Balerion Senior Associate Aidan Daoussis sits down with Latitude Co-Founder & Executive Chairman Stanislas Maximin to discuss Europe’s new launch providers and building a low-cost microlauncher.
00:00 – 01:15 | Welcome & IntroductionsAidan introduces Stanislas “Stan” Maximin and Latitude as a new French launch provider focused on smallsat launch.
01:15 – 06:40 | Founding Motivation & Early Passion for RocketsStan describes lifelong interest in rockets, inspiration from SpaceX’s early rise, and seeing opportunity in small satellite form factors.
06:40 – 07:40 | Launch as a Logistics ProblemLaunch vehicles framed as transportation infrastructure; payload demand drives launcher design.
07:40 – 12:30 | European Microlauncher Ecosystem OverviewDiscussion of Orbex, PLD, Isar Aerospace, Rocket Factory Augsburg, and broader European startup waves.
12:30 – 15:30 | Why “First to Orbit” Doesn’t MatterSurvivability, cash discipline, and long-term execution matter more than early launches.
15:30 – 19:20 | European Launch SovereigntyWhy microlaunchers alone don’t guarantee sovereignty and why Europe still needs competitive heavy-lift.
19:20 – 23:50 | Technology vs Business RealityStan argues rockets are not meaningfully differentiated by tech; customers buy capacity, reliability, price, and speed.
23:50 – 27:40 | Latitude’s Core Differentiation: SimplicitySimple engines, aluminum structures, low-cost manufacturing, and avoiding over-optimization.
27:40 – 32:15 | Zephyr Rocket Overview200–350 kg payload class, LOX/RP-1, two-stage architecture, seven engines on first stage, large fairing.
32:15 – 33:40 | Scaling Through High Production RateTarget of ~50 rockets per year enabling faster constellation deployment.
33:40 – 37:20 | Pivotal Company Moment: First HotfireBuilding their own test stand, harsh Scotland testing conditions, burned engine, eventual success.
37:20 – 39:30 | Major Design ResetAbandoning overly complex early designs and fully redesigning launcher for simplicity.
39:30 – 41:30 | Near-Death Funding ExperienceSeries A closed while company briefly negative cash; importance of cash discipline and CFO.
41:30 – 43:10 | Culture Evolution & Efficiency GainsCompany becoming faster and more operationally disciplined.
43:10 – 44:40 | Key Takeaway for Engineers & InvestorsDisruption in space usually comes from business models, not exotic technology.
44:40 – 46:55 | Latitude’s Long-Term VisionEvolving from launch company to “access to space” company spanning satellites, operations, and logistics.
46:55 – 48:30 | Next 12–24 Months MilestonesIntegrated engine tests, stage builds, extensive ground testing, and first launch.
48:30 – 50:45 | Closing, Hiring, and FundraisingHow to reach Stan, fundraising status, and recruiting engineers and partners.
