Why SpaceX Defies Traditional Economics
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Why SpaceX Defies Traditional Economics

Elon Musk’s Childhood Dreams Outweigh Economic Gain

155
Why SpaceX Defies Traditional Economics
Flickr

In economics it's well known that if a business venture can not bring in money it can’t survive, this is of no consequence to Elon Musk.

Neil Degrasse Tyson, one of the world’s most well recognized voices on space exploration voiced his thoughts on SpaceX in an interview with the The Verge: “The delusion is thinking that SpaceX is going to lead the space frontier. That’s just not going to happen... for three really good reasons: One, it is very expensive. Two, it is very dangerous to do it first. Three, there is essentially no return on that investment that you’ve put in for having done it first.”

There is one factor that Tyson didn’t factor in however, a man’s dream. SpaceX is the result of someone’s dreams being larger than economic reward. Musk put over a $100 million of his own money into SpaceX in 2002 to get it off the ground with no expectation of return.

Not only has Musk’s investment paid off, but SpaceX is now valued at $21 billion and has gained several large contracts from NASA. With NASA’s budget being cut yearly and governments across the globe losing interest in space travel, Elon Musk is keeping the dream of a civilization on Mars alive.

Musk plans to reach mars by 2022, and to put people on it by 2024. NASA’s website states that they are: “developing the capabilities needed to send humans to an asteroid by 2025 and Mars in the 2030s.” Not only has Musk’s SpaceX become competitive with the United States Government, but they are in fact, leading the space frontier.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

88603
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

56466
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments