Summary
Highlights
On February 6, 2018, Elon Musk launched the world's most powerful active rocket, sending his Tesla sports car into space and simultaneously landing two boosters. This extraordinary achievement, though a pinnacle for most, was just 'a Tuesday' for Musk, highlighting his continuous pursuit of ambitious projects.
Beyond rockets, Musk's ventures include electric cars (Tesla), selling flamethrowers, and planning a super-fast underground transport system. His multifaceted career and innovative spirit made him an inspiration for Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark.
Born in South Africa to Canadian and South African parents, Musk was a voracious reader who taught himself computer programming. By age 12, he created and sold a video game. His entrepreneurial journey began in 1999 with the sale of his software company, which led him to reinvest in X.com, later known as PayPal.
After eBay acquired PayPal, Musk founded Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) in 2002, with the mission of enabling human life on other planets. Two years later, he entered the renewable energy sector by co-founding Tesla, aiming to accelerate the transition to electric transport.
Musk faced significant challenges in 2008 with SpaceX's rocket crashes and Tesla's rising costs, exacerbated by negative press. Despite securing government contracts and loans, questions about Tesla's profitability persist. Musk has also been involved in controversies, including allegations against a cave rescuer and a public incident involving marijuana that raised concerns about his attitude toward shareholders.
Despite past challenges, Musk continues to pursue ambitious goals, including planning the first moon journey by humans since 1972 with billionaire Yusaku Maezawa. His ultimate objective is to colonize Mars as early as 2024, driven by the belief that humanity must become a multi-planet species to avoid eventual extinction.