Tim Dodd: SpaceX, Starship, Rocket Engines, and Future of Space Travel | Lex Fridman Podcast

[@lexfridman]

Here are the timestamps. Please check out our sponsors to support this podcast. 0:00 - Introduction & sponsor mentions: - BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off - MasterClass: masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off - Shopify: shopify.com/lex to get free trial - ExpressVPN: expressvpn.com/lexpod to get 3 months free 0:48 - SpaceX rockets 21:26 - Falcon 9 25:37 - Starship 29:57 - SpaceX rocket engines 37:35 - Elon Musk 53:10 - Twitter 59:15 - How rocket engines work 1:04:07 - Rocket fuel 1:07:33 - Rocket engine cycles 1:19:57 - Rocket cooling 1:34:54 - Multistage rockets 1:38:27 - Single-stage-to-orbit 1:44:03 - Aerospike engine 1:51:48 - Greatest car engine of all time 1:56:57 - Starship 1:59:48 - Wet dress rehearsal 2:05:59 - Landing 2:20:17 - Seeing starship in person 2:29:24 - Starship orbital test 2:36:02 - Gwynne Shotwell 2:41:12 - dearMoon project 3:00:16 - Fear of death 3:08:42 - Everyday Astronaut origin story 3:34:33 - Soviet Rocket Engine History 3:53:20 - Russia, China, USA 4:07:49 - Starlink 4:15:36 - First human on Mars 4:18:34 - Moon landing 4:24:41 - Nuclear propulsion 4:32:21 - Bob Lazar 4:39:24 - Aliens 4:43:11 - Sci-fi books 4:46:29 - Long-term space travel 4:53:17 - SpaceX competitors 5:04:37 - Kerbal Space Program 5:11:02 - Advice for young people

[@clevernamehere]

Hey Lex 🤍 I hope you're having a wonderful week so far!

[@chriskiesling9387]

Does Lex have power? Is he safe, warm, have food and water? Rumors are some areas will have their water shut off.

[@clevernamehere]

@@chriskiesling9387 I have no idea. I hope so tho...

[@georgejaniec]

You both nailed it!

[@dmurray2978]

Open borders for israel

[@ChevTecGroup]

5 hours with Tim Dodd! There goes my week!

[@volknasty5880]

Thicc

[@andrewakrause]

Right? I mean, pace yourself, guys...

[@SpaceCaptnFace]

luckily i work outside... got 4 hours left

[@bobbobby7536]

too bad space is fake and this is mostly indoctrination and brainwashing.

[@neon_Nomad]

Watch at 5x its only 1 hour

[@jacobrogers2214]

Lex's motivation for research is so humble. He read books, watched videos, and polled Twitter ahead of time. Most of the questions he is asking he already knows the answer to. He doesn't research to dunk on the other person. He doesn't research to have conversations that the viewers can't understand. He's researching so he knows how to ask the right questions to get the best answers.

[@moonasha]

and this is why he's the best podcaster. I believe rogan read's people's books too, at least sometimes. Sometimes I've seen terrible guests on rogan who are obviously there to shill some yet to be published book, and god only knows how they got on the show, probably paid their way in. Lex somehow never has a bad show, and I think it's because he's passionate about all of his guests

[@alanrickett2537]

He asks great questions and does great research , but his speaking voice and delivery are not to the same standard.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

He really is the best

[@dirtyvargas98]

I have never commented on a Lex Fridman video, I've easily seen 100+ episodes, and I feel like a " Like " is just not enough. I just want to actually say, Thanks Lex.

[@Spellchecc1OO]

Same

[@scatdawg1]

@Michael G 'same' doesn't thank lex

[@MaxUgly]

I wrote a book thanking him in the comments when I was drunk last week. Reading it sober made me realize how closed off and "tough" my life has made me. Rogan helped me in my earlier years and then had Lex on. Both have saved my life.

[@dakota4766]

@@scatdawg1you must be bored…

[@timbrown6715]

@@dakota4766 he’s a troll

[@BEM684]

This is the first time I've ever watched any 5-hour interview and I'm so glad I did. Love you both.

[@filipstefan9384]

Lex absolutely killing it with these guests

[@anchiit]

5hrs let's go 🫡🫡

[@justlisten82]

The only 5 hour video I'm actually looking forward to watching

[@bobbobby7536]

5 hours of indoctrination. lets gooo

[@2_hottieScotty]

Every time Rogan, Lex, Jocko…, any of these guys has someone on.., and they went long like that??? …, I’m automatically like…, ooooooooh, this is gonna be good… always happy to see it… there are others who are too rigid…, and they’ll be having a great convo on a great topic and a rabbit hole comes up.., and my guy mentions time or something, and I’m like… 😳😱🤦🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️

[@MarkkuS]

@bobbobby7536 😆 trolls are awake, quick hide your inbox.

[@bernhardjordan9200]

All hail 2x speed

[@TimSmith-cz9ds]

I love it when you have been following people independently for years, then they meet up. Interesting to see how they interact.

[@mccauleymccranie3752]

Facts

[@rossh2386]

Finally finished. Tim is such a good guy he deserves the spotlight

[@xlynx9]

💯 I have watched Tim really increase his knowledge and intuition for engineering and science over the years. He is always a force for good, unification, positivity, inspiration and respect, rising above politics and division, taking the high road, seeing the bigger picture. My respect for him continues to grow. He does not seem to carry the darkness that many of us do. I wish Lex had asked him about that. Maybe in a future round.

[@kessedk]

I just finished it as well. What a great listen! I'm almost sad that I finished it... I guess I'll just have to listen to it again in a few weeks 🙂

[@TheBlacktom]

I highly recommend his original KZbin channel: youtube.com/@termderd

[@mentatteg]

love this man

[@guppi277]

Tim Dodd's the collective goodness of rocket science in everyday day people on this planet, that comes bundled with the general goodness in each of these people. Lex doing a five hour gig with Tim is indicative of how important he is, in the rocket world today. Tim's also the everyday face of the innovative rocket technology today. Reusable rockets that land on their bum, 3D printing of rockets, Choppers that meet rockets, en route on their return back to earth etc etc

[@Zwackelmann173]

Tim Dodd has such a big passion for space it's contagious. Wonderfull interview

[@eamonia]

He should do nation wide tours to middle schools.

[@ajsap8160]

Hands down my favorite episode, the advancements in the space industry is the primary reason I decided to go back to college at 28 (29 now). I want to go to space definitely, but the desire to be apart of this renaissance of sorts pulls at my heart in ways I just couldn't ignore any longer.

[@_ericsanchez]

Lex really does have the best variety of guests!!

[@billybobs9520]

This guest sucks

[@jt-db3tb]

Been saying this for a while. Hands down the best list of guests.

[@KristianBjotve]

yees

[@poseidonguy3940]

Lex Fraudman who calls himself an MIT scientist.

[@mikeslemonade]

When will humans finally get to the moon for the very first time?

[@MichaelJCaboose013]

Two of my favorite people on the internet. Magnificent

[@tomalekrx]

Yeah Tim!!!! You deserve this so much. I learned so much from you

[@billybobs9520]

I learnt that he is boring and I'd rather ride skateboard 🛹

[@tomalekrx]

@@billybobs9520 you should probably start wearing a helmet then

[@tombystander]

@@billybobs9520 Tim isn't boring. Lex asked complex questions most of us don't comprehend like rocket engines for 2 hours.

[@billybobs9520]

@@tombystander rockets are garbage they mainly land in the ocean because they're all shit

[@BradleyG01]

Without Tim, I probably wouldn’t be studying mechanical engineering right now.

[@uftukel]

Tim Dodd is an American treasure. The average guy who has the two richest billionaires on his cell phone and who genuinely seem to enjoy and appreciate his enthusiasm and love of space.

[@riverviewvineyard1143]

This is my first experience listening to Tim, so easy was it to understand complex systems the way he explained them, but there was so much knowledge my brain needs a rest. Great guest Lex. Where do you find so many intelligent people, so fast and to be so inclusive, is amazing in it's self.

[@DhandeepLodaya]

Do checkout his channel. You will want to watch a lot of those videos, and take mental rest a lot in the middle. Haha

[@mouser58907]

Wow, they have such great chemistry. That was a blast. I've been lucky enough to meet Tim a few times at Starbase and he's just as awesome in person to random strangers like myself.

[@daniel_960_]

Oh hi. What are the odds you're one of the first comments here. 😂 I Like your tweets.

[@MrGaborseres]

Awesome dual 👍 indeed 🙂

[@thejesuschrist]

Hell yes! This is going to be glorious!

[@cabanford]

Hallelujah even!

[@billybobs9520]

Guest was lame

[@attilioc238]

@@billybobs9520 Repent!

[@billybobs9520]

@@attilioc238 oh go to hell 😂

[@_lysimache4832]

@@billybobs9520 no u

[@NIkVasilatos]

Five and a half hours of Lex talking with Tim is it Christmas again already?

[@vikingthedude]

Consider this a late Christmas present

[@DJWILDCARD46]

Your best guest by far!💯 Tim is my mentor!! Thanks for inviting him!! 👌

[@m1shuC]

It's only the start of February, but I already feel this will be my favourite podcast of the year. Gotta love it when people I follow and love get together and talk for hours and hours, the world needs more of this!

[@MichaelBehrnsMiller]

Tim is always so inspiring he still gives me chills every single time after all these years. He nails the most mind blowing leaps forward with the passion they deserve, while remaining so incredibly chill about the overblown drama. He's a master.

[@jeffrygriffith3811]

Very well said.

[@TheBlacktom]

I wonder if you watched his original videos though youtube.com/@termderd

[@Scoutski]

I have an hour commute to work, and I'm so glad I now have 5 hours of one of my most anticipated Lex interviews. BTW, congrats on getting a spot on Dear Moon, Tim!

[@scatdawg1]

That's two and a half days of lex :) I listen in 10 minute - 30minute each pod last me up untill the next one

[@TheSirjull891]

Thank you Lex for having Tim on! This is going to be awesome!!!

[@Native_love]

This is my first Podcast ever! When I heard Tim was going to be interviewed by Lex, I couldn't wait to see this!

[@jeffrygriffith3811]

I dont remember the first SpaceX coverage that I saw. But it was with Tim as The Everyday Astronaut. When Tim spoke of those first attempts and the first failures, I remembered seeing those. So much time has past since then and Tim brings all of the wonderful history to life with this Lex production. Love it!

[@HomewayTherapy]

What a nice surprise! Two of my favorite KZbinrs in one! 5 HOURS?!

[@jimpayne9545]

Lex has become the master of long-form podcasts.

[@0my]

Ya. Others were paid off or banned from contending

[@JH789x]

As a resident of the Rio Grande Valley and someone who has visited the site multiple times, words do not do it justice. What they are doing there is incredible. And yes, you CAN drive up so close the launch & production site. No place like it in the world. I hope everyone can visit Boca Chica one day.

[@rins_randoms]

This was so awesome. I’ve been following Tim since it was just him in an astronaut suit and his camera. Your success is well deserved, Tim!! You’ve definitely changed my idea of what’s possible. Inspiring. 💕🚀✨

[@TheBlacktom]

Tim origins: youtube.com/@termderd

[@prof_hu]

Tim is easily my favorite person on youtube (and I'm a long time patron of him too). I don't like long podcasts in general. 2 hours in, I just can't stop!

[@simonhanauer7020]

I'm glad I have my own business, I probably should fire me for this 5 HOUR break. The attempt to keep it in the background while I get real work done is completely gone. Lex, you are the man!!! TIM!!!! Been watching you for years and you rekindled my love of space, my kids all love you, we watch every stream. Tim to the Moon!!!! Just love this!!!!!!

[@cosmicinsane516]

Been a longtime subscriber of Tim’s. The best part of his story is the dude just up and bought a space suit on a whim and now is going to the moon. God has a plan, or the quantum DM rolled a 20. How awesome

[@Slaphappy1975]

5 hours and 15 minutes of awesomeness. Is this a new Lex record?

[@alanrickett2537]

Second longest I think there is a 7 hour one.

[@NaudRuun]

7 hrs? Wow! Who?

[@alanrickett2537]

@@NaudRuun don't remember wasn't someone I knew but you can go to videos and find it

[@vycktorrm]

@@NaudRuun it was with Balaji Srinivasan.

[@NaudRuun]

@@alanrickett2537 thanx

[@philipgiacalone5605]

Tim Dodd is inspiring. Big thanks to him for everything he does. Same goes for you, Lex. Thank you both.

[@stefanklass6763]

2 of my favorite people finally coming together. When I heard Lex talk about Tim for the 1st time I already got excited.

[@zakiranderson722]

Thanks Lex, for bringing space down to earth for everyday people.

[@sathithyayogi9094]

Wow , great words

[@lummergnu]

If I have had Tim as physics teacher back in the 80's I would probably ended up being a rocket engineer.

[@milanms7]

I waiting for this one since he said on twitter. Thanks lex. You’re awesome

[@connordinnadge]

Loved this episode! Tim is such a great guy, glad you finally got to speak with him!

[@swapshots4427]

Tim is THE number one Space journalist. He constantly grows his knowledge. In his interviews he asks the right questions.

[@nwliving]

This is my first full length listen to Alex and his podcast. You treat your subjects with dignity and excitement listening to them and let them finish their thoughts. Your a great interviewer.

[@gmeister03]

This is hands down the coolest interview! I never would have thought that Tim would be on this side of KZbin. I’ve watching him for better part of a decade! This blows my mind

[@marijnmolenaar2848]

Yes! Ive been a huge fan of Tim's work ever since he livestreamed the Starhopper 'flight' back in 2019. Easily one the highest rates Spaceflight Journalist/content creator out there. Really looking forward to this, thanks Lex

[@SogarGofin]

Thanks so much for interviewing people like Tim Lex! These people are my heros

[@jloerke]

OMG, if Tim could live stream their launch that would be absolutely incredible

[@paulbellini2137]

Ran into Tim on the street in NYC. Told him love your videos and he responded really!? Yes Tim your work inspires many. Keep up the great work. No one else makes space so cool.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Nasaspaceflight are also very very cool

[@alexroberts4504]

LEX!! are you reading my mind for the perfect guests?! You really are smashing it dude, my favourite human I've never met 💙

[@ChristoMac]

I just finished listening to you on JRE and I gotta tell you, I Love you Lex Fridman! Now you give us 5+ hours of more deep thought. I really wish there was a way other than writing this for you to know and feel how much I appreciate you.

[@Big_Red_Dork]

Send him an email or post on the Reddit. I'm pretty sure he skims both of those reasonably well due to the more manageable volume. Although he seems like the sort of guy to downplay and subvert praise out of shy humility :p

[@nathanielheustis687]

I’ve been waiting so long for someone who could explain all of this as well as Tim to come on the Lex podcast. This is amazing. Lex is such a great host and I love how he lets him explain everything and asks such great questions.

[@lenpalmeri6228]

Tim explaining rocketry with his feet on the ground is a gift. Tim explaining rocketry after his trip around the Moon is going to be glorious.

[@thefoolishhiker3103]

Oh hell yeah. Five hours of content to launch my afternoon walk right. Downloaded and ready for when my work day ends!

[@the_lomax]

I have been binging your podcast since I subbed last week. Lex you have the best podcast I've ever listened to. I use to rate JRE. But your discussions are just so organic and informative. I love the attention you pay to the person you are speaking to and your input and questions are so onpoint and you let people speak. First conversation I watched was with coffeezilla and have been hooked since. Great to see to see you get Tim on.

[@leegarrett5821]

Tim’s live streams are the best if you’re into rocket launches.

[@bobbobby7536]

yes im into fake rocket launches into fake space. i love fake science too.

[@leegarrett5821]

@@bobbobby7536 Makes total sense that I mean what’s fake about any of it?? I suppose you think the worlds flat then right and you think big foot exists?? Oh and the moons made of cheese isn’t it or is it a hologram?? Yeah the difference between real and fake science is amazing please tell more?? 🤣

[@bobbobby7536]

@@leegarrett5821 how do rockets work in a vacuum?

[@leegarrett5821]

@@bobbobby7536 You really have the IQ of a potato 🤣 a rocket moves in space because the gases are given momentum as they are expelled by the rocket engine. The engine ignites as the exhaust gases go in one direction, the rocket goes in the other to keep the total momentum of the system constant. This momentum change of the gases gives the rocket the "push" to go forward. We call this push, the thrust of the rocket, i.e. the force exerted on the rocket.

[@leegarrett5821]

@@bobbobby7536 Now prove me wrong or go away with you’re braindead logic 🤣

[@joshwright9136]

Lex, i never gave you credit before, but over the past few weeks ive really grown to appreciate your podcasts. Thank you for what you do and please continue to do great things!

[@jonathansailer1473]

Lex and Tim - Two people who find joy in sharing knowledge. Watching both of them smile during the conversation, they revel in the accomplishments of other great engineers around us. Cosmic Gold. Grateful for your time, enthusiasm and insight.

[@nyaaanjake]

I just spent my entire afternoon listening to one podcast and it was so worth it.

[@dheemanrajkhowa2866]

We love you Tim and Lex! All that love to Rocket engines is just awesome!

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

Tim is a hero. His journey has been the very definition of a Hero's Journey. Can't wait to see what new wonders he gets to explore.

[@fwd79]

One of the best episode, ever. Thank you both for remaining courteous and lovely for more than 5 hours, a *rare thing* to see in this day and age. Bravo 👍👍

[@michaelarbach]

Huge huge fan of both of you for a long time. This is probably the best pod ever cast'ed.

[@MMOOOOSSEE]

Omg omg omg my worlds are colliding. Lol. How great is this. One of my top podcasters of all time with my top rocket science KZbinr. I will plan my evening to watch this on my 85” screen. This might even be worth of my 136” roll down projector. I’m so friggin excited I want to leave work early for this. 5 HOURS. that’s like 3 movies. For freeeeeeee. Other than Joe rogan. Lex is my next in line best podcaster for serious matters. Then flagrant for joking around and then impaulsive to stay hip and young.

[@AdonisGaming93]

oh my god..... Lex and Tim dodd..... for 5 HOURS???? LETS GOOOOOOO

[@evinvestfuture7440]

I loved this podcast…. I haven’t smiled as much listening to one your podcasts Lex. Listening to two huge nerds literally nerding out on this subject was highly entertaining. Wishing Tim the best experience on Starship.

[@emila9895]

One of my favorites episodes! I could listen to two of you talking for 5 more hours easily.

[@steveo6034]

This makes me miss "Our Ludicrous Future" even more! Great interview Tim!

[@sahiljaiswal2141]

Crave for this notification. You are a gift, Lex.

[@Stevie320]

Tim is great. Been watching his stuff since he started it (also dig his music). Great crossover and surprisingly unexpected.

[@DATDesign]

Awesome chemistry between you two, Lex. I'll be honest, I dozed off on my couch within the first hour, but ONLY because it was late and Lex's voice is so soothing, haha. I'll be sure and watch this one again. I share Lex's enthusiasm with the "badassedness" of rockets. Saw my first Saturn V at the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, and it boggles the mind how man got this beast to the moon in less than a decade. I've been watching Tim since his orange spacesuit days, and it's crazy how far he's come. You both are the definition of "passion".

[@roberthuismans3533]

Yay! i have nothing but huge admiration for Tim, what he has done with his channel is amazing and where it has led him tio be selected as an astronaut.

[@carbonchef]

Big fan of Tim. Big fan of Lex. This is awesome.

[@luckosteve12]

Fantastic interview. Thank you both for your contributions to public discourse.

[@samonaro65]

Yes! Legend Tim Dodd!! Perfect astronaut- how a dream becomes reality in the making... Best story ever

[@coey25]

Tim "Some KZbinr" Dodd's the freakin man!

[@ismailnyeyusof3520]

Wow, I just spent 5 over hours listening to Tim Dodd talking with super talented interviewer Lex Fridman! Tim is so good at talking, and Lex said it too, the time simply flew by. I was listening at normal speed too.

[@DragonKingGaav]

So much for getting any work done today!

[@rf9078]

I really like the editing where you add relevant footage. Great show

[@mrblue747]

5hrs!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Tim Dodd is amazing

[@manolisvosnakidis6540]

Lex is very relaxed and happy in this podcast 👍👍👍👍

[@WilliamGrout]

A short message can not begin to express my appreciation for both of you. Having two of my favorite online persons in conversation is a true and profound joy that at times brought me nearly to tears. As a life long science nerd and space enthusiast who has had the privilege to work hands on building flight hardware back when I was at Rocket Research this was a treat!

[@maku5289]

4:55:10 "Rocket Lab is awesome" all I needed. Thanks 🚀

[@KrisRentals]

Gotta watch this one This dude is inspiring for space travel

[@billybobs9520]

This guest sucks

[@KrisRentals]

@@billybobs9520 explain

[@robertellis1301]

I absolutely love this interview Lex knows how to pull out the heart of a person Tim is amazing, what else can I say.

[@mandyferdon314]

I so respect Lex and his guests. Some maybe more than others but never the less I smile and have cried with some of the amazing topics. Lex has an incredible way of asking questions. Keep spreading the love through your topics Lex..

[@zyghom]

this is the only channel where I can spend 5h + and I don't feel bored, I cannot even feel the time during such conversations ;-)

[@trashmail8]

Having a long weekend this week + this showing up online = awesome combination. 😊

[@AirfoilOne]

Lex, I am so glad you've got Tim on your podcast!! @Tim, you're truly an inspiration to people from all walks of life, including and maybe, especially kids - and "inspiration" is precisely what that age group needs. Thank you for what you're doing, I hope you keep going. 🙏 - As a side note or, perhaps, Lex would call it a tangent 🙃 - I'm glad you've emphasized the importance of throttle timing on touchdown, and how it relates to minimal-thrust-to-weight ratio, I think that's often missed in terms of the complexity of these landings.

[@elephantsarenuts5161]

Tim Dodd, Lex Fridman and a five hour interview. Ya, that fits. Looking forward to listening.

[@mrrolandlawrence]

This is such a great interview and rewatch. Tim’s enthusiasm for all rockets is unsurpassed. I remember seeing him in his red Russian flight suit many years ago when he was just starting. He was one of the first to talk about space and make it for the everyday person.

[@bizpo2713]

Great talk as usual Lex. Agreed - it’s not just his knowledge and skills as a journalist - as with you - it’s his positive, joyful perspective. Both of you restore one’s awe in the miracle of humanity.

[@kompisworld]

5 hours makes me so happy, looking forward to this!

[@bobbobby7536]

same, i love being brainwashed and indoctrinated about fake science .

[@myklenero]

Super excited for this one!

[@vangeest]

Thanks Lex for all you do. The love shines through. This episode too, a homerun!

[@dianafink3154]

Two of my Favorite People for "FIVE" hours --- YES !

[@LottoQuikPlay]

I've never listened to a 5 hour long podacast. Until now. Lex, you are truly a gift to humanity.

[@andyspencer1665]

Crazy to see how far Tim has come in just a few years! 🤩 Well deserved success! 👏🏻

[@TheBlacktom]

youtube.com/@termderd

[@fcsomerta7680]

One of my favorite episodes yet Lex!!!! More planes and rockets please!!!!!!

[@boeingseven6939]

Well I FINALLY just finished after stop and go for nights, LOL!! Lex, so glad you brought Tim on, so great to see you two finally talk. I started following Tim's channel last January. Last week I heard Lex bring him up on Rogan and you had him on. Keep in touch for sure!!

[@morganboyd3317]

This interview was NOT long ENOUGH! I NEED MORE!!!

[@eastofmars6413]

Been watching Tim for years. Awesome to see how much his fandom has grown!