What makes Elon tick?

"So what makes Elon tick? History. He knows we are in the greatest space race since the United States and the Soviet Union were trying to be the first to the Moon. Musk, like Bezos and China, are pouring billions into new technology which will get us there - and soon."

I have said for quite a while now that I find Elon Musk to be one of the most fascinating people on Earth. Yes, I said "on Earth" for a reason. If it was up to Musk, we would be living on one or more planets by now. What? I thought he is a business genius. He is. But like most geniuses act, there is a bit of eccentric behavior thrown in with the brilliance. 

Musk wants to get humans to Mars - like yesterday. Why? Ready for this? He grew up liking science fiction. Does he care some might scoff at this? Nope. He will tell you Goddard and von Braun also liked science fiction. More importantly, he is also fearful that our days on Planet Earth might be numbered. Asteroid, AI, war, whatever - might cut short our stay here. Therefore, we need a lifeboat. Someplace close - like Mars.

Is this a pipe dream? Oh, no - not even close. Now that he was launched his Tesla into space using a new powerful rocket design, he is on to the next big thing. And I mean bigger thing. The rockets on his Mars shot will even be more powerful than the Tesla rocket. Now before you think he is a nut ball, consider this.

China is also gearing up for a Moon shot as well as a Mars shot. While NASA may be sitting on their butts going in snail mode, other humans on this planet are in hyper-speed mode. China is looking at the 2020 or 2021 time frame for a Mars shot. That is right around the corner. And Jeff Bezos with his Blue Origin company is also in the hunt. Bezo's vision is to have millions of people living and working in space. 

So what makes Elon tick? History. He knows we are in the greatest space race since the United States and the Soviet Union were trying to be the first to the Moon. Musk, like Bezos and China, are pouring billions into new technology which will get us there - and soon.

When someone walks down the halls of progress and passes the NASA door, please knock and wake them up. Tell them it is time to act like NASA once again. In other words, to quote a line from Total Recall, "Get your a$$ to Mars!"