Soaring to New Heights: How Blake Herren and Raven Space Systems are RevolutionizingAerospace Composites

In the fast-paced world of aerospace innovation, there are pioneers who dare to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible. Blake Herren, the co-founder and CEO of Raven Space Systems, is one such visionary leading the charge in transforming the future of space technology.

Raven Space Systems, a pioneering Kansas City-based company, has already raised over $1.5 million for its work in 3D printing space return capsules and other mission-critical components. Driven by a passion for innovation, Blake and his co-founder Ryan Cowdrey are leveraging their expertise to modernize composite manufacturing with a groundbreaking 3D printing technology.

"Raven Space Systems is on a mission to revolutionize the way space missions are engineered," says Blake. "Our breakthrough 3D printing technology is reducing lead times and lowering the cost of parts, making space exploration more accessible and efficient."

At the heart of Raven's innovation is their patented Microwave Assisted Deposition (MAD) technology, which enables the direct 3D printing of aerospace-grade thermoset and preceramic composites. This game-changing approach allows for the rapid manufacturing of optimally designed structures, thermal protection systems, and other critical components, all while minimizing labor, tooling, and waste.

"Don't underestimate the highs and lows of the journey as an entrepreneur," Blake advises. "They can happen on the same day—you may think you're going to be on the moon tomorrow and be down in the dumps an hour later." Yet, for Blake, these challenges are simply part of the entrepreneurial experience, and he believes that weathering the storms is essential for long-term success.

"The lows level out over time," he explains. "The first big L that you take is going to be gut-wrenching. But it's par for the course." Blake's resilience and unwavering belief in his own ideas have been instrumental in Raven's growth, as he encourages other entrepreneurs to follow suit. "Don't just follow the crowd," he advises. "Do something new, take a leap, and believe in your own ideas. That's where the real magic happens."

As Raven Space Systems continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace engineering, Blake Herren and his team are inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs to dream big. 

To hear more about Blake’s journey, tune into season 2 episode 6 of the City Entrepreneur docuseries, available on the Fired Up Studios website and YouTube.

About Fired Up Studios: 

Fired Up Studios is a video production company based in Kansas City, Missouri, that specializes in igniting entrepreneurial stories and empowering community change through engaging video productions. Founded by Zik Nwanganga, the company is committed to capturing the essence of events, delivering captivating videography, and providing a premium podcast recording studio

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