Shawn Ryan Show Episode #226: Matt Galich - Debunking Aliens in the Ocean, Mining Asteroids, and Black Holes

Release Date: August 11, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #226 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan interviews Matt Galich, the Co-Founder and CEO of Astroforge—a pioneering deep space mining company. With a background in engineering and a passion for exploring the cosmos, Matt discusses the ambitious goal of extracting platinum group metals from asteroids, the technological and economic challenges involved, and the broader implications for humanity's future in space.

Motivation for Asteroid Mining

Matt Galich delves into the reasoning behind choosing asteroid mining over traditional Earth-based mining. He emphasizes the abundance and economic viability of platinum group metals orbiting Earth.

"[03:16] 'We're probably going to fail multiple times, but if we can pull it off, we change the world.'" — Matt Galich

Matt explains that while mining on Earth involves high costs and deep underground operations, asteroids offer rich concentrations of valuable metals at a fraction of the cost. He highlights the inefficiencies in current Earth mining practices, particularly the exorbitant costs associated with missions like NASA's Europa Clipper.

Building a Specialized Team

Recruiting the right talent is crucial for Astroforge's success. Matt discusses the unique challenges of assembling a team willing to take risks in a startup environment compared to established institutions like NASA or SpaceX.

"[03:20] 'How do you find talent? I wish there was one simple answer...'" — Matt Galich

He describes the diverse avenues through which Astroforge attracts skilled individuals—from direct recruitment to enticing former SpaceX employees. The team's primary motivation transcends monetary gain, driven instead by the allure of space exploration and the adventure it entails.

Technological Approach to Mining

Astroforge employs innovative methods to land on and extract metals from asteroids. Matt outlines their process, which involves:

1. Landing on Metal Asteroids: Utilizing magnetic docking techniques to attach to asteroids composed primarily of iron and nickel.
2. Extraction Process: Implementing laser systems to drill and separate platinum group metals from the asteroid's composition.
3. Return Mechanism: Bringing the refined metals back to Earth through streamlined, cost-effective spacecraft designs that prioritize simplicity and affordability over reusability.

"[59:38] 'We use magnets to reject the iron and keep the platinum group metals inside the spacecraft.'" — Matt Galich

This straightforward approach allows Astroforge to minimize complexity and costs, enabling multiple missions with the same spacecraft design.

Economic Viability and Market Impact

Platinum group metals are integral to various industries, including automotive, electronics, and medical fields. Matt discusses the economics of mining these metals from asteroids, emphasizing the high margins achievable compared to Earth-based mining.

"[09:50] 'Even at the prices we're seeing today on both launch and building the spacecraft, we're looking at margins upwards of 80%.'" — Matt Galich

Astroforge aims to tap into a $60 billion market, with initial missions expected to return approximately $60 million worth of metals. Matt reassures that this influx is a mere fraction of the total market cap, ensuring minimal impact on prices initially.

Challenges in Space Communication

Communicating with deep space satellites poses significant hurdles. Matt explains the technical difficulties in maintaining contact with spacecraft beyond the moon's orbit, including:

• Signal Attenuation: Increased distance leads to weaker signals, necessitating large ground-based dishes and powerful transmitters.
• Data Transmission Rates: Lower bit rates require advanced compression techniques to efficiently send data back to Earth.
• Infrastructure Limitations: Reliance on existing dishes like NASA's Deep Space Network can lead to bottlenecks and logistical issues.

"[12:20] 'We use really, really powerful amplifiers. So spacecraft like Voyager...'" — Matt Galich

Astroforge is continually innovating to enhance their communication capabilities, such as increasing spacecraft transmitter power to allow for smaller ground dishes.

Competition and Market Positioning

While Astroforge is a leader in asteroid mining, Matt acknowledges competition from both domestic startups and international players, notably China.

"[49:21] 'I think our biggest competitor is in China.'" — Matt Galich

He emphasizes Astroforge's advantage in speed and efficiency, believing that rapid iteration and first-mover advantage will help them outpace competitors. Additionally, Matt discusses strategic partnerships and the importance of aligning incentives with government initiatives without becoming a traditional government contractor.

Government Involvement and Planetary Defense

Astroforge's technology has applications beyond mining, particularly in planetary defense—the effort to detect and mitigate potential asteroid impacts on Earth.

"[82:46] 'This is a detailed question, but in essence, yes, 100%....'" — Matt Galich

Matt explains that early detection coupled with rapid-response mining missions can help alter an asteroid's trajectory, preventing potential collisions. This dual-use capability positions Astroforge as a valuable partner for government agencies concerned with planetary safety.

Views on Aliens and Extraterrestrial Life

While the episode's title hints at debunking aliens in the ocean, Matt's discussion on extraterrestrial life is more speculative. He expresses hope for the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe but remains skeptical due to the vast distances and current technological limitations.

"[24:04] 'I think there are other civilizations out there, and I think we'll never have confirmed proof...'" — Matt Galich

Matt encourages listening to scientific literature and engaging directly with researchers to understand complex phenomena like dark matter and the multiverse.

Future Plans and Expansion

Astroforge is gearing up for its next missions, Vestri Part 1 and Part 2, which aim to land on metal asteroids, refine the extracted metals onboard, and return them to Earth. The company plans to launch these missions within the next two years, scaling up operations as technology and market conditions permit.

"[42:10] 'We are getting ready for our next mission. Next mission is called Vestri...'" — Matt Galich

Matt envisions launching up to 100 platinum group metal mining missions annually by the early 2030s, positioning Astroforge as a dominant player in the global mineral supply chain.

Regulatory Landscape and Capitalism

Astroforge operates within the framework of the 2015 Commercial Space Act, which permits U.S. companies to mine celestial bodies and sell extracted resources commercially. Matt advocates for a capitalist approach, emphasizing the importance of incentive alignment and economic freedom.

"[77:07] 'I'm not interested. I do not think that is the best way for advancement of humans....'" — Matt Galich

He expresses frustration with regulations that mandate wealth sharing with all humanity, arguing that such constraints hinder innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.

Conclusion

Matt Galich's vision for Astroforge is transformative, aiming to revolutionize the mining industry by tapping into the abundant resources of space. By addressing technological challenges, navigating economic dynamics, and leveraging strategic partnerships, Astroforge seeks to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for humanity both on Earth and beyond.

Notable Quotes:

• "[03:16] 'We're probably going to fail multiple times, but if we can pull it off, we change the world.'" — Matt Galich
• "[09:50] 'Even at the prices we're seeing today on both launch and building the spacecraft, we're looking at margins upwards of 80%.'" — Matt Galich
• "[49:21] 'I think our biggest competitor is in China.'" — Matt Galich
• "[82:46] 'This is a detailed question, but in essence, yes, 100%....'" — Matt Galich

This episode provides an in-depth look into the future of space mining, highlighting both the immense potential and the significant challenges that lie ahead. Matt Galich's candid insights offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to venture beyond our planet in pursuit of new frontiers.