Billionaire Rivalry: Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and
the New Space Race
“This was the moment in time when commercial space became real.” — Ashlee Vance
“Starlink and all of its competitors, washing the world, coding the world in an always-on high-speed internet connection, is going to change things in such a dramatic fashion that we can’t even sort of fathom yet. I mean, I really think this is like the next step in the internet.”
Hello, fellow space enthusiasts,
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, where we delve into the exciting world of space exploration and the fascinating stories behind it. In this episode of The INTO THE IMPOSSIBLE Podcast, we have a captivating discussion with Ashlee Vance, author of the book “When the Heavens went on Sale” and “Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future.”
During the podcast, Ashlee Vance shares his insights on the influence of CEOs on a company’s personality and flavor, drawing upon his experiences while writing about various companies. He highlights the unifying factor of perseverance among successful companies and discusses the hard work and challenges involved in the space industry.
Vance praises the achievements of visionaries like Elon Musk and Peter Beck, emphasizing the importance of adapting and persisting in the face of adversity. The conversation also touches on thought-provoking topics such as the concept of extending consciousness in the solar system, the abundance of life on Earth compared to other celestial bodies, and the need for improved exploration of our own planet, such as the mysterious ocean floor.
We explore Elon Musk’s decision-making process and the concerns raised by his whimsical choices, including his recent proposal to change the name of Twitter to X. However, Vance commends Musk for actively listening to the average person and addressing their concerns, even though he doesn’t seem to listen to advice from many others.
The podcast episode also delves into the rise of satellite constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, and the potential impact on various sectors, including astronomy. Additionally, we explore the exciting evolution of global, always-on, high-speed internet access and its implications for businesses and individuals.
As always, we delve into the unique stories of remarkable individuals in the space industry. This episode introduces us to Pete Worden, a former brigadier general who made significant contributions to commercial space exploration alongside Elon Musk.
The book also examines the parallels between the commercialization of space and the precedent set in Antarctica, raising questions about the lessons we can learn from both experiences.
We explore the evolving landscape of space exploration, where the distinction between government-backed missions and private ventures is becoming increasingly blurred.
With SpaceX revolutionizing the industry and startups pioneering private missions, we discuss the changing dynamics of space exploration and the challenges government-funded projects may face in the future.
Join us as we unravel the captivating stories, visions, and endeavors shaping the future of space exploration and pushing the boundaries of what we once thought was impossible.