Throttle Up

Sascha Deri & Justin Starbird
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Welcome to Throttle Up, a behind-the-scenes look at how bluShift Aerospace is building and launching a new class of rocket propulsion. In each episode, we take you inside the engineering, the decisions, and the momentum it takes to get from concept to liftoff.

Episodes

  1. Turning $7million into what others couldn't do with $50million

    1D AGO

    Turning $7million into what others couldn't do with $50million

    On this episode of Throttle Up, host Justin Starbird sits down with Sascha Deri, Founder and CEO of bluShift Aerospace, for a deep conversation about what previous investment capital has actually unlocked for the company and why the next phase of growth matters. Sascha walks through bluShift’s evolution from an early prototype developed under a NASA SBIR contract into a propulsion company that has now built large-scale engine testing infrastructure, secured federal contracts, developed engines capable of producing up to 20,000 pounds of thrust, and positioned itself within the rapidly growing hypersonics and booster markets. The discussion gives listeners a rare look into the realities of hard-tech development, including the engineering challenges, infrastructure requirements, capital efficiency, and strategic decisions required to advance a propulsion platform in one of the most demanding industries in the world. The episode also explores how bluShift has leveraged a combination of non-dilutive government funding, private investment, and community support to move significantly faster and more efficiently than many competitors in the sector. Sascha shares why the company ultimately pivoted from focusing primarily on orbital launch toward solving larger propulsion and booster market opportunities, and how those decisions have shaped bluShift’s commercialization roadmap moving forward. For investors evaluating aerospace opportunities, this conversation provides critical context around bluShift’s technical progress, testing milestones, capital discipline, infrastructure development, market positioning, and long-term growth strategy. It also offers insight into the culture, transparency, and execution mindset driving the team as they prepare for the next stage of development and future flight milestones. If you want to understand what it actually takes to build a propulsion company capable of reaching commercialization in today’s aerospace market, this is an episode you do not want to miss.

    31 min
  2. Inside the Non-Toxic Rocket Engine Changing Everything

    MAY 7

    Inside the Non-Toxic Rocket Engine Changing Everything

    Welcome back to Throttle Up! We’re diving deep into the tech that’s redefining rocket propulsion. CEO Sascha Deri welcomes CTO David Hayrikyan, the engineering force on site, to discuss exactly what bluShift has built and why it stands apart from today's launch systems. In this episode, we talk grit, engineering, and the real-world simplicity that is cutting costs and complexity: What is a Hybrid Rocket Engine? David breaks down how their system uses solid fuel and liquid oxidizer to deliver all the performance needed for suborbital and hypersonic testing, without the cryogenics or massive price tag of the "Ferrari of rockets". Bio-Derived Fuel: Is it safe? Sascha, the guy who ate the fuel on CNN, explains the huge practical benefits: ease of availability, simple logistics, and zero explosive danger in manufacturing compared to traditional solid rocket motors. The fuel is more energy-dense than liquid fuel and makes manufacturing far simpler. The Skunkworks Story: David shares his passion for working until 2 a.m. in the early days and how Sascha’s relentless optimism helped a small team achieve what usually takes tens of millions of dollars. The Next Big Launch: What are the final technical hurdles before bluShift sells its first engine to a hypersonic customer? Sascha shares his excitement for the "awesome moment" when the full stack fires vertically. Follow the mission on Wefunder, then tune in to hear the story of ingenuity, persistence, and how a Maine-based company is making space accessible by choosing simplicity over complexity!

    37 min
  3. Challenging the $80 Million Aerospace Norm

    MAY 7

    Challenging the $80 Million Aerospace Norm

    State of the bluSift Aerospace Union Ready to hear how real rocket scientists are shaking up the space industry!? In the inaugural episode of Throttle Up, host Justin Starbird sits down with bluShift Aerospace CEO Sascha Deri to launch into the real work behind getting a rocket from concept to launch.  Sascha breaks down how bluShift's proprietary, bio-derived fuel and hybrid rocket technology are fundamentally changing the game. They're not just reducing costs; they're dropping them to 1/100th of what traditional solid rocket motors cost for production and 1/4 of the price for the final engine! Learn how Sascha’s background as a serial entrepreneur informed the company's culture, a focus on spending money wisely, and hiring "gritty" people who can both design and build.  Plus, get an exclusive look at the massive market opportunity bluShift is seizing, including solving a national security shortfall and delivering the lowest-cost hypersonic testing capability in the U.S.! If you want the inside story on a startup that’s delivering rocket launches for less than $300k, tune in now!

    29 min

  4. MAY 7

    Welcome to the Throttle Up Podcast

    Welcome to the Throttle Up Podcast, a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and launch a new class of rocket propulsion. Hosted by Sascha Deri, Founder and CEO of bluShift Aerospace, and storyteller & entrepreneur Justin Starbird. This podcast follows the real work behind the mission. From early design and propulsion development to testing, capital, partnerships, and the path to launch, each episode brings you inside the process as it unfolds. bluShift Aerospace is advancing a new approach to propulsion, built around performance, sustainability, and a long-term view of how to disrupt the market for solid rocket motors used in defense and commercial launch. The journey requires discipline, iteration, and a clear focus on execution. Progress is built step by step, through decisions, setbacks, and milestones that move the system forward. Each conversation is designed to share that progress in a way that is grounded, transparent, and useful to the people following along. For engineers, investors, partners, and anyone interested in how complex systems are built and brought to life, the Throttle Up Podcast offers a clear view into the work behind getting to launch. This is your front row seat to watching bluShift Aerospace take off!

    1 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

Welcome to Throttle Up, a behind-the-scenes look at how bluShift Aerospace is building and launching a new class of rocket propulsion. In each episode, we take you inside the engineering, the decisions, and the momentum it takes to get from concept to liftoff.

Information

  • Creator
    Sascha Deri & Justin Starbird
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sascha Deri & Justin Starbird
  • Show Website
    Throttle Up