[avalys]

Given that Helios hasn’t demonstrated production of any amount of energy from fusion, this is probably just bullshit, like the United “order” for supersonic jets from Boom a few months ago. Similarly, Boom has not even flown a prototype yet.

[emaginniss]

I'm not sure why you're so negative on a business model that has worked for tech startups for decades now. Many businesses have started by promising to fix a problem experienced by a larger entity. Along with product guidance, the startup often gets capital in the form of investment. The larger company gets a low-risk attempt to solve their problem with the possibility of upside in the case of a larger than expected success.

[kevmo314]

The larger company's involvement feels closer to nepotism.

If Helion actually pulls off productive fusion, Microsoft will buy the power regardless. Same with Boom, if their jet really is efficient, United would buy one no matter what because it makes business sense. Signaling like this feels more like a marketing campaign to investors rather than a signal of potential.

[asdfman123]

Putting gas into my car is a good idea, but putting gas into my dog isn’t quite so reasonable.

[asdfman123]

Helion gets to survive 5 more years, Microsoft risks nothing, they both get good PR for associating themselves with one another.

[justrealist]

Helios is building real facilities. Maybe it won't work, but it's not just drafting CAD templates — they are deploying capital into physical reactors. That's not bullshit.

[DennisP]

Not only that but the reactor they're building now is their seventh. They kept their previous reactor under vacuum for 16 months, did thousands of fusion pulses, and achieved 100 million degree plasma temperatures.

https://www.helionenergy.com/articles/ending-trenta-operatio...