SpaceX alums find traction on Earth with their Mars-inspired CO2-to-fuel tech

SpaceX alums create tech to convert CO2 to methane, with a scalable approach to impact industries utilizing methane.

: Halen Mattison and Luke Neise, with backgrounds from SpaceX and other space endeavors, have founded General Galactic. Their company develops reactors to convert carbon dioxide into methane, initially intended for Mars, but now targeting Earth-based industries. Pilot systems currently produce 2,000 liters of methane daily, with plans for mass production. Funded with $8 million, the company eyes 2025 for commercial deployment amid competition with firms working on green methanol.

Halen Mattison and Luke Neise, both with aerospace backgrounds, have embarked on a venture called General Galactic to develop CO2-to-methane technology initially aimed for Mars but pivoted towards Earth-based applications. They have established a pilot system producing 2,000 liters of methane daily, which they plan to scale up by manufacturing core components in-house to enhance efficiency.

General Galactic plans to deploy its methane reactors using mass production techniques by 2025. The startup secured $8 million from investors like Harpoon Ventures and Refactor Capital, emphasizing its potential to seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructures to overcome the adoption barrier.

The company targets industries reliant on methane, avoiding electrification replacements but exploring additional hydrocarbons for transportation. Key competitors include startups focusing on green methanol, though General Galactic positions methane as a more viable option if leakage issues are resolved, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels in challenging-to-decarbonize segments like aviation and maritime shipping.

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