SpaceX Mars colonization – Livestream update
Yesterday was a big day for Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX. During a 1-hour live-streamed event the CEO provided more details about his plans for colonization of the red planet.
In his talk Musk focused on the biggest challenge facing the SpaceX Mars colonization plan – funding. A trip for 12 would cost a whopping $10 billion per person. To call that an expensive ticket would be an understatement. Musk calculates that he would need to round-up one-million SpaceX Mars colonization volunteers to effectively lower the costs. Bulk trips would reduce the costs to a much lower $200,000 per person.
This great reduction in cost wont be easy, says Musk. He highlighted four areas where cost-lowering improvement will need to be made.
Fuel reusability
Refilling in orbit
Propellant production on Mars
Right propellant
The talk further stressed the vital need to find a renewable power source. The SpaceX Mars plan hinges on the ability to couple renewable fuel with reusable rockets that can make multiple trips to Mars and back.
Developing spacecraft that allows for multiple flights back and forth will greatly reduce the cost of any mishaps, like this recent and devastating explosion. Although, one must wonder whether a craft that has made numerous entries/reentries through earths atmosphere is as safe as a new one.
Many critics of the SpaceX Mars colonization were quick to note that little time was dedicated to the funding of the project. There have been many guesses as to where the astronomical sums of money needed will come from. Musk said he plans to devote his personal fortune to push the dream of humans as an interplanetary species.
Musk also humorously suggested turning to kickstarter for funding support. Imagine the tier rewards for this one! While humorous Musk may be considering the crowdfunding platform after seeing the ever-increasing popularity of Star Citizen.