What can we learn from Elon about Space Exploration?

What can we learn from Elon about Space Exploration?


Attention to detail reveals a person’s true objectives. In 2001, Elon Musk and PayPal executives celebrated their success with a vacation in Las Vegas.

As Kevin Hartz, an early PayPal investor, later reminisced: The group engaged in casual conversation in a cabin within the Hard Rock Cafe. Meanwhile, Elon immersed himself in an obscure, moldy Soviet rocket manual that seemed to have been procured from eBay.

For Elon, whatever else he may be. There is definitely something we can learn from him when it comes to space exploration.

Here’s more

Automation: Elon approaches rocket manufacturing with a software company mindset, striving to optimize processes using internet-based experiences. SpaceX endeavors to eliminate the need for human intervention wherever possible, automating any task that can be performed automatically.

No failure, No advance: Elon views failure as a natural part of progress, indicating that we are venturing beyond our comfort zones. He believes that the absence of failure implies a lack of innovation and a focus on final results.

Pushing limits: Elon consistently pushes the quality and cost of rocket components to their maximum potential. If producing millions of a particular component doesn’t exponentially reduce costs compared to producing only a hundred, he considers the initial direction flawed and not worth pursuing.

Data-driven: SpaceX maintains a strong engineering culture, with Elon requiring quantifiable metrics for all aspects of the company. Decisions must be supported by comprehensive data.

Risk management: In the rocket industry, seemingly minor risks can lead to mission failure. Elon emphasizes the importance of risk management, identifying which risks are acceptable and which are not, while focusing on mitigating the latter.

Breaking traditional frameworks: Elon encourages looking beyond one’s own field to find solutions to problems. He believes that the best approach involves examining how similar issues are addressed in other domains, drawing inspiration and ideas from various perspectives.