HYSKY Pod

About HYSKY Pod

The HySky Pod (https://www.hysky.org/pod) dives into the pioneers, technologies, and bold ideas shaping the future of hydrogen-powered aviation. Hosted by Danielle McLean (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-c-mclean/), founder of HySky Society (https://www.hysky.org/home/about)—a nonprofit accelerating zero-carbon flight—this show explores everything from liquid hydrogen, fuel cells, and cryogenic storage to drones, UAVs, helicopters, eVTOLs, fixed-wing aircraft, and the entire advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem. Each episode features deep, human conversations with leaders across aerospace, energy, climate tech, and AI. We cover hydrogen production, midstream logistics, propulsion systems, infrastructure, policy, supply chains, and the breakthrough innovations required to scale hydrogen aviation globally. Whether you're building next-generation aircraft, exploring hydrogen for drones or rotorcraft, developing AI-driven aerospace systems, or simply curious about the future of flight—this podcast is your front-row seat. If it flies and runs on hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, batteries, we’re talking about it.

Publisher

HySky Society

Category

business · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Nov 2025

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

31 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   Holistic Design of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Aero Engines | SoftinWay | HySky Monthly #82

   The conversation revolves around the HySky Monthly event, focusing on the decarbonization of aviation through hydrogen technology and the introduction of SoftinWay's engineering solutions for advanced propulsion systems. Key discussions include community engagement, upcoming events, and the innovative software tools developed by SoftinWay to address engineering challenges in the UAV and hydrogen fuel cell sectors. The conversation focuses on the development of a comprehensive simulation model for a hydrogen fuel cell electric aero engine, emphasizing the integration of various components and their interactions. The discussion highlights the importance of system-level analysis, co-simulation techniques, and the design considerations for optimizing engine performance. The conversation delves into the complexities of designing and optimizing fuel cell systems, focusing on the integration of thermal management and performance metrics. It highlights the importance of geometric feasibility and efficiency in compressor design, as well as the implications of various operational parameters on system performance. Takeaways Decarbonization of aviation Innovative engineering solutions Holistic simulation approach Importance of system integration Importance of geometric feasibility Efficiency optimization in design Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues 07:50 HySky Monthly Overview 14:28 Introduction to SoftinWay 25:55 Holistic Design in Propulsion Systems 31:59 Developing a Holistic Simulation Model 34:24 Understanding System Integration Challenges 37:40 Co-Simulation Techniques for Engine Modeling 40:54 Interactive Software Demonstration 45:15 Designing Engine Components and Architecture 51:03 Analyzing Fuel Cell and Turbine Performance 56:08 Generative Design for Turbomachinery 01:03:37 Navigating Zero-Dimensional Cycles 01:07:32 Fuel Cell Dynamics and Performance 01:10:34 Thermal Management Systems Explained 01:14:01 Dissecting the Thermal Management Model 01:18:14 Control Systems and Performance Analysis 01:24:13 Conclusions and Future Directions

2. 

   22 Oct 2026

   Liquid Hydrogen | Volker Fuchs | Owner of Test-Fuchs | HySky Pod

   The conversation features Volker Fuchs discussing the history and evolution of Test-Fuchs, a family-owned aerospace company, and his personal journey in aviation. Key topics include the company's origins, its focus on hydrogen technology, and the challenges and opportunities in the aerospace industry. The conversation explores the challenges and developments in the aviation industry, particularly focusing on hydrogen propulsion systems and the human aspects of business leadership. Volker Fuchs shares insights on the evolution of technology, environmental concerns, and the importance of perseverance in engineering careers. Takeaways Family legacy in aerospace Hydrogen technology's future Hydrogen technology faces hurdles Human interaction is business's challenge Chapters 00:00 The Origins of Test-Fuchs 08:21 Volker's Journey in Aviation 12:50 Hydrogen Technology in Aerospace 24:09 Challenges in Hydrogen Storage 28:39 Hydrogen Propulsion Systems Development 29:57 Challenges in Aviation Innovation 32:31 Environmental Concerns and Industry Response 34:50 The Human Element in Business 41:29 Career Insights for Aspiring Engineers 49:01 Navigating Business Challenges

3. 

   23 Sept 2026

   #81 | Proving Liquid Hydrogen Flight | AeroDelft’s Project Phoenix

   Can liquid hydrogen aviation work with technology that exists today? In Episode 81 of HYSKY Monthly, we sit down with Duuk Niemantsverdriet and Arthur Romanelli Chaves of AeroDelft to go inside Project Phoenix—the student-led effort working to demonstrate hydrogen-electric flight and help advance the technology, safety practices, and certification pathways needed to make hydrogen aviation a reality. AeroDelft has already demonstrated its full-scale hydrogen-electric powertrain and completed a gaseous-hydrogen taxi test at an operational airport. Now, the team is working toward the next major milestones: gaseous hydrogen flight and, ultimately, liquid hydrogen flight. We get into the engineering behind the aircraft, including its fuel-cell powertrain, hydrogen storage, thermal management, cryogenic LH₂ system, heat exchanger, hydrogen venting, and the transition from gaseous to liquid hydrogen. Duuk and Arthur also explain why some of the hardest challenges aren't simply technical—they involve safety, certification, infrastructure, regulation, and building confidence in hydrogen as an aviation fuel. The conversation also explores AeroDelft's unusual model: a rotating student team taking on challenges normally associated with major aerospace companies, supported by an ecosystem of aviation, engineering, research, hydrogen, and technology partners. In this episode: Project Phoenix • Liquid vs. gaseous hydrogen • Hydrogen fuel cells • Cryogenic LH₂ storage • Thermal management • Hydrogen safety • Aircraft certification • Hydrogen infrastructure • The economics of hydrogen • The future of zero-emission aviation HYSKY is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the decarbonization of aviation and aerospace through connection, community, advocacy, awareness, and education. Subscribe for more conversations with the engineers, founders, researchers, policymakers, and organizations building the future of hydrogen aviation. #HydrogenAviation #LiquidHydrogen #AeroDelft #ProjectPhoenix #Hydrogen #Aviation #SustainableAviation #FuelCells #Aerospace #HYSKY

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