A conversation with Rocket Lab's Peter Beck on recovering Electron

I got to have an awesome conversation with Rocket Lab's Peter Beck talking all about their reusability plans for Electron and all the exciting things they'll be doing next year!
I already have a video that dives into their recovery plans and the history of air launches here - • How Rocket Lab will ca...
Last year I had the pleasure of interviewing Peter at Rocket Lab's beautiful new factory in Auckland, New Zealand! - • A conversation with Ro...
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[@CanineDefenseTechnologies]

Oh ya just casually sitting on a launch pad with my feet dangling down the flame pit and talking to the CEO of a rocket company

[@TheJttv]

Psssh... Tim is still a filthy casual /s

[@hrissan]

I’m amazed you can do this without attaching a lifeline and not violating any law code 😹

[@synapticimpulse7585]

Just another day in paradise!

[@masterbarnard]

I’m amazed at how casually they’re talking about all this complex rocketry 👌🏻

[@UNSCPILOT]

Quite possibly one of the coolest sentences to be uttered

[@WildArtichokes]

I love listening to Peter talk about his rockets. He's not the larger than life figure that Elon is, but a super awesome, down to earth guy who very much knows what's he's talking about. Keep up the great work Tim!

[@donjones4719]

Artichoke He innovates and succeeded in the smallsat market others failed in or said couldn’t be done. Lots of talk about carbon fiber everywhere - he made it successful. Also willing to reverse course, not wedded to his own paradigm. Reuse! And yes, down to earth and accessible.

[@annando]

Well, I think that both Elon and Peter are interesting persons. In fact I liked both interviews. Elon is more of a dreamer and visionary, while Peter seems to be very realistic. What I really do like about Peter is how he emphasizes the importance of the work of the whole team. It's not this "Elon says, so we have to fulfill his wish". And I must confess, that I smiled when he confessed, that one part of the decision to do the recovery by helicopter was his desire to fly that helicopter. :-)

[@karthickmurali598]

@@annando Are you implying that Elon's goals are unrealistic? If that so i would have to strongly disagree. He has driven spacex to do things that was nearly thought to be impossible and elon's leadership is what makes spacex stand out i mean look at blue origin it also has hardworking,intelligent employees with more money than spacex but still they are nowhere near spacex. leadership is the most important thing for the success of any organization followed by employees and money.

[@sawspitfire422]

@@karthickmurali598 I think what annando was saying is that while SpaceX will chase the impossible and do things nobody has ever been done before, Rocket Lab focuses on perfecting a tried and true method better than anyone else before them. It's not that Elon's goals are unrealistic it's just that Peter is more pragmatic about not needing to rewrite the entire rule book to achieve his goals

[@annando]

@@karthickmurali598 I said that Elon is a visionary, that's a difference. I recommend the interview with Gwynne Shotwell about this topic. She told a lot about how Elon has got new ideas and the people have to realize them. This is quite different from the way that Peter seems to work. Both ways are having their advantages and disadvantages.

[@395leandro]

I like how Tim makes intelligent and relevant questions. I hate when interviewers ask silly things mostly unrelated to the topic at hand.

[@alt8791]

“How has social media influenced the asteroid’s trajectory?” “It’s made the press conference questions stupider” _-xkcd_

[@deansmits006]

He's really improving his interviewing skills. Keep at it, Tim

[@Hebdomad7]

If only we could have more questions like that given by all media. Less sound bites, more understanding please! But narh, vote for the guy who'll give our masters more money!

[@Dug6666666]

You know they are intelligent questions when Peter has to tip toe round a few.

[@Schmidtelpunkt]

Not sure if he does it on purpose, but he uses the advantages of the format. One can spot the same on podcasts. On TV every answer has to work out of context, so it can be edited in between some lines of a narrator, so even the longer versions of those interviews tend to be less of a forth and back. Here the purpose in conversation as it is. Half-sentences are allowed as well as questions which take away half of the answer, which for "pure" interviews would be a big no-no. It looks like especially those geeky interview partners enjoy this kind of talk, even though the questions are not the usual PR softballs.

[@AtlasGaming4k]

I love that Tim is being taken seriously... he’s our Everyday “Astronaut Enthusiast”

[@Seastallion]

I think it helps that he's proven himself as an able interviewer with both Elon Musk and Jim Bridenstine. He's knowledgeable on the subjects, able to talk at the level of whoever he's interviewing. Nuts and bolts shop talk with Elon or more general PR sensitive policy discussions such as with Bridenstine. Because Tim is knowledgeable it allows his interviewees to go beyond the more rehearsed responses without using those insights to go after potentially negative details. Tim could've trash-talked SLS but it would likely be the last interview he'd get, instead he soft-balled it and in return he has a good chance of getting more interviews in the future. Smart!

[@Alacernovum]

If we didn't have Tim, we would miss out on so much!

[@LeesReviews69]

Alacernovum I know!!!!! Geez. He definitely filled a roll

[@JameBlack]

There would be another Tim.

[@shanmukhsagi9166]

@@JameBlack but he will always be the first one ☝

[@Alacernovum]

There can not be another like Everyday Astronaut. Sure there are others trying to do the same, but they aren't Tim.

[@PeterVanNess_ThePaver]

@@Alacernovum agreed! A supplement is the ArsTechnica Rocket Report. I highly recommend it!

[@jelteschulten9688]

22:30 Tim is sitting like a little child enjoying a conversation with Peter Beck! It's so cool you got to talk to him again, and it were all great questions Tim, of course you enjoyed it, I would to!

[@_datapoint]

Good job not falling into the pit!

[@PatrickOliveras]

whoa spoilers

[@Arae_1]

Yeah

[@Arae_1]

@v.dog yup

[@Graham.W571]

I love how accessible Peter Beck is and gives great interviews

[@ThatGuy-fi9bm]

Yeah, Elon is not quite as great at it lol

[@Intrepid17011]

@@ThatGuy-fi9bm Depends, i liked his Interview with Tim back when they revealed Starship. Its just that he has not that much time than others, he has multiple companies, so its harder to get a grasp of him. IF you get to talk to him about stuff he loves, he really shines imo.

[@Shoorit]

I love Tim's enthusiasm.. he asks questions like and adult and reacts like a kid at the answers.

[@donjones4719]

MarcD Best description ever of his style! Definitely a key to why Elon and Peter open up with him.

[@jaaaspokenjay5778]

I'm halfway through this interview and I just needed to say this: Tim, you are a FANTASTIC interviewer. You have a lot of knowledge on the subject, have an amazing amount of interest and enthusiasm for the interview, and ask the questions that people want to know about even if they don't know they do. When I used to make TV shows 30 years ago in college, I could have only hoped for an interviewer like you. Keep up the great work.

[@chrisclarke5040]

Loved this - so nice to hear a casual but intelligent conversation. it could never happen like this on TV, which would just dumb it down to nothing. Thanks Tim.

[@mminder]

I hope one day soon that the Everyday Astronaut really goes into space. That would be the greatest and biggest KZbin story ever told.

[@AndreSomers]

@@PersonalStash420 That would be the coolest bit of embedded journalism we've seen to date.

[@reactions4u438]

well hes going!! probably not for a few years though

[@stephenwevans]

This is A+ content, Tim! What a great, casual conversation. I had a goofy grin on my face the entire time.

[@TripedalTroductions]

Tim has basically become the Joe Rogan for nerds. Love it.

[@pseudonayme7717]

Lol, true. Joe Rogan is a nerd too though, just for judo and ju-jitsu instead of rockets and space stuff 😁

[@jimmysando99]

I've been saying that Tim needs to go on JRE for ages!

[@DubsBrown]

I see him as the Jay Leno for Rocket Ships.

[@78katz]

He's a rockstar!

[@scorpio6587]

Yes!

[@donjones4719]

I've never seen Peter interviewed by anyone with you, but can't imagine him being as relaxed and open anywhere else. When you state something in a inside humor kid of way, can see the space-nut to space-nut connection in his face - and the conversation just flows. And of course flows because you keep asking interesting space-nut questions, not boring general crap. Thank goodness all of us other space-nuts have you for this!

[@mattmckenna9320]

Peter's been on TMRO a few times. I'm pretty sure thats where Tim heard of RL in the first place.

[@MrPinguinzz]

we need to make tim more famous to get more big guys to give him interviews like this, i love it so much

[@spacesimxplore6194]

I have to go back and rewatch all of your videos to find out when you transitioned from a geeky space nerd, to a full on professional journalist. Your videos have been outstanding recently and definitely up there with the likes of Discovery channel for quality! Keep up the great work Tim!

[@daveborinski3021]

Outstanding video Tim! This is got to be one of the best interviews you’ve done.

[@dakota4766]

Dave Borinski agreed!

[@theguyfromsaturn]

The beauty of these small channels, is that you get knowledgeable people interviewing the experts, asking relevant questions. Sure beats the fluff of mainstream media.

[@dakota4766]

“It’s a good injector”. Lol

[@aleksandersuur9475]

Not only does it count as business secret, that topic also falls under arms control.

[@cameronseider4565]

Tim, you are the man! I can't help but think you incepted Peter Beck with the idea of reusing the 1st stage in your previous conversations with him.

[@xsamuelx8010]

Tim you are an absolute legend, I feel so lucky being able to see content like this

[@philipp-d1b]

I LOVE when Tim interviews someone!

[@PierreNaude]

One of the most amazing conversations I have seen in recent memory - amazing!

[@robcrawford7780]

Tim... This was a perfect interview. Three cameras, Impressive!

[@fenztiny]

Awesome interview tim. So casual. Such a cool interview spot as well

[@zeitgeist909]

WOW - a CEO who can't be asked a question, even out of leftfield, that can't be answered in confidence? This is a guy who isn't bullshitting. If I had a few quid...

[@suryanshsrivastava5551]

This video was just the right length, neither too long nor too short, you really should do more videos of this length.

[@mrCyk0]

I usually don't post on KZbin... But your content is just going of the charts! The great production value "docu style" prices and the interviews are both great. And it's really kinda telling about the industry as well that you get to do them. Props to the companies that do this with you!

[@870shotgunner870]

Great interview! Peter Beck is one of my favorite people.

[@dinoschachten]

Peter is sooo nice and awesome! Really love how openly he shares insights. :) Go Rocket Lab!!

[@slowerpicker]

This is astounding, easygoing, easy-to-follow stuff. Thanks to Tim and RocketLab!

[@lewismassie]

Peter Beck is the absolute chillest dude ever

[@MrTimT001]

Peter is indeed awesome, and so are you Tim :) thanks for bringing us these amazing videos.

[@cogoid]

Very interesting! So many good questions, and Peter seemed to be really open and honest in answering them!

[@eerienine]

Peter Beck! Wow what a treat! Thanks Tim!

[@daleleblanc8115]

Love the hat. Just ordered one! And great interview! I love how you are always at the cool events. Jelly :)

[@ZunderCraft]

Thank you Tim for your hard work! Your enthusiasm is inspiring and your mood is uplifting in every single video

[@drinkup45]

Location and camera work made this a great watch 💯

[@GSFBlade]

Hats off to Peter for sitting there the whole time, great interview.

[@TheOneWhoMightBe]

I thoroughly enjoy these 'fireside chats' you have with people like Peter, Jim, and Elon. Extra impressive is the reach that 'just some youtuber' has into the inner world of spaceflight and aeronautics and how much info you can tease out. Here's to a great 2020!

[@Max_Flashheart]

Great video and congrats to Peter and the Team at Rocket Labs they are amazing.

[@themoonissquare323]

7:21 watching those lines come together in mission control would be satisfying but imagining what that little kick stage is accurately doing somewhere in orbit to make those lines come together is mind blowing.

[@apollo8030]

that satisfying apoapsis

[@xsamuelx8010]

Just chillin on a Rocket Lab launch pad with Peter Beck is so freakin badass

[@PeterVanNess_ThePaver]

I love the high quality production, high caliber questions, and your overall enthusiasm. Great job Tim and team!

[@TheCebulon]

What a great interview. It is interesting to watch you both nerd about rocket stuff. That is how everybody gets involved and exited. 👍❤️ Greetings from Munich, Tom.

[@mariebray9831]

Thanks for a the interwiew Tim and Peter.

[@danielbrowniel]

When I first found Tim's channel I never thought this guy would be shaking hands with Rocket CEO millionaires.. I can't even be jealous, Tim is such a nice guy, he's a perfect everyday astronaut!

[@Vaidulis]

Tim, you know all the coolest nerds in world. Thank you for sharing!

[@montgomerybojangles8644]

What love about this channel is that I know I can always like the video before watching it in it's entirety. Always great content

[@dolfandringa]

I think this is your best interview sofar. Really relaxed with very good questions. And another little gem where you asked the right question. Last time you were right......

[@pipedemon28]

I love how you get to be more personal with the big shots of the rocketry world. Nice job Tim.

[@n1k0n_]

Come a long way Tim. Good on ya.

[@alantelford712]

I am impressed by both of these guys.

[@ptrsrrll]

Comprehensively and completely across the subject - both Tim and Peter

[@StuHolmes]

Thanks for making this event Tim. Peter Beck is always interesting to listen to.

[@FlyingAl2006]

Awesome interview. Glad you got to do this and share.

[@northstarpheonix]

I love how down to earth Peter is.

[@temperchill]

I absolutely love these interviews and this is the best one yet. The format makes me feel like I'm just hanging out on my back porch bs'ing with friends about nerdy stuff.

[@carpandrei7493]

Great interview! And congratulations to Peter Beck and the whole team at Electron for all the amazing work they have done!

[@CanonFirefly]

Excellent interview. Loving the quality content. 👍

[@DTHRocket]

For some reason, injectors are always the secret sauce component. At a company I worked at before, they always put a little "fig leaf" in the throat of the nozzle when showing off our engines so people couldn't snoop a looksy at our injector design, haha

[@vaibhavpoke8357]

This is the coolest casual interview ever.

[@dakota4766]

What a great interview! Lots of gritty details. Well done Tim!

[@1000dots]

Good interview. I need to hang out on more launchpads

[@Mrsournotes]

Great interview. I could listen to you two all day. Thanks Tim!

[@udovdh]

Great interview, thanks for sharing!

[@DbeeM]

75 percent of this is over my head , but I can’t stop listening and learning.

[@nathanwestwick815]

Who's here after the Neutron announcement?

[@ldsalrm]

Best interview location ever! Thanks Tim and Peter!

[@ThatGuy-fi9bm]

It really is crrazy that Everyday astronaut has caught the attention on multiple CEO's while still being not a massive KZbin channel

[@nicosmind3]

Under 1 million club, got here early!!

[@mcburcke]

USAF used to routinely do mid-air recoveries of parachute capsules with helos and C-130 aircraft. It was very reliable and not exceptionally difficult for the aircrews to accomplish, especially since they had a special unit dedicated to air recoveries to keep the experienced guys together for extended periods. Also had specialized tracking equipment on the aircraft to help line up for the recovery.

[@forcemultiflier1746]

Dude ! An awesome interview , what a generous bloke He is ! and I'm not just saying that because I am a Kiwi!!

[@sunkid86]

I guess Tim is becoming kind of a baller in the industry - casually talking almost on friends' terms with the biggest names in the industry. Love it

[@charlesnightza]

Really enjoyed this interview Tim, thanks for all you do for your community!

[@dinoschachten]

5:40 - I would have been very curious to hear if the use of drones is conceivable for the future, if it would actually provide benefits regarding efficiency.

[@Whataboutit]

Wonderful Interview! Thank you very much, Tim! :)

[@Miss.information_Lover]

What is your comment have no likes me confused

[@dedgey1061]

hey,cool video tim. i like the interviews edit:Just thought of this if you fell in, they would need to 'recover' you with a helicopter

[@tomboyd7109]

Nah, a Forklift

[@davidbeal6925]

Great video Tim. Of course I knew I'd like as soon as you announced you'd be uploading it. I did go back and watch yours and Scott Manley's review of the rocket to be sure I could keep up (more or less... mostly less LOL). Anyways wanted to say thanks and keep up the great work.

[@dennisaston3551]

Learned a lot about this group, thanks!

[@Avida-l7s]

You worked hard for it and deserve it but you have one of the best job in the world !

[@matthewakian2]

What a great place to conduct an interview.

[@wplaat]

nice interview. Thanks!

[@kevinm413]

Today I learned that cryogenic methane is 'sorta flamey'. ! Well done, Tim- Great interview. Thanks to Peter for sitting down to talk.

[@LeesReviews69]

I’m trying hard not imagining Tim Dodd pushing Peter into the hole saying, “This is a message from Elon”

[@JameBlack]

Lol, are you from Russia?

[@JameBlack]

I live in Russia and people dont trust and hate each other down here. So such interview would be really tricky!

[@unitrader403]

i imagine Elon taking one of Peters Rockets and sending it to Mars - fully assembled and filled, just for the heck of it :D

[@facepalm7345]

@@unitrader403 If that were to happen, Tim will manage to find some way to get him onboard that electron in his own little capsule to shoot a few scenes for his upcoming video

[@glaucousgrey990]

"Long live the falcon nine!" *Steps on fingers.*

[@Aster321]

Your interviews are just the best, thanks for all the great work!

[@PowerScissor]

Love it when CEOs give interviews!

[@zimmy1958]

Great work there Tim good info for us all.

[@nuovazeta]

Awesome episode Tim, thanks

[@doningram3978]

Peter, Tim, Thanks for this. This will be an exceptional addition to space history.

[@byaafacehead]

Great interview!! Nice job Tim, on good questions and follow up, and to Peter for talking. Looking forward to this company's future

[@JukkaPalme100]

Wow, great interview. TY Peter and Tim!

[@josephneider7332]

What a great interview Tim, I love how you just get rocket engineers to just chat about their toys. I wonder if they remind themselves youre a reporter and not a colleague.

[@picknikbasket]

That was an awesome interview, thanks Tim and Peter.

[@WeirdSeagul]

Legit the perfect questions. All the stuff I wanted to after the first recovery test data

[@rolfjacobson833]

Thank you. so nice to here about the non spacex players

[@thomascharlton8545]

Thanks Tim, Ask'n all the right questions. Great interview!

[@JanWestin]

Solid work Tim!!

[@christophercarr5865]

Great interview. Very educational.