond with a rocket turbopump installed in it that would spray a huge volume of water on nearby buildings in case of catastrophic fire. I imagine it was intended to go to work before the firefighters arrived to take over the task.

Water pressure for firefighting has become an issue in some areas. An upscale home in the D.C suburbs that contained a vast collection of African and African-American art was completely destroyed in part because of low water pressure at the hydrants. If a turbopump with its own gas generator could be hooked up to a hydrant, I wonder if that would be considered worth a fire department’s time and money?

By: john hare

john hare — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:25:58 +0000

This post is the start of the market research this time. Five years ago, I could have called four different rocket companies and asked if they were serious about the offer at the last conference. At one time, I could get an answer that day on some technical questions. My contact with serious players has diminished considerably since then.

Then a pump at 500 psi and 20 lbs LOX per second would have been interesting if under 40 lbs with reasonable drive gas use. Now, I don’t know for sure who would like to have what. The VTVL guys probably don’t want something in the loop that doesn’t throttle well, and I haven’t talked to HTHL guys lately. That is why I am letting them know that I am listening.

By: David

David — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:26:14 +0000

What you are describing applies to any business start up. You need to research your ideas with the probable markets and the associated constraints. It does not matter if its a new rocket pump or a new shop selling lollies. You need to ask the questions to the perspective clients and build a business plan around the results. Obviously, the most important item is the most difficult (for business and the other interests) is to take the time to truly listen to and comprehend what is being said. We (that is Men) are not always that good at this part of the equation.

By: john hare

john hare — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 20:09:33 +0000

That may or may not happen, depends on her. The point was that while I was talking about her, I was not listening about the product until my nose was rubbed in it.

By: MG

MG — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 16:26:56 +0000

” Do I want to spend the money, and is it worth my time? Both are at the expense of other interests.”

Not to get salacious or anything, but I think the “other interest” you should prioritize is Flor.