EP 49 — Atomic-6's Trevor Smith on Revolutionizing Aerospace Through Advanced Composite Materials

How does a former real estate broker end up revolutionizing satellite protection at Mach 21? Trevor Smith, President & CEO of Atomic-6, brings just this unique perspective about aerospace innovation to his conversation with Dave. His company is transforming space technology through groundbreaking composite materials, including their "space armor" that protects satellites from debris traveling at Mach 21, as well as innovative deployable solar arrays enabling new spacecraft capabilities. 

Trevor explores Atomic-6's development of lunar power systems, hypersonic aircraft components, and their pragmatic approach to defense innovation. Trevor also offers valuable insights on bootstrapping a hardware startup, creative SBIR strategies, and building dual-use technologies that deliver better value for taxpayers while advancing space capabilities.

Topics discussed:

• Development of novel composite materials for extreme environments, including space debris protection and re-deployable solar arrays for spacecraft applications.
• Innovative approach to space debris protection through non-metallic composite shields tested against projectiles traveling at Mach 21.
• Development of vertical solar array towers for lunar power generation supporting mining operations at the lunar south pole.
• Strategic approach to government contracting through creative SBIR proposals and incentive alignment with commercial partners.
• Evolution of venture capital interest in defense technology companies and changing investment landscape since 2021.
• Practical insights on bootstrapping hardware startups and maintaining efficient capital deployment in aerospace development.
• Building dual-use technologies that leverage commercial markets to deliver better value for defense applications.
• Creation of composite structures for hypersonic aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicle applications.
• Leadership lessons on managing innovation teams and maintaining focus on core technological advantages.

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Intro Quote: 

“The first, the first round was really friends and family. I mean like 98 % friends and family. So as we've matured, VC money has come in more than friends and family, just because the checks need to be bigger and that sort of thing. But yeah, I mean, bootstrap, don't raise on hype, raise on what you've done. That's what I'm trying to tell everybody.”