Episode #71: Blue Flame Thinkers: Russell Hannigan
Tech Optimist Podcast — Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation
In this episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, host Mike Collins speaks with Russell Hannigan about the future of space technology and the need for a “railroad to space” to lower launch costs and boost accessibility. They discuss key innovations like reusable rockets and space-based manufacturing, which could revolutionize space industries and drive entrepreneurship. The conversation also addresses the challenges of reducing launch costs, fostering competition, and maintaining U.S. leadership in space, with Russell sharing his vision for a sustainable, accessible future for space-based innovation.
Episode #71: Blue Flame Thinkers: Russell Hannigan
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In this Blue Flame Thinkers episode of the Alumni Ventures Tech Optimist Podcast, host Mike Collins welcomes Russell Hannigan, a visionary in the commercial space industry, to discuss the transformative possibilities emerging in space technology. Together, they explore the growing need for a “railroad to space” that would drastically lower the cost of launches, making space more accessible for innovation and entrepreneurship. Russell highlights pivotal trends, from reusable rockets to the potential of commercializing space-based manufacturing, emphasizing how these advancements could redefine what is feasible in orbit.
Watch Time ~41 minutes
The show is produced by Alumni Ventures, which has been recognized as a “Top 20 Venture Firm” by CB Insights (’24) and as the “#1 Most Active Venture Firm in the US” by Pitchbook (’22 & ’23).
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Creators and Guests
HOST
Mike Collins
CEO & Co-Founder at Alumni Ventures
Mike has been involved in almost every facet of venturing, from angel investing to venture capital, new business and product launches, and innovation consulting. He is currently CEO of Alumni Ventures Group, the managing company for our fund, and launched AV’s first alumni fund, Green D Ventures, where he oversaw the portfolio as Managing Partner and is now Managing Partner Emeritus. Mike is a serial entrepreneur who has started multiple companies, including Kid Galaxy, Big Idea Group (partially owned by WPP), and RDM. He began his career at VC firm TA Associates. He holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering Science from Dartmouth and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
GUEST
Russell Hannigan
Space Business Executive
Russell Hannigan is a space business executive with over 30 years of experience in satellite communications, Earth observation, reusable launch vehicles, automotive systems, consumer electronics, advanced imaging radar systems, and metamaterials technology.
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