Elon Musk has made it his life’s mission to change the world. He’s got his hands in everything from electric cars to rockets. And he wants humanity to be able to explore the stars with ease.
The Musk-founded Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, or SpaceX, is a space transport services company that develops and manufactures space launch vehicles and rockets for missions involving satellites. The company is known for its development of the Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft series.
It was founded in 2002 by Elon Musk. witthe goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization on Mars (a goal that he has stated will be achieved within 20 years). In 2008, SpaceX’s Dragon became the first commercially built unmanned spacecraft to successfully orbit Earth. Two years later it delivered cargo to the International Space Station (ISS).
We’ve rounded up some of Musk’s biggest projects with his company SpaceX.
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Musk wants to create a colony on Mars with SpaceX
The SpaceX founder and CEO, Elon Musk, has made it his mission to create a colony on Mars. While this is undoubtedly an ambitious undertaking, Elon Musk has proven himself to be one of the most forward-thinking individuals in modern times.
In order for humans to succeed on Mars, they need food, water and oxygen. All three resources can be found on the Red Planet. But they require significant technological advances before they can be accessible for use.
The project requires sending people to Mars supplies like food and water so that they can survive until those systems are operational. The project is a long-term one and requires collaboration of many parties.
Scientists working on these processes collaborate with engineers who design spacecrafts capable of carrying cargo into space efficiently. Governments agencies like NASA and SpaceX also have to collaborate for missions such as these to become feasible.
SpaceX, a satellite network for high-speed internet
SpaceX is working on a satellite network for high-speed internet. The company’s Starlink project plans to create an array of satellites that will provide worldwide high-speed internet access.
Elon Musk’s idea is that the satellite network would be used by people living in rural areas, where they currently don’t have access to fast and reliable internet connections.
The satellites are being built by SpaceX. The first 60 were launched into space in February 2018 on one rocket.
Deep space travel
SpaceX is building a reusable rocket that will make deep space travel more affordable. The company plans to send people to Mars in 2022. And, they’re working on a suit to protect astronauts during their voyage.
In addition to the Falcon 9 and its larger counterpart, the heavy-lift Falcon Heavy, SpaceX has also created an even larger rocket called Starship.
SpaceX has said that it plans to test out this craft in 2020 with an unmanned flight past our sun’s orbit. This, as preparation for sending humans into deep space.
After one or two more tests like this one, SpaceX hopes that Starship will be ready for actual missions by 2022 at the latest.
Hyperloop, a futuristic transportation project on Earth
Elon Musk’s project that is closest to being realized, Hyperloop has the potential to revolutionize transportation.
The Hyperloop is a high-speed transportation system. It uses capsules for passengers or cargo to travel at speeds up to 760 mph through tubes. The idea for Hyperloop was originally conceived by Musk in 2013. But, he didn’t want to pursue it himself because he was busy with other projects like Tesla and SpaceX.
So instead he put out an open competition asking anyone interested in building the concept to submit their ideas as part of a design competition held by SpaceX in 2015.
A few companies have been working on different approaches since then. One such company has built a full-scale test track outside Las Vegas. Here, they’ve successfully tested their prototype pod traveling at 240 mph, a new world record.
In addition to being quick and efficient, the Hyperloop will also reduce CO2 emissions per passenger mile compared with planes or trains by more than 75%.
And while most people think of California when they picture this futuristic transportation system in action, its potential reach could be much further.
According to research conducted by Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson (who owns 30% stake in Virgin Hyperloop One), one trip between London and Edinburgh could take just 50 minutes!
Elon musk is working on many things that will change the future of humans
Elon musk has many projects in the space. He is working on creating a colony on Mars, satellite network for high-speed internet, deep space travel and electric supersonic jet. These are some of the Elon musk Projects in space that will change the future of humans.
These projects are ambitious but achievable, especially if Musk gets the backing he needs from other companies and investors.
Read also: Musk presents Optimus, the first humanoid robot: what it will do and how much it will cost
