But Musk’s main contribution to humanity in the long run will be SpaceX and the reusable rocket booster technology.
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Even without the reusability SpaceX rockets are much more affordable. They already dominate the commercial launch market.
The last launch was SpaceX’s heaviest to date. Not only was it already a great price for the customer, but they got a much higher orbit than contracted, a bonus worth millions. Not bad for a satellite that was originally scheduled for the Falcon Heavy.
And to think that if the Russians hadn’t tried to rip him off, Musk may not have started SpaceX.
I was not aware of that...thanks.
There is a deeper possibility that I have never seen pointed out, and that is that the "reusable booster" technology is needed for development of space-based solar power. I don't know if that is Musk's "deep concept", but it sure is a nice tie-in with the Tesla and earth-based energy storage (battery farms).