Although I disagree with Musk’s politics and his inflammatory rhetoric on Twitter, I do believe he deserves significant credit for today’s Starship success. While the SpaceX team did the heavy lifting, it was Musk’s leadership, extremely ambitious vision, and relentless drive for faster progress that made this moment possible. In my view, this parallels Apple’s success under Steve Jobs. Although the iPhone was built by the Apple team, it was Jobs’ leadership that turned it into a reality.
Many disagree with this perspective, so I have a genuine question for them:
Why do you think the SpaceX team works for Musk?
This is an honest question, and I am very curious about your opinion. These are some of the most talented engineers in the world, and they likely have their pick of companies to work for. I assume anyone working for Musk understands exactly what they’re signing up for. He’s always been transparent about his expectations, including his stance against DEI initiatives and his advocacy for 80-100 hour work weeks to achieve ambitious goals.
I know plenty of people who work or have worked at SpaceX including at very senior levels. They all feel like they are part of something awesome. The hours are no worse than Silicon Valley companies, but instead of build some algorithm to get more views, they are building capabilities to colonize Mars. They view SpaceX as actually making achievements like NASA during the 60’s as opposed to NASA now.
Most barely tolerate Musk’s Tweets, but view it like Howard Hughes’ peeing in jars. Sometimes you just have to put up with crap.
If you know what you are getting into, the boss is open and upfront with his expectations, you love what you do, pay is good, job is rewarding, leadership (leadership, not bosses, any dickhead can be a boss) is great then you should not have problems working where you choose to.
I knew what I am singing up to in the healthcare. Sometimes I want to become chain smoker and alcoholic like this past week but I do love my work.
Some folks have been there for a while and while a lot of the work related pieces (hours, management style) may have been known when they first joined, some of the non-work pieces have gotten accentuated/shifted in the past few years. We know a few folks who are there and the rough take I’ve gotten from them is that they’re motivated by the company mission, but could do without his more public facing exposure (because it makes the work itself harder by drawing attention his antics).
It’s the only place in the world doing that sort of work. If that’s what you want to do, ain’t nowhere else you can do it.
Money/stock options.
I’d like to think that if there were another company doing that work, most of them would be out the door in a shot and heading to work there. But I’m idealistic.
Agreed. While there are many aerospace companies, none come close to achieving what SpaceX has, from landing reusable rockets to developing the Starlink satellite network.
This is where Musk truly stands out, and credit should be given where it’s due—he was, as far as I know, the only one who consistently talked for years about reusable rockets and the colonization of Mars. Many people find his vision inspiring and are willing to tolerate his antics to be part of something historic.
I know several as well. They are all good people and think Musk is nuts. Fortunately he does not have as much to do with the company as many folks think. Gwynne Shotwell really runs the show. The people at Starlink are also great.
While I understand the rationale behind boycotting some of Musk’s companies due to his political views, I believe SpaceX should be seen differently. The U.S. is engaged in a space race with China, and SpaceX plays a pivotal role with its rockets and Starlink system, which are crucial to national defense and NASA’s missions.
California’s decision to block SpaceX’s launches seems like a case of cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Actually there are a several companies working in the launch services space these days. Several of which are developing reusable rockets. Blue Origin, Stoke Space, SpaceZone come to mind.
I used to work in the satellite business and constantly surprised at the renaissance it is having.
I do, and I believe many SpaceX engineers feel the same way. I find it as inspiring as the Moon landing was.
There are numerous side benefits, from driving technological advancements to motivating future generations to pursue careers in STEM fields. I also agree with Musk that expanding human habitation to multiple planets enhances the likelihood of human survival in the face of unforeseen events.
The Coastal commission turned down SpaceX’s request to increase launches out of Vandenburg due to environmental concerns but the core issue is if SpaceX launches should be classified as a federal activity or a private business. As a private business, SpaceX would have to apply for its own Coastal Development Permit, rather than fall under the umbrella of federal government. It is a reasonable question and I expect this will end up in the courts.
Some of the commissioners took the rejection as an opportunity to take shots at the fact that Musk promotes lies and conspiracy theories but that was not the reason the request was rejected.
While Gwynne Shotwell manages the daily operations, I believe Musk is responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and the continual drive to push boundaries. To continue my earlier Apple analogy, Musk resembles Steve Jobs for Apple, whereas Gwynne is more like Tim Cook. On a side note, I read Jobs’ biography and he was kind of an ass as well, though at least he stayed out of politics.
I don’t have any insider information, and you seem to know more than I do, so my question remains: why don’t the top engineers leave SpaceX to join other aerospace companies?
I am blaming you because what you posted was false. Your article confirms exactly what I wrote
The agency’s commissioners, appointed by the governor and legislative leaders, voted 6-4 to reject the Air Force’s plan over concerns that all SpaceX launches would be considered military activity, shielding the company from having to acquire its own permits, even if military payloads aren’t being carried.
“I do believe that the Space Force has failed to establish that SpaceX is a part of the federal government, part of our defense,” said Commissioner Dayna Bochco.
As I said some of the commissioners used their platform to take shots at Musk but SpaceX request for more launches was not rejected because of Musk’s political views.
I think it is mostly due to being able to do the coolest stuff and Musk leaving them alone.
Teledesic was one of the first LEO sat companies and it inspired me to get into the industry 25+ years ago. Everything they are doing over there excites me as they are finally fulfilling what was dreamed of decades ago.