Today, SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies, while Elon Musk ranks among the richest people on the planet. The company's public listing in 2026 pushed its valuation into the trillion-dollar range and further boosted Musk's fortune.&nbsp;But two decades ago, SpaceX was a small start-up attempting something few thought possible. Its first rocket, Falcon 1, represented years of work, millions of dollars in investment and a major gamble by Musk, who had largely funded the company himself.<h2>How much did Falcon 1 actually cost?</h2>According to SpaceX, the Falcon 1 rocket was designed to be significantly cheaper than competing launch vehicles. The advertised launch price for Falcon 1 was around $6.7 million for early missions. Later versions were priced at roughly $7.9 million. However, the actual cost to develop Falcon 1 was much higher. Industry estimates and comments from Musk suggest SpaceX spent well over $100 million developing the company and its early launch capabilities. Musk invested much of the money he earned from the sale of PayPal into SpaceX, with around $100 million going into the venture during its early years. In simple terms, while a single Falcon 1 launch carried a price tag of several million dollars, the broader effort behind the rocket cost far more.<h2>The first launch ended in failure</h2>The first Falcon 1 mission lifted off from Omelek Island in the Marshall Islands on March 24, 2006. The rocket flew for less than a minute before a fuel leak caused a fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle lost control and the mission ended in failure. For a young company with limited resources, the setback was significant. Yet SpaceX engineers used the data from the mission to identify problems and improve the rocket.Three failures before successThe first launch was not the only setback.A second Falcon 1 launch in 2007 also failed to reach orbit. A third mission in August 2008 came close but ultimately failed because of a stage separation issue. By that point, SpaceX was under intense financial pressure. Many observers believed the company might not survive another failure.<h2>The launch that changed everything</h2>The breakthrough came on September 28, 2008. Falcon 1 successfully reached orbit on its fourth attempt, becoming the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to do so. The success transformed SpaceX's future. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and Starlink satellite network. It became a key partner for NASA and grew into a global space industry leader.&nbsp;<h2>Why Falcon 1 still matters today</h2>Compared with modern space programmes costing billions of dollars, Falcon 1 was relatively inexpensive. Yet its impact was enormous. The rocket proved that a private company could build and launch orbital rockets at a lower cost than many traditional competitors. What began as a project costing millions eventually helped create a company now valued in the trillions. The first Falcon 1 launch may have failed, but it marked the beginning of SpaceX's rise from start-up to space powerhouse.

Falcon 1's early launch price was about $6.7 million, but the broader effort behind SpaceX's first rocket cost far more. The first mission failed in 2006, yet the lessons learned helped pave the way for a company now valued in the trillions.


Today, SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies, while Elon Musk ranks among the richest people on the planet. The company's public listing in 2026 pushed its valuation into the trillion-dollar range and further boosted Musk's fortune. But two decades ago, SpaceX was a small start-up attempting something few thought possible. Its first rocket, Falcon 1, represented years of work, millions of dollars in investment and a major gamble by Musk, who had largely funded the company himself. How much did Falcon 1 actually cost? According to SpaceX, the Falcon 1 rocket was designed to be significantly cheaper than competing launch vehicles. The advertised launch price for Falcon 1 was around $6.7 million for early missions. Later versions were priced at roughly $7.9 million. However, the actual cost to develop Falcon 1 was much higher. Industry estimates and comments from Musk suggest SpaceX spent well over $100 million developing the company and its early launch capabilities. Musk invested much of the money he earned from the sale of PayPal into SpaceX, with around $100 million going into the venture during its early years. In simple terms, while a single Falcon 1 launch carried a price tag of several million dollars, the broader effort behind the rocket cost far more. The first launch ended in failure The first Falcon 1 mission lifted off from Omelek Island in the Marshall Islands on March 24, 2006. The rocket flew for less than a minute before a fuel leak caused a fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle lost control and the mission ended in failure. For a young company with limited resources, the setback was significant. Yet SpaceX engineers used the data from the mission to identify problems and improve the rocket. Three failures before success The first launch was not the only setback. A second Falcon 1 launch in 2007 also failed to reach orbit. A third mission in August 2008 came close but ultimately failed because of a stage separation issue. By that point, SpaceX was under intense financial pressure. Many observers believed the company might not survive another failure. The launch that changed everything The breakthrough came on September 28, 2008. Falcon 1 successfully reached orbit on its fourth attempt, becoming the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to do so. The success transformed SpaceX's future. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and Starlink satellite network. It became a key partner for NASA and grew into a global space industry leader. Why Falcon 1 still matters today Compared with modern space programmes costing billions of dollars, Falcon 1 was relatively inexpensive. Yet its impact was enormous. The rocket proved that a private company could build and launch orbital rockets at a lower cost than many traditional competitors. What began as a project costing millions eventually helped create a company now valued in the trillions. The first Falcon 1 launch may have failed, but it marked the beginning of SpaceX's rise from start-up to space powerhouse.

Falcon 1's early launch price was about $6.7 million, but the broader effort behind SpaceX's first rocket cost far more. The first mission failed in 2006, yet the lessons learned helped pave the way for a company now valued in the trillions.

How much did SpaceX's first Falcon 1 rocket launch actually cost?

SpaceX is now one of the biggest names in the space industry. The company recently made history with its public listing, becoming one of the world's most valuable businesses and helping push Elon Musk's wealth to record levels. Before the company successfully reached orbit, it suffered three consecutive rocket failures. By 2008, money was running low, pressure was mounting and the future of the company depended on one final attempt.<h2>SpaceX's first three launches all failed</h2>Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX set out to reduce the cost of space travel and challenge an industry long dominated by governments and large aerospace firms. The company's first rocket, Falcon 1, was designed as a small, relatively low-cost launch vehicle. Its first launch took place in March 2006. The mission failed shortly after lift-off due to a fuel leak and engine fire. A second launch followed in March 2007. Although the rocket performed better, it still failed to reach orbit. The third attempt came in August 2008. This launch got closer than the previous two, but a stage separation issue caused another failure. By then, SpaceX had spent years developing its technology without achieving its main goal.<h2>The fourth launch changed the company's future</h2>After three failures, many companies would have struggled to continue. SpaceX pressed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch on September 28, 2008. This time, the mission succeeded. The rocket became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement was widely seen as a turning point for the commercial space industry. The success arrived at a crucial moment. Musk later revealed that both SpaceX and Tesla were under significant financial pressure during 2008, with resources becoming increasingly limited.<h2>From survival mode to a space industry leader</h2>The successful Falcon 1 mission helped prove that SpaceX's technology worked. In the years that followed, the company developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet network. It also became a major partner of NASA.Today, SpaceX carries astronauts into orbit, launches satellites for customers around the world and plays a key role in the growing commercial space sector. Its public listing in 2026 marked another milestone. The company entered the market with a valuation measured in trillions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable firms in the world. The listing also boosted Musk's fortune, cementing his position as the world's richest person.<h2>Why those early failures still matter</h2>SpaceX's story is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks.The company failed three consecutive Falcon 1 launches before finally reaching orbit on its fourth attempt. Today, that fourth launch is remembered as one of the most important moments in SpaceX's history. Without it, the company that now launches astronauts, operates thousands of satellites and commands a trillion-dollar valuation might never have survived.

Before becoming one of the world's most valuable companies, SpaceX endured three failed Falcon 1 launches. Its breakthrough came on the fourth attempt in 2008, a mission that helped transform the company and changed the future of commercial spaceflight.

SpaceX is now one of the biggest names in the space industry. The company recently made history with its public listing, becoming one of the world's most valuable businesses and helping push Elon Musk's wealth to record levels. Before the company successfully reached orbit, it suffered three consecutive rocket failures. By 2008, money was running low, pressure was mounting and the future of the company depended on one final attempt. SpaceX's first three launches all failed Founded in 2002 by Elon Musk, SpaceX set out to reduce the cost of space travel and challenge an industry long dominated by governments and large aerospace firms. The company's first rocket, Falcon 1, was designed as a small, relatively low-cost launch vehicle. Its first launch took place in March 2006. The mission failed shortly after lift-off due to a fuel leak and engine fire. A second launch followed in March 2007. Although the rocket performed better, it still failed to reach orbit. The third attempt came in August 2008. This launch got closer than the previous two, but a stage separation issue caused another failure. By then, SpaceX had spent years developing its technology without achieving its main goal. The fourth launch changed the company's future After three failures, many companies would have struggled to continue. SpaceX pressed ahead with a fourth Falcon 1 launch on September 28, 2008. This time, the mission succeeded. The rocket became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to reach Earth orbit. The achievement was widely seen as a turning point for the commercial space industry. The success arrived at a crucial moment. Musk later revealed that both SpaceX and Tesla were under significant financial pressure during 2008, with resources becoming increasingly limited. From survival mode to a space industry leader The successful Falcon 1 mission helped prove that SpaceX's technology worked. In the years that followed, the company developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet network. It also became a major partner of NASA. Today, SpaceX carries astronauts into orbit, launches satellites for customers around the world and plays a key role in the growing commercial space sector. Its public listing in 2026 marked another milestone. The company entered the market with a valuation measured in trillions of dollars, making it one of the most valuable firms in the world. The listing also boosted Musk's fortune, cementing his position as the world's richest person. Why those early failures still matter SpaceX's story is often cited as an example of persistence in the face of repeated setbacks. The company failed three consecutive Falcon 1 launches before finally reaching orbit on its fourth attempt. Today, that fourth launch is remembered as one of the most important moments in SpaceX's history. Without it, the company that now launches astronauts, operates thousands of satellites and commands a trillion-dollar valuation might never have survived.

Before becoming one of the world's most valuable companies, SpaceX endured three failed Falcon 1 launches. Its breakthrough came on the fourth attempt in 2008, a mission that helped transform the company and changed the future of commercial spaceflight.

How many times did SpaceX's rockets fail before their first successful launch?

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.&nbsp;Following SpaceX's historic public listing in June 2026, Musk's fortune surged past the trillion-dollar mark, making him the world's first trillionaire. SpaceX itself is valued at well over $1 trillion after its record-breaking market debut.<h2>Yet less than two decades ago, the picture looked very different.</h2>In 2008, Musk was facing what he later described as one of the toughest periods of his life. SpaceX had suffered three consecutive rocket failures, Tesla was struggling financially, and Musk's personal fortune was rapidly shrinking. The entrepreneur who would later dominate the space industry was close to running out of options.&nbsp;Three failed launches and a rapidly shrinking bank accountMusk founded SpaceX in 2002 with about $100 million from the money he earned after PayPal was sold. His goal was ambitious: build cheaper rockets and eventually help humanity become a multi-planetary species.However, the company's early years were marked by repeated setbacks. The first Falcon 1 rocket launch failed in 2006. A second attempt also failed. Then came a third unsuccessful launch in August 2008. Each failure consumed precious money and raised doubts about whether the company could survive. By then, Musk was funding both SpaceX and Tesla. Cash was running low and investors were becoming nervous.<h2>The launch that changed everything</h2>SpaceX's fourth Falcon 1 mission took place on September 28, 2008. Unlike the previous attempts, this launch successfully reached orbit. It marked the first time a privately developed liquid-fuel rocket reached orbit, a milestone that changed how the aerospace industry viewed private space companies. The success arrived at exactly the right moment. According to accounts of SpaceX's early years, the company was under immense financial pressure. Had the fourth launch failed, the future of the company would have been highly uncertain.<h2>How SpaceX went from survival mode to a trillion-dollar giant</h2>The successful Falcon 1 mission helped build confidence in SpaceX and opened the door for future contracts and growth. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite network. Today, SpaceX launches astronauts, delivers cargo to space and operates thousands of internet satellites through Starlink. It has become one of the most influential companies in the global space sector. Its 2026 public listing became the largest IPO in history, valuing the company at around $1.8 trillion and pushing Musk's wealth above $1 trillion.<h2>How quickly fortunes can change</h2>The story of SpaceX's early years remains one of the most dramatic chapters in modern business history. A company that was struggling to keep its rockets flying in 2008 is now among the world's most valuable firms. For Musk, the difference between failure and success may have come down to a single launch. Had Falcon 1's fourth flight failed, the history of SpaceX and perhaps the modern commercial space industry could have looked very different.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure. Following SpaceX's historic public listing in June 2026, Musk's fortune surged past the trillion-dollar mark, making him the world's first trillionaire. SpaceX itself is valued at well over $1 trillion after its record-breaking market debut. Yet less than two decades ago, the picture looked very different. In 2008, Musk was facing what he later described as one of the toughest periods of his life. SpaceX had suffered three consecutive rocket failures, Tesla was struggling financially, and Musk's personal fortune was rapidly shrinking. The entrepreneur who would later dominate the space industry was close to running out of options. Three failed launches and a rapidly shrinking bank account Musk founded SpaceX in 2002 with about $100 million from the money he earned after PayPal was sold. His goal was ambitious: build cheaper rockets and eventually help humanity become a multi-planetary species. However, the company's early years were marked by repeated setbacks. The first Falcon 1 rocket launch failed in 2006. A second attempt also failed. Then came a third unsuccessful launch in August 2008. Each failure consumed precious money and raised doubts about whether the company could survive. By then, Musk was funding both SpaceX and Tesla. Cash was running low and investors were becoming nervous. The launch that changed everything SpaceX's fourth Falcon 1 mission took place on September 28, 2008. Unlike the previous attempts, this launch successfully reached orbit. It marked the first time a privately developed liquid-fuel rocket reached orbit, a milestone that changed how the aerospace industry viewed private space companies. The success arrived at exactly the right moment. According to accounts of SpaceX's early years, the company was under immense financial pressure. Had the fourth launch failed, the future of the company would have been highly uncertain. How SpaceX went from survival mode to a trillion-dollar giant The successful Falcon 1 mission helped build confidence in SpaceX and opened the door for future contracts and growth. The company later developed the Falcon 9 rocket, Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite network. Today, SpaceX launches astronauts, delivers cargo to space and operates thousands of internet satellites through Starlink. It has become one of the most influential companies in the global space sector. Its 2026 public listing became the largest IPO in history, valuing the company at around $1.8 trillion and pushing Musk's wealth above $1 trillion. How quickly fortunes can change The story of SpaceX's early years remains one of the most dramatic chapters in modern business history. A company that was struggling to keep its rockets flying in 2008 is now among the world's most valuable firms. For Musk, the difference between failure and success may have come down to a single launch. Had Falcon 1's fourth flight failed, the history of SpaceX and perhaps the modern commercial space industry could have looked very different.

Today, Elon Musk is the world's richest person and SpaceX is one of the world's most valuable companies. But in 2008, both Musk and SpaceX were running out of money, and one final rocket launch stood between success and failure.

Three failed rockets, shrinking cash: How close was Elon Musk to losing everything before SpaceX finally succeeded?

Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire on Friday (June 12) after shares of SpaceX surged 11 per cent in their market debut following what is being described as the largest initial public offering in history. The aerospace and technology giant's shares closed at $150 on their first day of trading on the Nasdaq exchange in New York, up from the IPO price of $135. The blockbuster offering raised more than $75 billion, valuing the company at nearly $2 trillion and placing it among the ten most valuable publicly traded companies in the United States.According to regulatory filings, SpaceX sold more than 555 million shares, with options for nearly 83 million additional shares, potentially increasing the total amount raised to over $86 billion. The offering was reported to be more than four times oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand from institutional and retail investors alike.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-dog-who-saved-the-1966-fifa-world-cup-how-pickles-solved-football-s-greatest-mystery-1781283302241">How a collie named Pickles found the stolen 1966 FIFA World Cup trophy</a>The debut capped weeks of intense investor enthusiasm surrounding the company, which has evolved from a rocket manufacturer into a sprawling satellite and artificial intelligence conglomerate. SpaceX now incorporates Musk's AI venture xAI, which also includes social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.Speaking at a launch event in Starbase, Texas, Musk outlined the company's long-term ambitions for space exploration. "SpaceX wants to be able to take you to the moon, take you to Mars, and ultimately beyond," Musk said while addressing employees. "I'm confident at this point that with the incredible team that we have here at SpaceX, we will do that for you," he added.Celebrations also took place in New York, where the company displayed a neon sign in Times Square proclaiming: "Building the infrastructure to the future."Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-pakistan-s-provinces-are-poorer-than-some-of-the-world-s-poorest-nations-1781274781756">How Pakistan's provinces are poorer than some of the world's poorest nations</a>Around 100 supporters and investors gathered outside Nasdaq's headquarters to mark the occasion. Among them was Sarin Sio of financial company Dovetail, who said Musk's ambitious vision continued to attract investors."He sets very futuristic goals that no one else is doing, and I think that has got a lot of people excited," Sio said.

SpaceX’s historic Nasdaq IPO raised $75 billion, pushing its valuation to nearly $2 trillion and making Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire as shares surged 11 per cent to $150.

Elon Musk became the world's first trillionaire on Friday (June 12) after shares of SpaceX surged 11 per cent in their market debut following what is being described as the largest initial public offering in history. The aerospace and technology giant's shares closed at $150 on their first day of trading on the Nasdaq exchange in New York, up from the IPO price of $135. The blockbuster offering raised more than $75 billion, valuing the company at nearly $2 trillion and placing it among the ten most valuable publicly traded companies in the United States. According to regulatory filings, SpaceX sold more than 555 million shares, with options for nearly 83 million additional shares, potentially increasing the total amount raised to over $86 billion. The offering was reported to be more than four times oversubscribed, reflecting strong demand from institutional and retail investors alike. Also read: How a collie named Pickles found the stolen 1966 FIFA World Cup trophy The debut capped weeks of intense investor enthusiasm surrounding the company, which has evolved from a rocket manufacturer into a sprawling satellite and artificial intelligence conglomerate. SpaceX now incorporates Musk's AI venture xAI, which also includes social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Speaking at a launch event in Starbase, Texas, Musk outlined the company's long-term ambitions for space exploration. "SpaceX wants to be able to take you to the moon, take you to Mars, and ultimately beyond," Musk said while addressing employees. "I'm confident at this point that with the incredible team that we have here at SpaceX, we will do that for you," he added. Celebrations also took place in New York, where the company displayed a neon sign in Times Square proclaiming: "Building the infrastructure to the future." Also read: How Pakistan's provinces are poorer than some of the world's poorest nations Around 100 supporters and investors gathered outside Nasdaq's headquarters to mark the occasion. Among them was Sarin Sio of financial company Dovetail, who said Musk's ambitious vision continued to attract investors. "He sets very futuristic goals that no one else is doing, and I think that has got a lot of people excited," Sio said.

SpaceX’s historic Nasdaq IPO raised $75 billion, pushing its valuation to nearly $2 trillion and making Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire as shares surged 11 per cent to $150.

SpaceX IPO soars and Elon Musk becomes world's FIRST trillionaire

Elon Musk has renewed his ambitious promise to take humanity to Mars as SpaceX makes its much-anticipated Wall Street debut. The move marks a major moment for the private space industry, with investors closely watching the company’s future in space exploration, satellite technology and commercial launches.

Musk Vows to Reach Mars As SpaceX Makes Wall Street Debut 

Elon Musk's SpaceX IPO is set to be traded on June 12, 2026, on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and Nasdaq Texas under the ticker “SPCX”. The rocket, satellite and AI company is pricing its 555,555,555 shares of its Class A common stock at $135 per share. The offering will continue till June 15, 2026 and is expected to raise $75 billion, putting its valuation around $1.77 trillion. Forbes Wealth pegged Musk's valuation at $850billion ahead of the offering, and if all goes well in the IPO, Musk's value will catapult to an unprecedented trillion-dollar territory, making him the first trillionaire in history. According to UK charity Oxfam, which puts the amount in perspective, if Musk spends approximately $1 million every day, it will take approximately 2,740 years to spend one trillion.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-spacex-starlink-military-targets-west-asia-1781251881890">Iran declares SpaceX and Starlink assets in West Asia legitimate military targets</a><h2>Elon Musk's net worth</h2>Born in Pretoria, South Africa, to a Canadian mother and South African father, Musk took over as the CEO of Tesla in 2008. He then gradually built his empire with SpaceX rockets, Starlink satellite, Twitter, which he rebranded as X and the Grok AI model. Most of Musk's wealth rests with SpaceX, where he holds a stake worth roughly $866 billion, along with Tesla's stocks, $260 billion, and the rest in Neuralink, Boring Company, and X, where he owns a roughly 1 per cent stake, which puts Elon Musk at approximately $1.1. It will make him not just richer, but richer than the combined next four in line, Larry Ellison, Larry Page and Sergey Brin.&nbsp;"The second richest person has been hovering around $300 billion, so about less than one-third of what Musk can potentially be worth ​tomorrow," said Matt Durot, deputy editor at Forbes Wealth.&nbsp;He is approximately worth 3-4 per cent of US GDP, almost 25-26 per cent of India's GDP and more than the annual output of many South American countries, like Chile, Argentina, almost all of the African countries, like South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, and some Asian countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Elon Musk could become the world's first trillionaire as SpaceX begins trading on Nasdaq under the ticker SPCX. The offering values the company at nearly $1.77 trillion.

Elon Musk's SpaceX IPO is set to be traded on June 12, 2026, on the Nasdaq Global Select Market and Nasdaq Texas under the ticker “SPCX”. The rocket, satellite and AI company is pricing its 555,555,555 shares of its Class A common stock at $135 per share. The offering will continue till June 15, 2026 and is expected to raise $75 billion, putting its valuation around $1.77 trillion. Forbes Wealth pegged Musk's valuation at $850billion ahead of the offering, and if all goes well in the IPO, Musk's value will catapult to an unprecedented trillion-dollar territory, making him the first trillionaire in history. According to UK charity Oxfam, which puts the amount in perspective, if Musk spends approximately $1 million every day, it will take approximately 2,740 years to spend one trillion. Also Read: Iran declares SpaceX and Starlink assets in West Asia legitimate military targets Elon Musk's net worth Born in Pretoria, South Africa, to a Canadian mother and South African father, Musk took over as the CEO of Tesla in 2008. He then gradually built his empire with SpaceX rockets, Starlink satellite, Twitter, which he rebranded as X and the Grok AI model. Most of Musk's wealth rests with SpaceX, where he holds a stake worth roughly $866 billion, along with Tesla's stocks, $260 billion, and the rest in Neuralink, Boring Company, and X, where he owns a roughly 1 per cent stake, which puts Elon Musk at approximately $1.1. It will make him not just richer, but richer than the combined next four in line, Larry Ellison, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. "The second richest person has been hovering around $300 billion, so about less than one-third of what Musk can potentially be worth tomorrow," said Matt Durot, deputy editor at Forbes Wealth. He is approximately worth 3-4 per cent of US GDP, almost 25-26 per cent of India's GDP and more than the annual output of many South American countries, like Chile, Argentina, almost all of the African countries, like South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, and some Asian countries like Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Elon Musk could become the world's first trillionaire as SpaceX begins trading on Nasdaq under the ticker SPCX. The offering values the company at nearly $1.77 trillion.

Elon Musk's net worth could top $1 trillion as SpaceX begins trading on Nasdaq

A second night of unrest has gripped Belfast as anti-immigrant violence continues to spread across parts of the city. Amid the growing tensions, billionaire Elon Musk has come under criticism over social media posts and commentary that some critics say have amplified anti-immigration narratives.

How influential are online platforms in shaping real-world unrest? And why is Musk now at the centre of a growing political controversy?


Belfast Violence: Musk Under Fire For Stoking Anti-Immigrant Riots

A second night of unrest has gripped Belfast as anti-immigrant violence continues to spread across parts of the city. Amid the growing tensions, billionaire Elon Musk has come under criticism over social media posts and commentary that some critics say have amplified anti-immigration narratives.

How influential are online platforms in shaping real-world unrest? And why is Musk now at the centre of a growing political controversy?

Musk Under Fire For Stoking Anti-Immigrant Riots In Belfast 

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Saturday (June 6), in a post on X, said that India's birth rate has fallen below replacement. Musk shared data by a media outlet that claimed that India's fertility rate has fallen below replacement for the first time in the country's history, “declining from a TFR (Total Fertility Rate) of 2.3 to 1.9 in just a decade. Delhi's fertility rate now sits at 1.2, lower than Finland's.” "India's birth rate has fallen below replacement. Among those most educated, India's birth rate fell below replacement many years ago," the billionaire said in a post on X. But, what's the truth behind his claim?&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-sends-wish-him-well-message-for-elon-musk-after-breakup-tesla-boss-gives-one-word-response-1749273730079">Trump sends 'wish him well' message for Elon Musk after breakup: Tesla boss gives one-word response</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260607/image-1780793955187.png"></figure><h2>What was the data Musk cited?</h2>Musk cited data shared by AF Post, which in turn referenced a June 4 article by The Economist reporting that India's fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level. The report was titled 'India's population will soon be falling-probably quite fast.' The Economist report said that India is experiencing a rapid "baby bust," with models suggesting the population will peak around 2046 at 1.6 billion before declining to roughly 1 billion by 2100. Driven by rising education and urban lifestyle shifts, the national fertility rate has dropped to 1.9, prompting warnings of economic strain if the nation does not capitalise on its shrinking demographic window.<h2>Is there any truth in the data cited by Musk and The Economist?</h2>Yes, the data cited in the report is true. In 2025, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of World Population (SOWP) Report said that India's total fertility rate has declined to 1.9 births per woman, falling below the replacement level of 2.1. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) refers to the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. This means that on average, Indian women are having fewer children than needed to maintain. This pattern has emerged most likely due to the large the population size of the country. The UNFPA report said that though India's fertility rate has declined over the years, India has a population of well over a billion, and wide inequalities persist, despite significant improvements in health and education. However, if The Economist's analysis is to be believed, then population peak will happen around 2046 and it will slow down thereafter.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-trump-and-musk-s-big-beautiful-bromance-to-breakup-1749176250253">Trump and Musk’s ‘big beautiful’ bromance to breakup</a><h2>What Indian government data actually says?</h2>The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, published by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), confirmed the UNFPA report as it also stated that India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, falling below the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1. In 2022, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), executed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare alongside the International Institute for Population Sciences caught the first dip to a national TFR of 2.0. This survey provided deep granular insights into contraception use, maternal healthcare, and marriage age across all districts of India.&nbsp;When Musk says “fallen below replacement”, he is actually speaking about replacement-level fertility. This refers to the average number of children required per woman to maintain a stable population from one generation to the next. There are a few states in India that has fertility rate above replacement-level. These include Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. While many other states and union territories like Delhi — 1.2, Tamil Nadu — 1.3, Kerala — 1.3, West Bengal — 1.3 have very low fertility rates.&nbsp;This is not the first time Musk has commented on population size and fertility rate. In January 2025, Musk responded "Yes" to projections mapping a drastic population decline in India and China by the year 2100, where data showed India's numbers potentially shrinking by 400 million people due to sustained sub-replacement fertility. &nbsp;In April 2023, when the United Nations announced that India had officially surpassed China as the world's most populous nation, Musk shared his perspective on X by simply writing, “Demographics is destiny.” Musk has pushed the idea that low birth rates is a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming. He has brushed aside concerns for resource usage and asked people to have at least three &nbsp;children to maintain civilizational stability.<h2>Why is lower fertility rate is a concern?</h2>States with higher fertility rates will have younger population and continued population growth, resulting in more demand for schools, healthcare, housing, jobs, and other public services. In contrast, regions with very low fertility rates can reduce pressure on resources in the short term, it can lead to a higher proportion of elderly people in the population over time. As the population ages, there are fewer working-age people available to support retirees through taxes, healthcare systems, and social welfare programs. Analysts say that if low birth rates continue for several decades, each new generation will be smaller than the one before it. This can eventually cause population decline, labour shortages, and economic challenges unless compensated by migration from other regions with younger populations. This is a trend already being observed in countries such as Japan, South Korea and Italy.&nbsp;

Elon Musk highlighted that India's birth rate has fallen below the replacement level after the country's fertility rate dropped to 1.9 births per woman. The decline, confirmed by the UNFPA, signals slowing population growth even as India remains the world's most populous nation

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Saturday (June 6), in a post on X, said that India's birth rate has fallen below replacement. Musk shared data by a media outlet that claimed that India's fertility rate has fallen below replacement for the first time in the country's history, “declining from a TFR (Total Fertility Rate) of 2.3 to 1.9 in just a decade. Delhi's fertility rate now sits at 1.2, lower than Finland's.” "India's birth rate has fallen below replacement. Among those most educated, India's birth rate fell below replacement many years ago," the billionaire said in a post on X. But, what's the truth behind his claim? Also Read: Trump sends 'wish him well' message for Elon Musk after breakup: Tesla boss gives one-word response What was the data Musk cited? Musk cited data shared by AF Post, which in turn referenced a June 4 article by The Economist reporting that India's fertility rate has fallen below the replacement level. The report was titled 'India's population will soon be falling-probably quite fast.' The Economist report said that India is experiencing a rapid "baby bust," with models suggesting the population will peak around 2046 at 1.6 billion before declining to roughly 1 billion by 2100. Driven by rising education and urban lifestyle shifts, the national fertility rate has dropped to 1.9, prompting warnings of economic strain if the nation does not capitalise on its shrinking demographic window. Is there any truth in the data cited by Musk and The Economist? Yes, the data cited in the report is true. In 2025, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) State of World Population (SOWP) Report said that India's total fertility rate has declined to 1.9 births per woman, falling below the replacement level of 2.1. Total Fertility Rate (TFR) refers to the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years. This means that on average, Indian women are having fewer children than needed to maintain. This pattern has emerged most likely due to the large the population size of the country. The UNFPA report said that though India's fertility rate has declined over the years, India has a population of well over a billion, and wide inequalities persist, despite significant improvements in health and education. However, if The Economist's analysis is to be believed, then population peak will happen around 2046 and it will slow down thereafter. Also Read: Trump and Musk’s ‘big beautiful’ bromance to breakup What Indian government data actually says? The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2024, published by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), confirmed the UNFPA report as it also stated that India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 1.9, falling below the replacement level fertility rate of 2.1. In 2022, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), executed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare alongside the International Institute for Population Sciences caught the first dip to a national TFR of 2.0. This survey provided deep granular insights into contraception use, maternal healthcare, and marriage age across all districts of India. When Musk says “fallen below replacement”, he is actually speaking about replacement-level fertility. This refers to the average number of children required per woman to maintain a stable population from one generation to the next. There are a few states in India that has fertility rate above replacement-level. These include Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh. While many other states and union territories like Delhi — 1.2, Tamil Nadu — 1.3, Kerala — 1.3, West Bengal — 1.3 have very low fertility rates. This is not the first time Musk has commented on population size and fertility rate. In January 2025, Musk responded "Yes" to projections mapping a drastic population decline in India and China by the year 2100, where data showed India's numbers potentially shrinking by 400 million people due to sustained sub-replacement fertility. In April 2023, when the United Nations announced that India had officially surpassed China as the world's most populous nation, Musk shared his perspective on X by simply writing, “Demographics is destiny.” Musk has pushed the idea that low birth rates is a much bigger risk to civilization than global warming. He has brushed aside concerns for resource usage and asked people to have at least three children to maintain civilizational stability. Why is lower fertility rate is a concern? States with higher fertility rates will have younger population and continued population growth, resulting in more demand for schools, healthcare, housing, jobs, and other public services. In contrast, regions with very low fertility rates can reduce pressure on resources in the short term, it can lead to a higher proportion of elderly people in the population over time. As the population ages, there are fewer working-age people available to support retirees through taxes, healthcare systems, and social welfare programs. Analysts say that if low birth rates continue for several decades, each new generation will be smaller than the one before it. This can eventually cause population decline, labour shortages, and economic challenges unless compensated by migration from other regions with younger populations. This is a trend already being observed in countries such as Japan, South Korea and Italy.

Elon Musk highlighted that India's birth rate has fallen below the replacement level after the country's fertility rate dropped to 1.9 births per woman. The decline, confirmed by the UNFPA, signals slowing population growth even as India remains the world's most populous nation

Musk says India's birth rate has fallen below 'replacement level': What the term means and what official data reveals? | WION Decodes

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Elon Musk of fueling division in Britain through his online comments and political interventions. Starmer said inflammatory rhetoric on social media risks deepening tensions and undermining public trust. The remarks come amid growing debates in the UK over misinformation, free speech, and the influence of tech billionaires on politics.


UK PM Starmer Says Musk is Fueling Division in Britain

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday (Jun 4) accused billionaire Elon Musk of "trying to whip up division" in the United Kingdom after the Tesla and X owner repeatedly criticised police handling of the murder of an 18-year-old student, a case that has become a flashpoint in Britain's increasingly heated debate over race, policing and immigration.The row centres on the killing of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was stabbed to death in Southampton in December. The case drew national attention after police bodycam footage showed officers handcuffing Nowak while he lay critically injured, after initially believing that the attacker, Vickrum Digwa, was the victim. Digwa, 23, had falsely claimed that Nowak had racially abused him, according to court proceedings. He was sentenced earlier this week to a minimum of 21 years in prison for the murder.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-d-be-honoured-to-meet-mojtaba-khamenei-warns-war-could-restart-if-iran-kills-american-troops-cross-red-line-1780623877944">Trump says he'd be 'honoured' to meet Mojtaba Khamenei, warns war could restart if Iran kills American troops</a>The case has since been seized upon by several right-wing commentators and political figures, who argue that it demonstrates alleged bias in British policing against white citizens. Police leaders and Starmer's Labour government have strongly rejected those claims.<h2>What did Musk do to 'whip up division'?</h2>Speaking after meeting Nowak's family at Downing Street, Starmer urged the country to reject attempts to inflame tensions. "When we have a terrible case like Henry's case, we react calmly, as his family have done," Starmer told reporters, adding that Britain must choose "unity and progress over division and hatred."His remarks appeared directed at Musk, who has posted multiple messages about the case on X. In one post, Musk questioned whether British police were operating under a policy that discriminates against white people. He has also offered to help fund legal action over the handling of the case and criticised Hampshire Police.The X owner has also offered to fund a private prosecution against the police over its handling of the murder and insulted the Hampshire Police force involved.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/whose-cocaine-was-it-hunter-biden-sarcastic-response-to-white-house-narcotics-accusation-goes-viral-i-d-never-forget-my-drugs-joe-biden-west-wing-1780562403574">Whose cocaine was it? Hunter Biden sarcastic response to White House narcotics accusation goes viral: 'I'd never forget my drugs'</a>"We need to also assert who we are as a country, because Musk, again, has been interfering in our politics in the last few days, trying to whip up division," Starmer said.<h2>US condemns 'two-tiered policing'</h2>The controversy has spilt beyond Britain. The US State Department weighed in this week, expressing condolences to Nowak's family while criticising what it described as "ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing" in Western societies.The case has also triggered political fallout inside the UK. Starmer criticised Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for calling for "pure cold rage" in response to the killing, saying such rhetoric was "unforgivable." Farage denied encouraging violence and said he had always acted within democratic norms.Meanwhile, Britain's police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), is investigating officers' actions during the incident. Authorities have also confirmed that an inquest examining whether police conduct contributed to Nowak's death will begin before a jury in September 2027.Starmer vs Musk: A historyThe dispute marks the latest clash between Starmer and Musk. The pair have repeatedly sparred over British politics, with the prime minister previously accusing the tech billionaire of spreading "lies and misinformation" during debates over the UK's grooming gangs scandal. &nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Elon Musk of fuelling division after the billionaire criticised police handling of the Henry Nowak murder case, reigniting debate over race, policing and immigration.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday (Jun 4) accused billionaire Elon Musk of "trying to whip up division" in the United Kingdom after the Tesla and X owner repeatedly criticised police handling of the murder of an 18-year-old student, a case that has become a flashpoint in Britain's increasingly heated debate over race, policing and immigration. The row centres on the killing of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old student who was stabbed to death in Southampton in December. The case drew national attention after police bodycam footage showed officers handcuffing Nowak while he lay critically injured, after initially believing that the attacker, Vickrum Digwa, was the victim. Digwa, 23, had falsely claimed that Nowak had racially abused him, according to court proceedings. He was sentenced earlier this week to a minimum of 21 years in prison for the murder. Also read | Trump says he'd be 'honoured' to meet Mojtaba Khamenei, warns war could restart if Iran kills American troops The case has since been seized upon by several right-wing commentators and political figures, who argue that it demonstrates alleged bias in British policing against white citizens. Police leaders and Starmer's Labour government have strongly rejected those claims. What did Musk do to 'whip up division'? Speaking after meeting Nowak's family at Downing Street, Starmer urged the country to reject attempts to inflame tensions. "When we have a terrible case like Henry's case, we react calmly, as his family have done," Starmer told reporters, adding that Britain must choose "unity and progress over division and hatred." His remarks appeared directed at Musk, who has posted multiple messages about the case on X. In one post, Musk questioned whether British police were operating under a policy that discriminates against white people. He has also offered to help fund legal action over the handling of the case and criticised Hampshire Police. The X owner has also offered to fund a private prosecution against the police over its handling of the murder and insulted the Hampshire Police force involved. Also read | Whose cocaine was it? Hunter Biden sarcastic response to White House narcotics accusation goes viral: 'I'd never forget my drugs' "We need to also assert who we are as a country, because Musk, again, has been interfering in our politics in the last few days, trying to whip up division," Starmer said. US condemns 'two-tiered policing' The controversy has spilt beyond Britain. The US State Department weighed in this week, expressing condolences to Nowak's family while criticising what it described as "ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing" in Western societies. The case has also triggered political fallout inside the UK. Starmer criticised Reform UK leader Nigel Farage for calling for "pure cold rage" in response to the killing, saying such rhetoric was "unforgivable." Farage denied encouraging violence and said he had always acted within democratic norms. Meanwhile, Britain's police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), is investigating officers' actions during the incident. Authorities have also confirmed that an inquest examining whether police conduct contributed to Nowak's death will begin before a jury in September 2027. Starmer vs Musk: A history The dispute marks the latest clash between Starmer and Musk. The pair have repeatedly sparred over British politics, with the prime minister previously accusing the tech billionaire of spreading "lies and misinformation" during debates over the UK's grooming gangs scandal.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Elon Musk of fuelling division after the billionaire criticised police handling of the Henry Nowak murder case, reigniting debate over race, policing and immigration.

Keir Starmer accuses Elon Musk of 'trying to whip up division' in UK. What did he do?

Elon Musk-led SpaceX is aiming to raise around $75 billion through an initial public offering (IPO), according to a regulatory filing released on Wednesday (June 03). The proposed share sale would value the rocket and satellite company at approximately $1.765 trillion, making it one of the world's most valuable companies.&nbsp;SpaceX said it plans to offer 555,555,555 shares at an initial price of $135 per share. With nearly 13 billion shares outstanding, the company would achieve a valuation of about $1.765 trillion if the IPO moves forward.&nbsp;The offering would comfortably surpass the current record for the largest IPO, held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion when it went public in 2019. Founded in 2002, SpaceX has grown into a leading player in the global space industry and is widely credited with reshaping commercial spaceflight. A key part of the company's success has been its focus on reusable rocket technology.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-order-making-easier-to-fire-8-000-senior-federal-employees-1780528495794">Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees</a>&nbsp;Through its Falcon 9 programme, SpaceX pioneered the routine recovery and reuse of rocket boosters, helping lower launch costs and increase the frequency of missions. The company has successfully landed and reused Falcon 9 boosters more than 600 times.<h2>First private company to dock with ISS</h2>SpaceX reached another major milestone in 2012 when it became the first private company to dock a spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS), one year after NASA retired its Space Shuttle programme.&nbsp;Since then, the company has conducted regular cargo resupply missions to the ISS and expanded its operations across satellite deployment, commercial launches and human spaceflight.&nbsp;If successful, the IPO would not only set a new fundraising record but also mark another major milestone for Musk's space venture

The offering would comfortably surpass the current record for the largest IPO held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion when it went public in 2019, and analysts say it could also make Musk already the world's richest person the world's first trillionaire.

Elon Musk-led SpaceX is aiming to raise around $75 billion through an initial public offering (IPO), according to a regulatory filing released on Wednesday (June 03). The proposed share sale would value the rocket and satellite company at approximately $1.765 trillion, making it one of the world's most valuable companies. SpaceX said it plans to offer 555,555,555 shares at an initial price of $135 per share. With nearly 13 billion shares outstanding, the company would achieve a valuation of about $1.765 trillion if the IPO moves forward. The offering would comfortably surpass the current record for the largest IPO, held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion when it went public in 2019. Founded in 2002, SpaceX has grown into a leading player in the global space industry and is widely credited with reshaping commercial spaceflight. A key part of the company's success has been its focus on reusable rocket technology. Also Read: Trump signs executive order making easier to fire 8,000 senior federal employees Through its Falcon 9 programme, SpaceX pioneered the routine recovery and reuse of rocket boosters, helping lower launch costs and increase the frequency of missions. The company has successfully landed and reused Falcon 9 boosters more than 600 times. First private company to dock with ISS SpaceX reached another major milestone in 2012 when it became the first private company to dock a spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS), one year after NASA retired its Space Shuttle programme. Since then, the company has conducted regular cargo resupply missions to the ISS and expanded its operations across satellite deployment, commercial launches and human spaceflight. If successful, the IPO would not only set a new fundraising record but also mark another major milestone for Musk's space venture

The offering would comfortably surpass the current record for the largest IPO held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $25.6 billion when it went public in 2019, and analysts say it could also make Musk already the world's richest person the world's first trillionaire.

Biggest-ever IPO in history: Musk's SpaceX aims to raise $75 billion at $1.765 trillion valuation

A UK MP has initiated legal proceedings against Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging that its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok enabled the creation of fake sexualised images depicting her without consent. The case follows a controversy earlier this year when the AI tool was widely used to generate explicit altered images of real women across the social media platform X.&nbsp;Jess Asato, MP from the ruling Labour Party, said she discovered in January that Grok had generated images portraying her in a bikini after a user interacted with the chatbot. She described the experience as deeply intrusive and said the images were created shortly after she publicly criticised the growing trend of non-consensual AI-generated sexualised content.&nbsp;Asato said her legal challenge aims to hold major technology companies accountable for the safeguards they implement before releasing powerful AI tools. She argued that individuals should have stronger protections when technology is used to create harmful and misleading content.<h2>Legal challenge could test AI accountability</h2>The lawsuit is expected to become a significant test of whether AI developers can be held legally responsible for content generated by users through their systems.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-longer-conducting-sustained-strikes-in-iran-because-epic-fury-is-over-rubio-1780511095074">‘No longer conducting sustained strikes in Iran, because Epic Fury is over’: Rubio</a>&nbsp;The controversy prompted concern from UK authorities earlier this year after Grok was used to create large volumes of sexualised images based on photographs of real women and, in some cases, children. Following the incident, media regulator Ofcom opened an investigation, while the UK government warned that action could be taken against X if adequate safeguards were not introduced.&nbsp;Initially, xAI announced that only paying X subscribers would be allowed to generate such edited images through Grok. The move drew criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the situation as “horrific”. Shortly afterwards, X said it had disabled Grok’s ability to modify photographs of real people by depicting them in revealing clothing.&nbsp;Not just the UK, the controversy drew global attention, with Grok's image-generation tools facing criticism for enabling the creation of explicit deepfakes of women and children. While Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked access to the chatbot, India sought an Action Taken Report from X and warned of legal consequences if the content was not addressed. The issue also triggered regulatory scrutiny in Europe, with the European Commission launching a probe under the Digital Services Act and French authorities opening a criminal investigation into the spread of AI-generated explicit images.

The controversy sparked international backlash, with several countries moving against the Elon Musk-led xAI after Grok was used to generate explicit deepfakes of women and children.

A UK MP has initiated legal proceedings against Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging that its artificial intelligence chatbot Grok enabled the creation of fake sexualised images depicting her without consent. The case follows a controversy earlier this year when the AI tool was widely used to generate explicit altered images of real women across the social media platform X. Jess Asato, MP from the ruling Labour Party, said she discovered in January that Grok had generated images portraying her in a bikini after a user interacted with the chatbot. She described the experience as deeply intrusive and said the images were created shortly after she publicly criticised the growing trend of non-consensual AI-generated sexualised content. Asato said her legal challenge aims to hold major technology companies accountable for the safeguards they implement before releasing powerful AI tools. She argued that individuals should have stronger protections when technology is used to create harmful and misleading content. Legal challenge could test AI accountability The lawsuit is expected to become a significant test of whether AI developers can be held legally responsible for content generated by users through their systems. Also Read: ‘No longer conducting sustained strikes in Iran, because Epic Fury is over’: Rubio The controversy prompted concern from UK authorities earlier this year after Grok was used to create large volumes of sexualised images based on photographs of real women and, in some cases, children. Following the incident, media regulator Ofcom opened an investigation, while the UK government warned that action could be taken against X if adequate safeguards were not introduced. Initially, xAI announced that only paying X subscribers would be allowed to generate such edited images through Grok. The move drew criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described the situation as “horrific”. Shortly afterwards, X said it had disabled Grok’s ability to modify photographs of real people by depicting them in revealing clothing. Not just the UK, the controversy drew global attention, with Grok's image-generation tools facing criticism for enabling the creation of explicit deepfakes of women and children. While Indonesia and Malaysia temporarily blocked access to the chatbot, India sought an Action Taken Report from X and warned of legal consequences if the content was not addressed. The issue also triggered regulatory scrutiny in Europe, with the European Commission launching a probe under the Digital Services Act and French authorities opening a criminal investigation into the spread of AI-generated explicit images.

The controversy sparked international backlash, with several countries moving against the Elon Musk-led xAI after Grok was used to generate explicit deepfakes of women and children.

Legal trouble for Elon Musk in UK? Labour MP sues xAI over Grok-generated sexualised images

Blue Origin is facing a major operational setback after an explosion during a pre-launch engine test severely damaged a launch pad used for its New Glenn rocket, potentially delaying missions for months and disrupting key plans for Amazon’s satellite broadband network and NASA’s lunar programme.&nbsp;The incident occurred on Thursday during a test firing ahead of a scheduled New Glenn launch next week. According to company and industry sources cited by Reuters, the booster involved was named 'o, It’s Necessary', a reference to a line from the film Interstellar. A person familiar with the matter said the launch pad was ‘practically destroyed’, with engineers expecting at least six months of disruption, if not longer. The setback comes at a critical time for Jeff Bezos’ space ambitions, as Blue Origin seeks to establish New Glenn as a credible rival to Elon Musk’s SpaceX in both the heavy-lift launch and satellite internet markets.<h2>Launch Delays Threaten Amazon’s Satellite Plans</h2>The damage could significantly affect Amazon’s satellite deployment schedule. Amazon is aiming to build a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites and must deploy half of them by July 2026 to meet regulatory requirements.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-hiding-inside-the-antennae-galaxies-scientists-uncover-evidence-of-a-possible-supermassive-black-hole-1780132935399">What is hiding inside Antennae galaxies? Scientists uncover evidence of a possible supermassive black hole</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;“An extended grounding by the FAA will severely threaten the timeline,” the report noted. According to Antoine Grenier, partner and head of space consulting at Analysys Mason, Amazon has already secured much of the near-term launch capacity available from alternative providers. “It's only been a year since the SpaceX Starship also exploded on the launch pad and Blue Origin can also recover. But it will take months to rebuild,” Grenier said, according to Reuters.<h2>SpaceX Gains Ground</h2>While Amazon has diversified its launch contracts by signing agreements with multiple providers, including SpaceX, New Glenn was expected to play a central role in the constellation rollout. Grenier noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket can carry roughly half as many Kuiper satellites per mission as New Glenn, meaning a shift in launch strategy would likely require substantially more flights.&nbsp;Following the explosion, Musk posted on X: “Sorry to see this, I hope you recover quickly.” He later added, “Ad astra per aspera,” a Latin phrase commonly translated as “through hardships to the stars”.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-thought-i-was-protecting-them-war-torn-gaza-sees-surge-in-early-marriages-reports-say-1780131386993">‘I thought I was protecting them’: War-torn Gaza sees surge in early marriages, reports say</a><h2>Questions for NASA and the Wider Space Industry</h2>The damaged rocket was also due to launch Blue Origin’s first Blue Moon lunar lander later this year. Just days before the incident, NASA awarded the company a contract to deliver two lunar rovers ahead of the Artemis 4 mission in 2028.NASA said it would assess any near-term impact on its Artemis and Moon Base programmes. However, the US Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office reaffirmed their commitment to Blue Origin’s recently awarded national security launch contract despite the explosion.&nbsp;“Long term, the market still needs viable alternatives, so this strengthens SpaceX’s position at the margin, but doesn't change the broader trajectory toward a multi-provider ecosystem,” said Seraphim Space chief executive Mark Boggett.

Amazon is aiming to build a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites and must deploy half of them by July 2026 to meet regulatory requirements.

Blue Origin is facing a major operational setback after an explosion during a pre-launch engine test severely damaged a launch pad used for its New Glenn rocket, potentially delaying missions for months and disrupting key plans for Amazon’s satellite broadband network and NASA’s lunar programme. The incident occurred on Thursday during a test firing ahead of a scheduled New Glenn launch next week. According to company and industry sources cited by Reuters, the booster involved was named 'o, It’s Necessary', a reference to a line from the film Interstellar. A person familiar with the matter said the launch pad was ‘practically destroyed’, with engineers expecting at least six months of disruption, if not longer. The setback comes at a critical time for Jeff Bezos’ space ambitions, as Blue Origin seeks to establish New Glenn as a credible rival to Elon Musk’s SpaceX in both the heavy-lift launch and satellite internet markets. Launch Delays Threaten Amazon’s Satellite Plans The damage could significantly affect Amazon’s satellite deployment schedule. Amazon is aiming to build a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites and must deploy half of them by July 2026 to meet regulatory requirements. ALSO READ: What is hiding inside Antennae galaxies? Scientists uncover evidence of a possible supermassive black hole “An extended grounding by the FAA will severely threaten the timeline,” the report noted. According to Antoine Grenier, partner and head of space consulting at Analysys Mason, Amazon has already secured much of the near-term launch capacity available from alternative providers. “It's only been a year since the SpaceX Starship also exploded on the launch pad and Blue Origin can also recover. But it will take months to rebuild,” Grenier said, according to Reuters. SpaceX Gains Ground While Amazon has diversified its launch contracts by signing agreements with multiple providers, including SpaceX, New Glenn was expected to play a central role in the constellation rollout. Grenier noted that SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket can carry roughly half as many Kuiper satellites per mission as New Glenn, meaning a shift in launch strategy would likely require substantially more flights. Following the explosion, Musk posted on X: “Sorry to see this, I hope you recover quickly.” He later added, “Ad astra per aspera,” a Latin phrase commonly translated as “through hardships to the stars”. ALSO READ: ‘I thought I was protecting them’: War-torn Gaza sees surge in early marriages, reports say Questions for NASA and the Wider Space Industry The damaged rocket was also due to launch Blue Origin’s first Blue Moon lunar lander later this year. Just days before the incident, NASA awarded the company a contract to deliver two lunar rovers ahead of the Artemis 4 mission in 2028. NASA said it would assess any near-term impact on its Artemis and Moon Base programmes. However, the US Space Force and National Reconnaissance Office reaffirmed their commitment to Blue Origin’s recently awarded national security launch contract despite the explosion. “Long term, the market still needs viable alternatives, so this strengthens SpaceX’s position at the margin, but doesn't change the broader trajectory toward a multi-provider ecosystem,” said Seraphim Space chief executive Mark Boggett.

Amazon is aiming to build a constellation of more than 3,200 low-Earth orbit satellites and must deploy half of them by July 2026 to meet regulatory requirements.

Blue Origin's New Glenn programme hit by months of delays after launch pad explosion

SpaceX has received a major boost ahead of its expected stock market debut after winning contracts worth a combined $6.45 billion from the US Space Force. The latest agreements further strengthen the company's position as one of the US government's most important space and defence partners. The contracts also highlight how government business continues to play a significant role in SpaceX's growth strategy as investors closely watch its anticipated initial public offering (IPO).<h2>What are the new Space Force contracts?</h2>The largest contract, worth $4.16 billion, was announced by the US Space Force on Friday. Under the agreement, SpaceX will help build satellites that will form part of a missile and air defence network linked to President Donald Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" defence initiative. Earlier in the same week, SpaceX received another Space Force contract worth $2.29 billion. That project involves developing a communications network in low-Earth orbit designed to support military and government operations.Together, the two agreements bring the total value of recent Space Force contracts awarded to SpaceX to approximately $6.45 billion.<h2>Why are these contracts important?</h2>The deals underline SpaceX's growing role in national security and defence infrastructure. Over the past decade, the company has become a dominant force in the global launch market through its Falcon rockets and satellite services. Government agencies increasingly rely on SpaceX for satellite launches, communications systems and space-based defence projects. Industry analysts say these latest contracts demonstrate the confidence US defence agencies have in SpaceX's technological capabilities and ability to deliver large-scale space programmes. The agreements also provide a significant source of future revenue as the company prepares for what many analysts expect could become one of the largest IPOs in history.<h2>How dependent is SpaceX on government business?</h2>While SpaceX has expanded its commercial operations through Starlink and private launch services, government contracts remain a major part of its business. According to information disclosed in the company's IPO filing, approximately 20 per cent of SpaceX's revenue in 2025 came from government customers. That includes contracts from agencies such as NASA, the Department of Defense and the US Space Force. The company acknowledged in its filing that government business remains important to its financial performance. At the same time, it warned investors that government spending priorities can change depending on political decisions, regulations and budget allocations.<h2>What is the Golden Dome project?</h2>The proposed Golden Dome programme is intended to strengthen US missile defence capabilities through advanced space-based systems. While details remain limited, the initiative is expected to involve a network of satellites capable of improving missile detection, tracking and defence coordination. Space-based defence systems have become increasingly important as countries invest in hypersonic weapons, advanced missile technology and next-generation military capabilities. The latest contract positions SpaceX as one of the key companies involved in developing parts of that infrastructure.<h2>Investors are watching closely</h2>The contracts arrive at an important moment for SpaceX.The company is reportedly preparing for a public listing, an event that has been anticipated by investors for years. As part of that process, analysts are examining the company's revenue streams, growth opportunities and long-term business model. Government contracts offer predictable revenue and long-term project commitments, which many investors view positively. However, they also create exposure to changes in government policy and spending priorities. This balance was highlighted in SpaceX's IPO filing, where the company noted that future government funding decisions could affect parts of its business.The latest contracts further strengthen SpaceX's position in both the commercial space industry and the defence sector. As governments around the world increase spending on satellite technology, communications networks and space-based security systems, SpaceX appears well placed to benefit from growing demand. At the same time, investors will continue to watch how much of the company's future growth comes from government projects compared with commercial businesses such as Starlink, launch services and artificial intelligence infrastructure. With a potential IPO approaching and billions of dollars in new contracts secured, SpaceX enters the next phase of its growth with a stronger order book and a deeper role in US space and defence programmes.

SpaceX has received a major boost ahead of its expected stock market debut after winning contracts worth a combined $6.45 billion from the US Space Force.

SpaceX has received a major boost ahead of its expected stock market debut after winning contracts worth a combined $6.45 billion from the US Space Force. The latest agreements further strengthen the company's position as one of the US government's most important space and defence partners. The contracts also highlight how government business continues to play a significant role in SpaceX's growth strategy as investors closely watch its anticipated initial public offering (IPO). What are the new Space Force contracts? The largest contract, worth $4.16 billion, was announced by the US Space Force on Friday. Under the agreement, SpaceX will help build satellites that will form part of a missile and air defence network linked to President Donald Trump's proposed "Golden Dome" defence initiative. Earlier in the same week, SpaceX received another Space Force contract worth $2.29 billion. That project involves developing a communications network in low-Earth orbit designed to support military and government operations. Together, the two agreements bring the total value of recent Space Force contracts awarded to SpaceX to approximately $6.45 billion. Why are these contracts important? The deals underline SpaceX's growing role in national security and defence infrastructure. Over the past decade, the company has become a dominant force in the global launch market through its Falcon rockets and satellite services. Government agencies increasingly rely on SpaceX for satellite launches, communications systems and space-based defence projects. Industry analysts say these latest contracts demonstrate the confidence US defence agencies have in SpaceX's technological capabilities and ability to deliver large-scale space programmes. The agreements also provide a significant source of future revenue as the company prepares for what many analysts expect could become one of the largest IPOs in history. How dependent is SpaceX on government business? While SpaceX has expanded its commercial operations through Starlink and private launch services, government contracts remain a major part of its business. According to information disclosed in the company's IPO filing, approximately 20 per cent of SpaceX's revenue in 2025 came from government customers. That includes contracts from agencies such as NASA, the Department of Defense and the US Space Force. The company acknowledged in its filing that government business remains important to its financial performance. At the same time, it warned investors that government spending priorities can change depending on political decisions, regulations and budget allocations. What is the Golden Dome project? The proposed Golden Dome programme is intended to strengthen US missile defence capabilities through advanced space-based systems. While details remain limited, the initiative is expected to involve a network of satellites capable of improving missile detection, tracking and defence coordination. Space-based defence systems have become increasingly important as countries invest in hypersonic weapons, advanced missile technology and next-generation military capabilities. The latest contract positions SpaceX as one of the key companies involved in developing parts of that infrastructure. Investors are watching closely The contracts arrive at an important moment for SpaceX. The company is reportedly preparing for a public listing, an event that has been anticipated by investors for years. As part of that process, analysts are examining the company's revenue streams, growth opportunities and long-term business model. Government contracts offer predictable revenue and long-term project commitments, which many investors view positively. However, they also create exposure to changes in government policy and spending priorities. This balance was highlighted in SpaceX's IPO filing, where the company noted that future government funding decisions could affect parts of its business. The latest contracts further strengthen SpaceX's position in both the commercial space industry and the defence sector. As governments around the world increase spending on satellite technology, communications networks and space-based security systems, SpaceX appears well placed to benefit from growing demand. At the same time, investors will continue to watch how much of the company's future growth comes from government projects compared with commercial businesses such as Starlink, launch services and artificial intelligence infrastructure. With a potential IPO approaching and billions of dollars in new contracts secured, SpaceX enters the next phase of its growth with a stronger order book and a deeper role in US space and defence programmes.

SpaceX has received a major boost ahead of its expected stock market debut after winning contracts worth a combined $6.45 billion from the US Space Force.

What SpaceX's $6.45 billion defence deals mean before its IPO

Elon Musk has praised Anthropic's newly launched Claude Opus 4.8, drawing attention to one of the latest developments in the fast-moving artificial intelligence industry. The Tesla, SpaceX and xAI chief reacted to the launch on X after Anthropic unveiled the newest version of its flagship AI model, which focuses on stronger reasoning abilities and improved accuracy.Musk's comments are notable because Anthropic is one of OpenAI's biggest competitors and is also competing with companies including Google, Meta and Musk's own AI venture, xAI. As the global AI race intensifies, industry leaders are increasingly paying close attention to breakthroughs from rival companies.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Nice work&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2060049585041785239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What is Claude Opus 4.8?</h2>Claude Opus 4.8 is Anthropic's most advanced publicly available AI model. It was released just 41 days after Claude Opus 4.7, making it one of the company's fastest upgrades so far. According to Anthropic, the biggest improvement in Opus 4.8 is its ability to recognise uncertainty. Rather than confidently producing an answer when information is incomplete, the model is designed to acknowledge when it is unsure and flag potential problems in its reasoning.Anthropic says this approach helps reduce AI hallucinations, a term used when chatbots generate information that sounds convincing but is incorrect. The company noted that early testing showed Opus 4.8 was more likely to identify flaws in data, assumptions and analysis before providing conclusions.<h2>Why is Anthropic focusing on 'self-honesty'?</h2>One of the main features highlighted by Anthropic is what it calls improved "self-honesty".In simple terms, the model is trained to recognise the limits of its knowledge. Instead of giving a potentially inaccurate answer, it can indicate uncertainty or request additional information. This is becoming an important area of focus across the AI industry. While many AI systems can generate human-like responses, businesses and researchers increasingly want models that are reliable enough for professional work, coding, finance, research and decision-making.Bridgewater Associates, one of the organisations that tested Opus 4.8, said the model was better at identifying issues in both inputs and outputs that other AI systems often missed.Coding and complex tasks also receive upgrades Anthropic has also expanded the model's coding capabilities.Alongside Opus 4.8, the company introduced a new research-preview feature called Dynamic Workflows. The system allows Claude to coordinate hundreds of specialised AI agents working on different parts of the same task.According to Anthropic, this enables large-scale software development projects, code migrations and testing processes to be completed more efficiently. The company says Claude can now handle projects involving hundreds of thousands of lines of code with less human intervention. Coding has become one of the most competitive areas in artificial intelligence, with Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and several other companies investing heavily in developer-focused tools.Musk's endorsement has attracted attention because he is not only a prominent technology entrepreneur but also the founder of a competing AI company. His positive reaction suggests that Anthropic's latest improvements have gained recognition beyond the company's own user base.The AI industry is currently witnessing intense competition among major players. Companies are racing to build systems that are more capable, reliable and useful for businesses and consumers.While benchmark scores remain important, many experts now believe the next stage of AI development will focus on trustworthiness, transparency and reducing mistakes rather than simply increasing raw performance.<h2>Anthropic's growing position in the AI market</h2>Founded by former OpenAI researchers, Anthropic has emerged as one of the strongest challengers in the artificial intelligence sector. The company is backed by major technology investors and has positioned its Claude family of models as AI systems focused on safety, reliability and responsible deployment. Anthropic has also attracted attention through Project Glasswing and its advanced cybersecurity-focused Mythos model. During testing, the company claimed Mythos helped identify thousands of software vulnerabilities across major systems. Recently, Anthropic announced that Mythos-class models could become available to a broader group of users in the coming weeks once additional safeguards are completed.The launch of Claude Opus 4.8 highlights how quickly the AI industry is evolving. Companies are now competing not only on performance but also on reliability, coding ability and the capacity to handle increasingly complex tasks. With OpenAI, Google, Meta, Anthropic and xAI all releasing new products and upgrades, the competition for AI leadership is expected to intensify in the months ahead. For users, Anthropic's latest release signals a growing focus on AI systems that are not only powerful but also better at recognising their own limitations an area many experts see as essential for the future of artificial intelligence.&nbsp;

Elon Musk has praised Anthropic's newly launched Claude Opus 4.8, drawing attention to one of the latest developments in the fast-moving artificial intelligence industry. 

Elon Musk has praised Anthropic's newly launched Claude Opus 4.8, drawing attention to one of the latest developments in the fast-moving artificial intelligence industry. The Tesla, SpaceX and xAI chief reacted to the launch on X after Anthropic unveiled the newest version of its flagship AI model, which focuses on stronger reasoning abilities and improved accuracy. Musk's comments are notable because Anthropic is one of OpenAI's biggest competitors and is also competing with companies including Google, Meta and Musk's own AI venture, xAI. As the global AI race intensifies, industry leaders are increasingly paying close attention to breakthroughs from rival companies.

Elon Musk has praised Anthropic's newly launched Claude Opus 4.8, drawing attention to one of the latest developments in the fast-moving artificial intelligence industry.&nbsp;

Elon Musk praises Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.8: What makes the AI model stand out?

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has clarified that the company's agreement to lease its Colossus AI computing infrastructure to Anthropic was initially designed as a short-term arrangement rather than a multi-year commitment.The comments came days after SpaceX's IPO filing revealed details of its growing AI infrastructure business. While the filing indicated that both companies could terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice, Musk said the original lease was intended to last only 180 days, with the possibility of extension depending on future demand.<h2>Why the Colossus deal matters</h2>The agreement has attracted attention because computing power has become one of the most valuable resources in the artificial intelligence industry. Companies developing advanced AI models require enormous amounts of computing capacity to train and operate their systems. Anthropic, one of the leading AI firms behind the Claude family of models, has increasingly expanded its infrastructure needs as competition with OpenAI, Google and Meta intensifies.According to Musk, the short-term structure was requested by SpaceX rather than Anthropic. He said the company wanted to maintain flexibility in case demand for computing power increased significantly in the future."We won't leave them hanging and will provide a reasonable off-ramp, but if compute gets super tight I said we might need it back at some point," Musk wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SpaceX has not committed to leasing Colossus for years, although it’s possible that may be what happens. This is a 180 day lease with 90 day notice mutual cancellation thereafter. The short term was our request, not Anthropic’s. We won’t leave them hanging and will provide a…&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/2059880289514696927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Growing demand for AI computing power</h2>The comments highlight a broader trend across the technology industry. As AI models become larger and more capable, companies are investing billions of dollars in data centres, advanced chips and computing infrastructure. Industry executives increasingly describe compute as the most important resource in AI development. Anthropic executives have previously stated that access to computing infrastructure is critical to the company's growth and model development plans.This growing demand has created a new business opportunity for firms that own large-scale infrastructure. Instead of using all their computing capacity internally, some companies are beginning to lease excess resources to other AI developers.<h2>SpaceX exploring AI infrastructure business</h2>Musk recently indicated that SpaceX is discussing the possibility of offering AI compute services to additional customers. The approach could help the company generate revenue from infrastructure investments while demand for AI computing continues to rise worldwide. However, Musk's latest comments suggest SpaceX does not want to lock itself into long-term commitments if its own AI requirements increase. The company appears to be balancing two objectives: supporting external customers while preserving enough capacity for future internal projects.<h2>AI division remains in investment phase</h2>According to SpaceX's IPO filing, the company's AI segment generated revenue of approximately $818 million during the March quarter. However, the division also recorded an operating loss of around $2.5 billion during the same period. The figures underline the significant costs associated with building and operating large AI infrastructure systems. Data centres, specialised AI chips and energy requirements have become major expenses for companies competing in the AI race. Analysts note that many firms are currently prioritising expansion and market share over short-term profitability as they race to secure leadership positions in artificial intelligence.For now, Anthropic continues to have access to the Colossus infrastructure under the existing agreement. However, Musk's comments indicate that the future of the partnership could depend on broader market conditions and SpaceX's own computing requirements. The development also highlights a growing shift in the AI industry, where computing power is becoming a strategic asset comparable to oil, electricity or telecommunications infrastructure. As demand for AI services continues to rise, access to large-scale compute capacity may become one of the biggest competitive advantages in the technology sector

Elon Musk has clarified that the company's agreement to lease its Colossus AI computing infrastructure to Anthropic was initially designed as a short-term arrangement rather than a multi-year commitment.


SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has clarified that the company's agreement to lease its Colossus AI computing infrastructure to Anthropic was initially designed as a short-term arrangement rather than a multi-year commitment. The comments came days after SpaceX's IPO filing revealed details of its growing AI infrastructure business. While the filing indicated that both companies could terminate the agreement with a 90-day notice, Musk said the original lease was intended to last only 180 days, with the possibility of extension depending on future demand. Why the Colossus deal matters The agreement has attracted attention because computing power has become one of the most valuable resources in the artificial intelligence industry. Companies developing advanced AI models require enormous amounts of computing capacity to train and operate their systems. Anthropic, one of the leading AI firms behind the Claude family of models, has increasingly expanded its infrastructure needs as competition with OpenAI, Google and Meta intensifies. According to Musk, the short-term structure was requested by SpaceX rather than Anthropic. He said the company wanted to maintain flexibility in case demand for computing power increased significantly in the future. "We won't leave them hanging and will provide a reasonable off-ramp, but if compute gets super tight I said we might need it back at some point," Musk wrote on X.

Elon Musk has clarified that the company's agreement to lease its Colossus AI computing infrastructure to Anthropic was initially designed as a short-term arrangement rather than a multi-year commitment.

Elon Musk says SpaceX agreed only six-month AI compute lease with Anthropic

Tech billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk on Sunday (May 24) praised his brain-chip company Neuralink, calling its work “Jesus-level technologies” for “Enabling people to control a computer with their mind and the completely blind to see.”&nbsp;In a post on X, Musk said, “Neuralink is a much bigger breakthrough than most people realise.”&nbsp;The SpaceX CEO was responding to a social media post describing Starship as one of the last major engineering achievements created entirely by humans before artificial intelligence transforms innovation and design.&nbsp;“Starship may end up being the last truly gigantic engineering marvel built entirely by human hands and 20-watt biological meat computers before AI fundamentally transforms how civilisation designs and builds everything,” an X user named @XFreeze wrote.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Neuralink is a much bigger breakthrough than most people realize. Enabling people to control a computer with their mind and the completely blind to see are Jesus-level miracles.&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2058362581769711961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Musk’s remarks came days after he spoke at the Samson International Smart Mobility Summit in Tel Aviv, where he highlighted Neuralink’s progress in developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. The company aims to directly connect the human brain with digital devices.&nbsp;According to Musk, Neuralink has already helped patients who lost brain-body communication regain the ability to interact using computers. He suggested that restoring mobility and vision could soon become possible through the technology.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-don-t-rush-into-deal-trump-says-iran-blockade-to-remain-until-agreement-is-signed-1779633417703">‘Don’t rush into deal’: Trump says Iran blockade to remain until agreement is signed</a>&nbsp;The company has reportedly implanted its Telepathy BCI device in more than 20 patients suffering from paralysis. These patients can now operate computers, phones and even robotic systems using only their thoughts. Neuralink has also been conducting trials on implants designed to restore speech.&nbsp;Musk said Neuralink’s Blindsight implant could eventually help restore vision and may even offer “perhaps superhuman vision” in the future. He has previously spoken about the possibility of Neuralink giving humans “superpowers” as the technology develops further.“Restoring control of people who are tetraplegics and restoring sight, I think, are pretty big deals,” Musk said at the summit. “They’re sort of what I might call Jesus-level technologies.”&nbsp;According to startup data platform Tracxn, Neuralink has raised around $1.29 billion and is currently valued at nearly $9 billion. Musk has said the company plans to begin “high-volume production” of its brain-chip devices in 2026.

Musk said Neuralink’s technology has already enabled paralysed patients to communicate and operate computers through brain signals, adding that the company is now working towards restoring movement and eyesight through its implants.

Tech billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk on Sunday (May 24) praised his brain-chip company Neuralink, calling its work “Jesus-level technologies” for “Enabling people to control a computer with their mind and the completely blind to see.” In a post on X, Musk said, “Neuralink is a much bigger breakthrough than most people realise.” The SpaceX CEO was responding to a social media post describing Starship as one of the last major engineering achievements created entirely by humans before artificial intelligence transforms innovation and design. “Starship may end up being the last truly gigantic engineering marvel built entirely by human hands and 20-watt biological meat computers before AI fundamentally transforms how civilisation designs and builds everything,” an X user named @XFreeze wrote.

Musk said Neuralink’s technology has already enabled paralysed patients to communicate and operate computers through brain signals, adding that the company is now working towards restoring movement and eyesight through its implants.

Elon Musk’s ‘Jesus-level miracles’ remark on Neuralink sparks row

Elon Musk has long promoted a future powered by solar energy, especially through Tesla. However, recent developments linked to his companies suggest a shift in focus as artificial intelligence increases demand for large-scale power. According to details in a recent filing, Musk’s AI operations are relying more on traditional energy sources such as natural gas to run high-performance data centres, highlighting a gap between long-term clean energy goals and present-day infrastructure needs.<h2>AI growth is driving massive energy demand</h2>The rise of artificial intelligence has significantly increased the need for electricity. Reports indicate that future AI systems could require terawatt-scale computing power, far exceeding the current global data centre consumption of around 40 gigawatts. This rapid growth has forced companies to prioritise stable and continuous power supply, which is not always achievable with solar energy alone, especially due to its dependence on sunlight and weather conditions.<h2>Shift towards space-based solar ideas</h2> Instead of relying only on solar power on Earth, Musk’s companies are exploring the idea of generating energy in space. Space-based solar systems can operate continuously without interruption, and estimates suggest they could produce over five times more energy than traditional solar panels. However, this approach faces practical challenges, including high launch costs, technical limitations, and the complexity of maintaining systems in orbit.<h2>Limited use of Tesla solar in AI operations</h2>Despite Tesla’s focus on solar technology, Musk’s AI ventures have not significantly adopted solar panels for powering data centres. Instead, investments have gone into battery storage systems and other energy solutions to manage peak loads. This indicates that while solar remains part of the broader vision, it is not yet the primary solution for current AI infrastructure demands.&nbsp;<h2>Balancing long-term vision with short-term reality</h2>Experts believe this shift reflects a balance between long-term sustainability goals and immediate operational needs. While Musk continues to support a transition away from fossil fuels, the current priority is ensuring reliable power for rapidly growing AI systems. This has led to temporary reliance on conventional energy sources while alternative solutions are explored.What this means for the future. The development highlights a wider trend across the tech industry, where the growth of AI is reshaping global energy strategies. Companies are now looking at a mix of renewable energy, traditional power sources and emerging technologies to meet demand. While solar power remains important, the transition to a fully clean energy system may take longer as AI continues to expand at a fast pace.&nbsp;

Elon Musk has long promoted a future powered by solar energy, especially through Tesla. However, recent developments linked to his companies suggest a shift in focus as artificial intelligence increases demand for large-scale power. 

Elon Musk has long promoted a future powered by solar energy, especially through Tesla. However, recent developments linked to his companies suggest a shift in focus as artificial intelligence increases demand for large-scale power. According to details in a recent filing, Musk’s AI operations are relying more on traditional energy sources such as natural gas to run high-performance data centres, highlighting a gap between long-term clean energy goals and present-day infrastructure needs. AI growth is driving massive energy demand The rise of artificial intelligence has significantly increased the need for electricity. Reports indicate that future AI systems could require terawatt-scale computing power, far exceeding the current global data centre consumption of around 40 gigawatts. This rapid growth has forced companies to prioritise stable and continuous power supply, which is not always achievable with solar energy alone, especially due to its dependence on sunlight and weather conditions. Shift towards space-based solar ideas Instead of relying only on solar power on Earth, Musk’s companies are exploring the idea of generating energy in space. Space-based solar systems can operate continuously without interruption, and estimates suggest they could produce over five times more energy than traditional solar panels. However, this approach faces practical challenges, including high launch costs, technical limitations, and the complexity of maintaining systems in orbit. Limited use of Tesla solar in AI operations Despite Tesla’s focus on solar technology, Musk’s AI ventures have not significantly adopted solar panels for powering data centres. Instead, investments have gone into battery storage systems and other energy solutions to manage peak loads. This indicates that while solar remains part of the broader vision, it is not yet the primary solution for current AI infrastructure demands. Balancing long-term vision with short-term reality Experts believe this shift reflects a balance between long-term sustainability goals and immediate operational needs. While Musk continues to support a transition away from fossil fuels, the current priority is ensuring reliable power for rapidly growing AI systems. This has led to temporary reliance on conventional energy sources while alternative solutions are explored. What this means for the future. The development highlights a wider trend across the tech industry, where the growth of AI is reshaping global energy strategies. Companies are now looking at a mix of renewable energy, traditional power sources and emerging technologies to meet demand. While solar power remains important, the transition to a fully clean energy system may take longer as AI continues to expand at a fast pace.

Elon Musk has long promoted a future powered by solar energy, especially through Tesla. However, recent developments linked to his companies suggest a shift in focus as artificial intelligence increases demand for large-scale power.&nbsp;

Has Elon Musk shifted away from solar power? What SpaceX filing reveals

Jennifer Zeng, an independent blogger, has accused China of secretly monitoring the American delegation during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing by allegedly using disguised personnel to spy on foreign dignitaries and technology executives. In a series of social media posts, Zeng claimed that a server positioned directly behind billionaire Elon Musk during a Beijing state banquet was actually a highly decorated active-duty Chinese military officer. This is not the first time Zeng has made espionage-related allegations against Beijing. In 2023, she claimed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. According to Zeng, China’s ‘purpose was to frame India, creating discord between India and the West’.<h2>Allegations about the Beijing State banquet</h2>Zeng shared images online showing two women serving at the CCP-hosted banquet for Trump, claiming photographs of the same women ‘in uniform’ were circulating widely on Chinese social media platforms. In another post, she alleged that a waitress standing behind Musk in one of the banquet photographs was Major Cheng Cheng, whom she described as an elite battalion commander involved in drafting operational manuals for China’s military ceremonies. In a third post, Zeng wrote, “I think Cheng Cheng had a gun or something under her red dress.” WION could not independently verify the claims made by Zeng. The Chinese government has also not officially responded to the specific allegations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-s-largest-military-airshow-riat-cancelled-amid-iran-war-tensions-1779480410124">World’s largest military airshow RIAT cancelled amid Iran war tensions</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">💥Explosive! We found out who she is, too! At the CCP&#39;s state banquet honoring President Trump <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>, standing next to Elon Musk <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> was Cheng Cheng (程诚), a member of the Chinese Communist Party, a battalion commander in the PLA Honor Guard Ceremonial Brigade… <a href="https://t.co/Xsrk4QKuiM">https://t.co/Xsrk4QKuiM</a> <a href="https://t.co/1SMKJI1Mye">pic.twitter.com/1SMKJI1Mye</a>&mdash; Inconvenient Truths — Jennifer Zeng Reports (@jenniferzeng97) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferzeng97/status/2057060534969581657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Concerns over Chinese espionage</h2>Despite the lack of official confirmation, security experts have frequently warned about China’s long history of alleged espionage activities targeting Western governments, political figures, and corporate executives. One of the most widely discussed cases involved Fang Fang, who was accused of operating a suspected honeypot network targeting American politicians in California.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-seeks-support-for-hawk-defence-system-russia-makes-new-accusation-1779478233135/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-seeks-support-for-hawk-defence-system-russia-makes-new-accusation-1779478233135/embed</a>&nbsp;Western intelligence agencies have also repeatedly raised concerns about alleged Chinese state-linked operatives infiltrating diplomatic, technological, and corporate circles while posing as ordinary civilians or service staff. As foreign technology executives continue to pursue closer business ties with China, critics argue that Beijing’s diplomatic hospitality may also involve hidden surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts.

Jennifer Zeng accused China of using disguised military personnel to monitor Donald Trump’s delegation and Elon Musk during a Beijing state banquet

Jennifer Zeng, an independent blogger, has accused China of secretly monitoring the American delegation during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing by allegedly using disguised personnel to spy on foreign dignitaries and technology executives. In a series of social media posts, Zeng claimed that a server positioned directly behind billionaire Elon Musk during a Beijing state banquet was actually a highly decorated active-duty Chinese military officer. This is not the first time Zeng has made espionage-related allegations against Beijing. In 2023, she claimed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. According to Zeng, China’s ‘purpose was to frame India, creating discord between India and the West’. Allegations about the Beijing State banquet Zeng shared images online showing two women serving at the CCP-hosted banquet for Trump, claiming photographs of the same women ‘in uniform’ were circulating widely on Chinese social media platforms. In another post, she alleged that a waitress standing behind Musk in one of the banquet photographs was Major Cheng Cheng, whom she described as an elite battalion commander involved in drafting operational manuals for China’s military ceremonies. In a third post, Zeng wrote, “I think Cheng Cheng had a gun or something under her red dress.” WION could not independently verify the claims made by Zeng. The Chinese government has also not officially responded to the specific allegations. Also Read: World’s largest military airshow RIAT cancelled amid Iran war tensions

Jennifer Zeng, an independent blogger, has alleged that China used disguised military personnel to spy on Trump’s delegation during a Beijing state banquet

Chinese military officer posed as waitress to spy on US delegation during Beijing visit? Here's what we know

As SpaceX moves closer to a public listing, new details reveal how Elon Musk is likely to retain and in some ways increase his control over the company.According to the company’s IPO filing, Musk will continue to hold a dominant position even after SpaceX becomes a publicly traded firm, raising important questions for future investors.&nbsp;<h2>Musk’s control will remain above 50%</h2>Even after the IPO, Musk is expected to retain more than 50 per cent of voting power, ensuring that he remains in full control of key decisions.He will continue to serve as CEO, CTO and chairman, giving him authority across both management and governance.This means Musk will be able to:Appoint board membersApprove major decisionsMaintain long-term strategic directionIn practical terms, this structure makes it difficult for shareholders to influence company decisions.<h2>Dual-class shares strengthen voting power</h2>SpaceX uses a dual-class share structure, where certain shares carry higher voting rights.Musk holds a large portion of these super-voting shares, giving him far greater influence than regular shareholders.Public investors will mainly receive Class A shares, which come with lower voting power. This creates a gap between ownership and control.Such structures are already used by companies like Google and Meta, but experts say SpaceX’s model goes further in concentrating power.<h2>Limits on shareholder rights</h2>The IPO filing outlines several restrictions on shareholder influence.The company states that investors may have limited ability to:Influence corporate decisionsChallenge management legallyElect directors independently&nbsp;In addition, SpaceX has structured its legal framework in a way that makes shareholder lawsuits more difficult.For example, investors would need to hold at least 3 per cent of shares to file certain types of legal claims. At current valuation estimates, this could require tens of billions of dollars in holdings.<h2>Texas incorporation adds legal protection</h2>SpaceX has chosen to incorporate in Texas, which offers a different regulatory environment compared to states like Delaware.The company has also included provisions that direct most legal disputes to specific courts or arbitration systems.Experts say this reduces the likelihood of legal challenges against management decisions.<h2>Stock market dynamics may support valuation</h2>The company is expected to be added quickly to major stock indexes such as the Nasdaq 100 after listing.This could lead to increased demand from institutional investors, as index funds are required to buy shares of companies included in these benchmarks.As a result, early trading may see strong demand, which could support the stock price in the initial phase.<h2>Additional financial advantages for Musk</h2>Musk has also been granted a compensation package that includes 1 billion additional shares, tied to long-term performance goals.Even before these shares fully vest, he is allowed to:Vote using these sharesUse them as collateral for loansThis provides financial flexibility and additional influence over the company.<h2>What this means for investors</h2>The SpaceX IPO offers an opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most valuable private companies. However, the structure means that public shareholders will have limited control. Investors may benefit from the company’s growth, but decision-making will remain concentrated with Musk.<h2>What happens next</h2>Further details about pricing and share allocation are expected closer to the IPO date.The listing is likely to attract strong interest from global investors, but attention will remain on how the company balances growth with governance.The SpaceX IPO highlights a broader trend in technology companies, where founders retain strong control even after going public.

As SpaceX moves closer to a public listing, new details reveal how Elon Musk is likely to retain and in some ways increase his control over the company.


As SpaceX moves closer to a public listing, new details reveal how Elon Musk is likely to retain and in some ways increase his control over the company. According to the company’s IPO filing, Musk will continue to hold a dominant position even after SpaceX becomes a publicly traded firm, raising important questions for future investors. Musk’s control will remain above 50% Even after the IPO, Musk is expected to retain more than 50 per cent of voting power, ensuring that he remains in full control of key decisions. He will continue to serve as CEO, CTO and chairman, giving him authority across both management and governance. This means Musk will be able to: Appoint board members Approve major decisions Maintain long-term strategic direction In practical terms, this structure makes it difficult for shareholders to influence company decisions. Dual-class shares strengthen voting power SpaceX uses a dual-class share structure, where certain shares carry higher voting rights. Musk holds a large portion of these super-voting shares, giving him far greater influence than regular shareholders. Public investors will mainly receive Class A shares, which come with lower voting power. This creates a gap between ownership and control. Such structures are already used by companies like Google and Meta, but experts say SpaceX’s model goes further in concentrating power. Limits on shareholder rights The IPO filing outlines several restrictions on shareholder influence. The company states that investors may have limited ability to: Influence corporate decisions Challenge management legally Elect directors independently In addition, SpaceX has structured its legal framework in a way that makes shareholder lawsuits more difficult. For example, investors would need to hold at least 3 per cent of shares to file certain types of legal claims. At current valuation estimates, this could require tens of billions of dollars in holdings. Texas incorporation adds legal protection SpaceX has chosen to incorporate in Texas, which offers a different regulatory environment compared to states like Delaware. The company has also included provisions that direct most legal disputes to specific courts or arbitration systems. Experts say this reduces the likelihood of legal challenges against management decisions. Stock market dynamics may support valuation The company is expected to be added quickly to major stock indexes such as the Nasdaq 100 after listing. This could lead to increased demand from institutional investors, as index funds are required to buy shares of companies included in these benchmarks. As a result, early trading may see strong demand, which could support the stock price in the initial phase. Additional financial advantages for Musk Musk has also been granted a compensation package that includes 1 billion additional shares, tied to long-term performance goals. Even before these shares fully vest, he is allowed to: Vote using these shares Use them as collateral for loans This provides financial flexibility and additional influence over the company. What this means for investors The SpaceX IPO offers an opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most valuable private companies. However, the structure means that public shareholders will have limited control. Investors may benefit from the company’s growth, but decision-making will remain concentrated with Musk. What happens next Further details about pricing and share allocation are expected closer to the IPO date. The listing is likely to attract strong interest from global investors, but attention will remain on how the company balances growth with governance. The SpaceX IPO highlights a broader trend in technology companies, where founders retain strong control even after going public.

As SpaceX moves closer to a public listing, new details reveal how Elon Musk is likely to retain and in some ways increase his control over the company.

'SpaceX IPO': How Elon Musk is set to strengthen control after listing

As SpaceX prepares for a potential public listing, new disclosures highlight who stands to benefit the most from the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The filings show that Elon Musk remains the dominant shareholder, with a level of control that sets him apart from other investors.According to details from the company’s S-1 filing, Musk holds a significant majority of voting power, giving him control over key decisions even after the IPO.&nbsp;<h2>Elon Musk’s dominant stake explained</h2>Musk owns more than 6.4 billion shares in total, including:Around 850 million Class A shares (one vote per share)Nearly 5.6 billion Class B shares (10 votes per share)This dual-class share structure gives Musk overwhelming voting power. Reports suggest that even additional shares linked to long-term targets, such as future Mars missions, do not materially change his already strong control.This means Musk is likely to remain the key decision-maker even after SpaceX becomes a public company.<h2>Who else benefits from the IPO</h2>Apart from Musk, a small group of insiders and early investors also hold significant stakes.These include:Antonio Gracias, investor and board member, with over 503 million sharesLuke Nosek, investor, with nearly 33 million sharesGwynne Shotwell, COO, with around 12.6 million sharesBret Johnsen, CFO, with nearly 9.6 million sharesThese individuals are among the largest shareholders after Musk and could see substantial gains if the IPO performs well.<h2>Estimated valuation and potential gains</h2>Market estimates suggest that the SpaceX IPO could raise around $75 billion, with a possible valuation of $1.7 trillion.At this level:A 1 per cent stake could be worth around $17 billionEven smaller stakes could translate into billions of dollars in valueThis highlights the scale of wealth that could be created for major shareholders.<h2>Role of early investors</h2>SpaceX has raised around $30 billion in private funding from hundreds of investors over the years.Early investors bought shares at much lower prices:Around $1 per share in early funding roundsAbout $7.50 in mid-stage roundsUp to $270 per share in later roundsThis wide range shows how early backers could see significant returns if the company lists at a high valuation.<h2>Why control matters in this IPO</h2>Unlike many public companies, SpaceX’s ownership structure ensures that Musk retains control even after listing.The dual-class share system allows him to:Maintain voting powerInfluence strategic decisionsControl long-term directionThis structure is often used by founder-led companies to protect their vision while raising capital.<h2>What this means for investors</h2>For public investors, the IPO could offer access to one of the world’s most valuable private companies. However, the structure means that minority shareholders may have limited influence over decisions.For insiders, the listing represents a major financial opportunity, with potential gains tied to the company’s future performance.<h2>What happens next</h2>Details such as pricing, share allocation and listing timelines are yet to be finalised. However, the disclosures provide a clear picture of who stands to benefit the most.As SpaceX moves closer to going public, attention is likely to remain on its ownership structure and how it shapes the company’s future

As SpaceX prepares for a potential public listing, new disclosures highlight who stands to benefit the most from the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The filings show that Elon Musk remains the dominant shareholder, with a level of control that sets him apart from other investors.


As SpaceX prepares for a potential public listing, new disclosures highlight who stands to benefit the most from the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The filings show that Elon Musk remains the dominant shareholder, with a level of control that sets him apart from other investors. According to details from the company’s S-1 filing, Musk holds a significant majority of voting power, giving him control over key decisions even after the IPO. Elon Musk’s dominant stake explained Musk owns more than 6.4 billion shares in total, including: Around 850 million Class A shares (one vote per share) Nearly 5.6 billion Class B shares (10 votes per share) This dual-class share structure gives Musk overwhelming voting power. Reports suggest that even additional shares linked to long-term targets, such as future Mars missions, do not materially change his already strong control. This means Musk is likely to remain the key decision-maker even after SpaceX becomes a public company. Who else benefits from the IPO Apart from Musk, a small group of insiders and early investors also hold significant stakes. These include: Antonio Gracias, investor and board member, with over 503 million shares Luke Nosek, investor, with nearly 33 million shares Gwynne Shotwell, COO, with around 12.6 million shares Bret Johnsen, CFO, with nearly 9.6 million shares These individuals are among the largest shareholders after Musk and could see substantial gains if the IPO performs well. Estimated valuation and potential gains Market estimates suggest that the SpaceX IPO could raise around $75 billion, with a possible valuation of $1.7 trillion. At this level: A 1 per cent stake could be worth around $17 billion Even smaller stakes could translate into billions of dollars in value This highlights the scale of wealth that could be created for major shareholders. Role of early investors SpaceX has raised around $30 billion in private funding from hundreds of investors over the years. Early investors bought shares at much lower prices: Around $1 per share in early funding rounds About $7.50 in mid-stage rounds Up to $270 per share in later rounds This wide range shows how early backers could see significant returns if the company lists at a high valuation. Why control matters in this IPO Unlike many public companies, SpaceX’s ownership structure ensures that Musk retains control even after listing. The dual-class share system allows him to: Maintain voting power Influence strategic decisions Control long-term direction This structure is often used by founder-led companies to protect their vision while raising capital. What this means for investors For public investors, the IPO could offer access to one of the world’s most valuable private companies. However, the structure means that minority shareholders may have limited influence over decisions. For insiders, the listing represents a major financial opportunity, with potential gains tied to the company’s future performance. What happens next Details such as pricing, share allocation and listing timelines are yet to be finalised. However, the disclosures provide a clear picture of who stands to benefit the most. As SpaceX moves closer to going public, attention is likely to remain on its ownership structure and how it shapes the company’s future

As SpaceX prepares for a potential public listing, new disclosures highlight who stands to benefit the most from the company’s initial public offering (IPO). The filings show that Elon Musk remains the dominant shareholder, with a level of control that sets him apart from other investors.

'$1.7 trillion valuation': Who will win big from SpaceX’s listing?

A potential IPO for SpaceX could dramatically increase the wealth of Elon Musk and possibly make him the world’s first trillionaire. Analysts say SpaceX’s rapidly growing valuation, driven by satellite internet services and space launch contracts, could reshape global wealth rankings.


SpaceX IPO Could Make Elon Musk World’s First Trillionaire 

Elon Musk has announced a new hiring drive for SpaceXAI, his artificial intelligence division, inviting engineers and physicists to apply even if they have no prior experience in AI.The announcement was shared on social media, where Musk said the company is looking for “world-class engineers and physicists” who can adapt quickly and learn on the job.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SpaceX is actively hiring world-class engineers/physicists for SpaceXAI, even if you have zero prior experience in AI. Smart humans figure it out fast. Please send an email with ~3 bullet points demonstrating evidence of exceptional ability to ai_eng@spacex.com.&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2057327547411570907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Focus on skills over experience</h2>Musk said candidates do not need previous experience in artificial intelligence to apply. Instead, the focus is on identifying individuals with strong problem-solving ability and technical skills. Applicants have been asked to send an email with three bullet points that demonstrate “exceptional ability”. This suggests that SpaceXAI is prioritising talent and learning capacity over traditional qualifications in AI.<h2>How to apply for SpaceXAI roles</h2>Interested candidates can apply by sending an email to the company. The application process is relatively simple and does not require extensive documentation. The key requirement is to highlight achievements or work that reflects strong technical capability. This approach is different from standard hiring processes that often focus on prior experience in a specific field.<h2>xAI now rebranded as SpaceXAI</h2>The hiring announcement follows Musk’s decision to merge xAI into SpaceX and rename the combined entity as SpaceXAI. According to Musk, xAI will no longer operate as a separate company. Instead, all AI-related work will be part of SpaceX’s broader operations. This restructuring is part of a larger effort to align AI development with SpaceX’s existing infrastructure and long-term plans.<h2>Growing demand for AI talent</h2>The move comes at a time when demand for AI talent is increasing globally. Many companies are competing to hire skilled professionals in areas such as machine learning, data science and engineering. By opening roles to candidates without direct AI experience, SpaceXAI is expanding its talent pool and attracting individuals from related fields such as physics and engineering.&nbsp;SpaceXAI’s approach reflects a shift in hiring practices in the technology sector. Companies are increasingly focusing on adaptability and learning ability rather than narrow experience requirements. This trend may create new opportunities for professionals who want to move into AI from other technical fields. As SpaceXAI continues to expand its operations, more hiring announcements are expected. The company is also increasing its computing infrastructure and developing new AI systems. The success of this hiring approach will depend on how effectively new recruits can adapt to AI-related work and contribute to ongoing projects

Elon Musk has announced a new hiring drive for SpaceXAI, his artificial intelligence division, inviting engineers and physicists to apply even if they have no prior experience in AI.


Elon Musk has announced a new hiring drive for SpaceXAI, his artificial intelligence division, inviting engineers and physicists to apply even if they have no prior experience in AI. The announcement was shared on social media, where Musk said the company is looking for “world-class engineers and physicists” who can adapt quickly and learn on the job.

Elon Musk has announced a new hiring drive for SpaceXAI, his artificial intelligence division, inviting engineers and physicists to apply even if they have no prior experience in AI.

Elon Musk invites engineers with no AI experience to join SpaceXAI

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming to conduct 10,000 launches a year within the next five years, according to US Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford, who revealed details of a recent meeting with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. The target would represent a dramatic increase from the company’s current launch pace and further expand SpaceX’s dominance in the commercial space industry. Speaking after an aviation forum on Wednesday, Bedford said Shotwell discussed “the SpaceX five-year vision to get to 10,000 launches a year”. Reuters reported that SpaceX carried out 170 launches in 2025 and deployed roughly 2,500 satellites during the year.&nbsp;In a separate Forbes interview released this week, Musk said SpaceX already has around 10,000 satellites in orbit and eventually plans to launch 10,000 communications satellites annually, though he did not specify a timeline.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/trump-administration-plans-to-cut-us-forces-available-to-nato-during-crises-yet-retain-nuclear-shield-1779282133187">Trump administration plans to cut US forces available to NATO during crises, yet retain nuclear shield</a>&nbsp;<h2>FAA raises reliability and safety concerns</h2>&nbsp;Despite the company’s expansion plans, the FAA signalled that regulatory approval would depend heavily on improved operational reliability. “We need to see a lot more reliability,” Bedford told Reuters reporters, adding that SpaceX and regulators had held ‘a very frank conversation’ about future launch demands.&nbsp;The FAA licenses all commercial space launches in the United States and is responsible for ensuring launches do not interfere with passenger air traffic or create public safety risks. Bedford said the agency is currently reviewing data from previous launches to better assess potential hazards. He also noted that launch operations often require temporary flight restrictions, which ‘can be very disruptive’ to commercial aviation. According to Bedford, the FAA is not currently the main obstacle to launch growth, though he warned that insufficient funding for the agency’s space division could eventually become a limiting factor.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wion-decodes-what-is-trump-s-1-7b-weaponization-fund-proposal-outlines-compensation-for-alleged-political-targeting-1779350111085">WION Decodes| What is Trump’s $1.7B ‘weaponization’ fund? Proposal outlines compensation for alleged 'political targeting'</a>&nbsp;<h2>SpaceX’s broader ambitions</h2>&nbsp;Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest private space company through reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business. In January, the company said it hopes to eventually deploy a constellation of one million satellites capable of powering AI-focused infrastructure in space. SpaceX recently disclosed IPO-related financial details showing that Starlink remains its only profitable division, while investments linked to artificial intelligence continue to drive significant spending. Starlink network of ​about 10,000 satellites offers broadband internet to consumers, governments and enterprise customers.&nbsp;Bedford added that the US government’s broader space ambitions, including plans backed by US President Donald Trump to return astronauts to the Moon before 2028, would require closer coordination between regulators and private industry.

Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest private space company through reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business. 

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming to conduct 10,000 launches a year within the next five years, according to US Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford, who revealed details of a recent meeting with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell. The target would represent a dramatic increase from the company’s current launch pace and further expand SpaceX’s dominance in the commercial space industry. Speaking after an aviation forum on Wednesday, Bedford said Shotwell discussed “the SpaceX five-year vision to get to 10,000 launches a year”. Reuters reported that SpaceX carried out 170 launches in 2025 and deployed roughly 2,500 satellites during the year. In a separate Forbes interview released this week, Musk said SpaceX already has around 10,000 satellites in orbit and eventually plans to launch 10,000 communications satellites annually, though he did not specify a timeline. ALSO READ: Trump administration plans to cut US forces available to NATO during crises, yet retain nuclear shield FAA raises reliability and safety concerns Despite the company’s expansion plans, the FAA signalled that regulatory approval would depend heavily on improved operational reliability. “We need to see a lot more reliability,” Bedford told Reuters reporters, adding that SpaceX and regulators had held ‘a very frank conversation’ about future launch demands. The FAA licenses all commercial space launches in the United States and is responsible for ensuring launches do not interfere with passenger air traffic or create public safety risks. Bedford said the agency is currently reviewing data from previous launches to better assess potential hazards. He also noted that launch operations often require temporary flight restrictions, which ‘can be very disruptive’ to commercial aviation. According to Bedford, the FAA is not currently the main obstacle to launch growth, though he warned that insufficient funding for the agency’s space division could eventually become a limiting factor. ALSO READ: WION Decodes| What is Trump’s $1.7B ‘weaponization’ fund? Proposal outlines compensation for alleged 'political targeting' SpaceX’s broader ambitions Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest private space company through reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business. In January, the company said it hopes to eventually deploy a constellation of one million satellites capable of powering AI-focused infrastructure in space. SpaceX recently disclosed IPO-related financial details showing that Starlink remains its only profitable division, while investments linked to artificial intelligence continue to drive significant spending. Starlink network of about 10,000 satellites offers broadband internet to consumers, governments and enterprise customers. Bedford added that the US government’s broader space ambitions, including plans backed by US President Donald Trump to return astronauts to the Moon before 2028, would require closer coordination between regulators and private industry.

Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX has grown into the world’s largest private space company through reusable rocket technology and its Starlink satellite internet business.&nbsp;

Elon Musk’s SpaceX plans 10,000 launches annually in 5 years; FAA says more reliability is required!

X Corp has lost a legal battle in Australia after a court found the platform failed to comply with child safety information requests and delayed response for 38 days. Authorities say the case involves serious regulatory breaches linked to online safety obligations. The ruling could lead to financial penalties and increased scrutiny on how global tech platforms handle harmful or sensitive content across jurisdictions.


X Corp Faces Penalty Over Safety Breach

SpaceX has filed for its long-anticipated initial public offering, revealing new details about its business model, ownership structure, and future ambitions as investors prepare for what could become the largest IPO in history. The company, founded and led by Elon Musk, is reportedly targeting a valuation that could raise $80 billion or more, surpassing the previous record held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $26 billion in its 2019 public listing.<h2>Massive market opportunity projection</h2>In its IPO filing, SpaceX estimates a total addressable market (TAM) of $28.5 trillion, describing it as the ‘largest actionable’ market opportunity ‘in human history’.The breakdown includes:<ul><li>$370 billion in space-enabled services</li><li>$1.6 trillion in connectivity, including Starlink broadband and mobile expansion</li><li>$26.5 trillion in artificial intelligence-related markets, spanning infrastructure, subscriptions, advertising, and enterprise applications</li><li>$22.7 trillion in enterprise applications</li></ul>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-there-won-t-be-escalation-says-trump-as-he-calls-indictment-against-raul-castro-very-big-moment-1779308113798">'There won't be escalation', says Trump as he calls indictment against Raul Castro 'very big moment'</a><h2>What is the stock symbol for SpaceX?&nbsp;</h2>The filing shows that SpaceX plans to trade under the ticker symbol ‘SPCX’ once it goes public next month. The stock will be dual-listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market and Nasdaq Texas, marking a competitive win for Nasdaq in attracting high-profile listings.<h2>Who are the board members of SpaceX?</h2>SpaceX disclosed its board structure, with Elon Musk serving as chairman. Other board members include long-time SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell, Google executive Donald Harrison, and investors Antonio Gracias, Steve Jurvetson, and Luke Nosek. Randy Glein and Ira Ehrenpreis recently joined as directors.<h2>How much did SpaceX spend last year?</h2>The company reported $20.7 billion in capital expenditures last year, driven by investments in launch systems, satellites, AI infrastructure, and its expanding Starlink network. The Starlink division remains central to revenue growth, with more than 10 million subscribers as of March, doubling year over year. SpaceX reported total revenue of approximately $18.7 billion in 2025, with Starlink alone generating more than $11 billion. The company described Starlink as capable of delivering broadband connectivity anywhere on Earth. It also identified telecom giants such as AT&amp;T and Verizon as competitors in the global internet market.<h2>AI satellite project won’t be easy: SpaceX</h2>SpaceX also outlined plans for an orbital AI computing network, potentially beginning deployment as early as 2028. However, the company acknowledged major technical hurdles. “Orbital AI compute is an incredibly difficult technical challenge,” the company said in its prospectus. “We believe we are the only company with a commercially viable path to building orbital AI compute at scale.” The initiative depends heavily on the successful development of the Starship rocket, which is expected to play a key role in deploying large-scale satellite infrastructure.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cristiano-ronaldo-s-final-attempt-to-win-the-fifa-world-cup-1779298231843/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/cristiano-ronaldo-s-final-attempt-to-win-the-fifa-world-cup-1779298231843/embed</a>

SpaceX has filed for its IPO under ticker SPCX, revealing major financials, Starlink growth, and plans for AI satellite networks. The company targets a massive valuation, positioning itself for one of the largest public offerings in history under Elon Musk’s leadership

SpaceX has filed for its long-anticipated initial public offering, revealing new details about its business model, ownership structure, and future ambitions as investors prepare for what could become the largest IPO in history. The company, founded and led by Elon Musk, is reportedly targeting a valuation that could raise $80 billion or more, surpassing the previous record held by Saudi Aramco, which raised $26 billion in its 2019 public listing. Massive market opportunity projection In its IPO filing, SpaceX estimates a total addressable market (TAM) of $28.5 trillion, describing it as the ‘largest actionable’ market opportunity ‘in human history’. The breakdown includes: $370 billion in space-enabled services $1.6 trillion in connectivity, including Starlink broadband and mobile expansion $26.5 trillion in artificial intelligence-related markets, spanning infrastructure, subscriptions, advertising, and enterprise applications $22.7 trillion in enterprise applications Also Read: 'There won't be escalation', says Trump as he calls indictment against Raul Castro 'very big moment' What is the stock symbol for SpaceX? The filing shows that SpaceX plans to trade under the ticker symbol ‘SPCX’ once it goes public next month. The stock will be dual-listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market and Nasdaq Texas, marking a competitive win for Nasdaq in attracting high-profile listings. Who are the board members of SpaceX? SpaceX disclosed its board structure, with Elon Musk serving as chairman. Other board members include long-time SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell, Google executive Donald Harrison, and investors Antonio Gracias, Steve Jurvetson, and Luke Nosek. Randy Glein and Ira Ehrenpreis recently joined as directors. How much did SpaceX spend last year? The company reported $20.7 billion in capital expenditures last year, driven by investments in launch systems, satellites, AI infrastructure, and its expanding Starlink network. The Starlink division remains central to revenue growth, with more than 10 million subscribers as of March, doubling year over year. SpaceX reported total revenue of approximately $18.7 billion in 2025, with Starlink alone generating more than $11 billion. The company described Starlink as capable of delivering broadband connectivity anywhere on Earth. It also identified telecom giants such as AT&T and Verizon as competitors in the global internet market. AI satellite project won’t be easy: SpaceX SpaceX also outlined plans for an orbital AI computing network, potentially beginning deployment as early as 2028. However, the company acknowledged major technical hurdles. “Orbital AI compute is an incredibly difficult technical challenge,” the company said in its prospectus. “We believe we are the only company with a commercially viable path to building orbital AI compute at scale.” The initiative depends heavily on the successful development of the Starship rocket, which is expected to play a key role in deploying large-scale satellite infrastructure. https://www.wionews.com/videos/cristiano-ronaldo-s-final-attempt-to-win-the-fifa-world-cup-1779298231843/embed

SpaceX files IPO, targets massive valuation, reveals SPCX listing, Starlink growth, and bold AI satellite plans for 2028

Elon Musk's SpaceX files for biggest-ever IPO in history under ticker SPCX. Here's all you need to know about it

Elon Musk has suffered a major setback in his legal battle against OpenAI, calling the court’s decision a “terrible precedent” for the future of artificial intelligence. The ruling adds another dramatic chapter to the growing clash between Musk and the company he once helped found. As tensions rise over AI governance, corporate control and transparency, the case is becoming one of Silicon Valley’s biggest technology confrontations.


Elon Musk Vs OpenAI: Jury Rules Musk Waited Too Long to Sue OpenAI

Tesla CEO Elon Musk seems to be impressed with China's manufacturing prowess after he visited Beijing along with US President Donald Trump. Musk's appreciation of China's development is reflected in his social media post of the biggest train station on the top of a mountain covering 475,200 m².&nbsp;In a post on X, Elon Musk shared a video of the Chongqing East Station, which is built near Beijing. The clip shows the aerial view and interior views of the structure, claiming in the voiceover that the station was built in 38 months with the help of more than 14,0000 workers.&nbsp;China's massive $7.8 billion high-speed rail megaproject now stands as the largest railway hub in the world as it spans an immense 1.22 million square metres. The megaproject features a distinct 16,500-tonne steel tube truss roof. Engineers utilised a unique sliding assembly method, choosing to build the entire 16,500-tonne roof on the ground first before hydraulically sliding it 57 metres upward into its final position.&nbsp;Supporting this massive roof are 41-metre tree-shaped "Huangjue" columns. These branching steel structures are modelled after the local Huangjue tree and are specifically designed for earthquake resistance. Once the roof was elevated, workers executed the complex installation of stainless steel cladding at a height of 57 metres directly above the mountain slope.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-instagram-is-for-girls-elon-musk-sparks-row-with-his-viral-remark-netizens-call-it-sexist-1779006882310">‘Instagram is for girls’: Elon Musk sparks row with his viral remark, netizens call it ‘sexist’</a><h3>A new global transit hub</h3>With its completion, Chongqing East Station takes the title of the largest railway hub in the world. The mega-station is built to anchor a vast high-speed rail network, seamlessly connecting Southwest China to 14 major cities across the country.&nbsp;The project was considered the first major infrastructure project of the new area, created to accommodate non-essential functions of Beijing and strengthen regional integration between Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. The station is part of the Beijing-Xiong’an intercity railway, with about 91 km to 92.79 km in length, and was designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h.&nbsp;With the operation, the journey between Beijing and Xiong’an has been reduced to about 50 minutes. The travel between Xiong’an and Beijing Daxing International Airport now takes about 19 minutes.<h3>Musk's Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai</h3>Interestingly, Elon Musk built his largest factory outside of the United States in China, which officially completed its initial phase of construction and opened in December 2019. The plant broke ground in January 2019, taking just under a year, a record-breaking 168 working days, to go from raw permits to a finished, operational manufacturing facility.The Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai (often referred to as Gigafactory 3) is a massive $2 billion facility capable of producing around 1 million electric vehicles annually.

The megaproject features a distinct 16,500-tonne steel tube truss roof. Engineers utilised a unique sliding assembly method, choosing to build the entire 16,500-tonne roof on the ground first before hydraulically sliding it 57 metres upward into its final position.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk seems to be impressed with China's manufacturing prowess after he visited Beijing along with US President Donald Trump. Musk's appreciation of China's development is reflected in his social media post of the biggest train station on the top of a mountain covering 475,200 m². In a post on X, Elon Musk shared a video of the Chongqing East Station, which is built near Beijing. The clip shows the aerial view and interior views of the structure, claiming in the voiceover that the station was built in 38 months with the help of more than 14,0000 workers. China's massive $7.8 billion high-speed rail megaproject now stands as the largest railway hub in the world as it spans an immense 1.22 million square metres. The megaproject features a distinct 16,500-tonne steel tube truss roof. Engineers utilised a unique sliding assembly method, choosing to build the entire 16,500-tonne roof on the ground first before hydraulically sliding it 57 metres upward into its final position. Supporting this massive roof are 41-metre tree-shaped "Huangjue" columns. These branching steel structures are modelled after the local Huangjue tree and are specifically designed for earthquake resistance. Once the roof was elevated, workers executed the complex installation of stainless steel cladding at a height of 57 metres directly above the mountain slope. Also read: ‘Instagram is for girls’: Elon Musk sparks row with his viral remark, netizens call it ‘sexist’ A new global transit hub With its completion, Chongqing East Station takes the title of the largest railway hub in the world. The mega-station is built to anchor a vast high-speed rail network, seamlessly connecting Southwest China to 14 major cities across the country. The project was considered the first major infrastructure project of the new area, created to accommodate non-essential functions of Beijing and strengthen regional integration between Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. The station is part of the Beijing-Xiong’an intercity railway, with about 91 km to 92.79 km in length, and was designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h. With the operation, the journey between Beijing and Xiong’an has been reduced to about 50 minutes. The travel between Xiong’an and Beijing Daxing International Airport now takes about 19 minutes. Musk's Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai Interestingly, Elon Musk built his largest factory outside of the United States in China, which officially completed its initial phase of construction and opened in December 2019. The plant broke ground in January 2019, taking just under a year, a record-breaking 168 working days, to go from raw permits to a finished, operational manufacturing facility. The Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai (often referred to as Gigafactory 3) is a massive $2 billion facility capable of producing around 1 million electric vehicles annually.

The megaproject features a distinct 16,500-tonne steel tube truss roof. Engineers utilised a unique sliding assembly method, choosing to build the entire 16,500-tonne roof on the ground first before hydraulically sliding it 57 metres upward into its final position.

Stunned by China’s engineering marvel? Elon Musk shares post of world’s biggest train station built near Beijing in 2 years

SpaceX is preparing for the next test of its Starship launch system, with liftoff scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. The mission, known as Starship Flight 12, will take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas and marks another step in its long-term space exploration plans.The launch window is set to open at 6:30 p.m. EDT (5:30 p.m. CDT), although the timing may change depending on weather conditions and technical checks. The event will be streamed live across SpaceX platforms.&nbsp;<h2>What makes this launch important</h2>This mission will be the first to use upgraded versions of both the Starship upper stage and the Super Heavy booster. These improvements are part of SpaceX’s effort to refine its fully reusable launch system.The Super Heavy booster will use an updated version of the Raptor engine, with all 33 engines expected to ignite during ascent, making it one of the most powerful rocket launches currently under development.<h2>Flight plan and landing approach</h2>Unlike some previous tests, this mission will not attempt to catch the booster using the launch tower arms, often referred to as “chopsticks”.Instead, SpaceX plans a controlled landing of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico. This approach allows engineers to focus on testing other aspects of the system without adding additional recovery complexity.<h2>Starlink deployment and in-space experiments</h2>Once the rocket reaches space, the Starship upper stage is expected to deploy 22 Starlink simulators. These are designed to match the size and shape of next-generation satellites. Some of these simulators will carry out imaging operations to study the spacecraft’s heat shield. Engineers have made specific modifications, including:Painting certain tiles white to track performanceRemoving one tile to observe how surrounding tiles behave during re-entryThese experiments are aimed at improving the durability of the spacecraft during future missions.&nbsp;<h2>Role in NASA’s Artemis programme</h2>Starship is a key part of NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon.SpaceX is developing a version of Starship known as the Human Landing System (HLS) for these missions. According to recent updates, Artemis 3 is expected to function as a test mission where spacecraft will dock in low Earth orbit before heading to the Moon.This makes ongoing Starship tests important for meeting future mission timelines.&nbsp;What to expect during the launchAs with all test flights, the mission may face delays or changes. Engineers will closely monitor performance during launch, flight and landing phases.The focus will be on:Engine performance and stabilityHeat shield behaviour during re-entryDeployment of payload simulators<h2>What this means for future missions</h2>The Starship programme is designed to support large-scale missions, including carrying over 100 tonnes of cargo and eventually transporting astronauts to the Moon and Mars.Each test flight provides data that helps improve the system. The outcome of Flight 12 will play a role in shaping the next phase of development.As SpaceX continues testing, the results will also influence timelines for commercial launches and international space programmes linked to Starship.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SpaceX is preparing for the next test of its Starship launch system, with liftoff scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. The mission, known as Starship Flight 12, will take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas and marks another step in its long-term space exploration plans.

SpaceX is preparing for the next test of its Starship launch system, with liftoff scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. The mission, known as Starship Flight 12, will take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas and marks another step in its long-term space exploration plans. The launch window is set to open at 6:30 p.m. EDT (5:30 p.m. CDT), although the timing may change depending on weather conditions and technical checks. The event will be streamed live across SpaceX platforms. What makes this launch important This mission will be the first to use upgraded versions of both the Starship upper stage and the Super Heavy booster. These improvements are part of SpaceX’s effort to refine its fully reusable launch system. The Super Heavy booster will use an updated version of the Raptor engine, with all 33 engines expected to ignite during ascent, making it one of the most powerful rocket launches currently under development. Flight plan and landing approach Unlike some previous tests, this mission will not attempt to catch the booster using the launch tower arms, often referred to as “chopsticks”. Instead, SpaceX plans a controlled landing of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico. This approach allows engineers to focus on testing other aspects of the system without adding additional recovery complexity. Starlink deployment and in-space experiments Once the rocket reaches space, the Starship upper stage is expected to deploy 22 Starlink simulators. These are designed to match the size and shape of next-generation satellites. Some of these simulators will carry out imaging operations to study the spacecraft’s heat shield. Engineers have made specific modifications, including: Painting certain tiles white to track performance Removing one tile to observe how surrounding tiles behave during re-entry These experiments are aimed at improving the durability of the spacecraft during future missions. Role in NASA’s Artemis programme Starship is a key part of NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon. SpaceX is developing a version of Starship known as the Human Landing System (HLS) for these missions. According to recent updates, Artemis 3 is expected to function as a test mission where spacecraft will dock in low Earth orbit before heading to the Moon. This makes ongoing Starship tests important for meeting future mission timelines. What to expect during the launch As with all test flights, the mission may face delays or changes. Engineers will closely monitor performance during launch, flight and landing phases. The focus will be on: Engine performance and stability Heat shield behaviour during re-entry Deployment of payload simulators What this means for future missions The Starship programme is designed to support large-scale missions, including carrying over 100 tonnes of cargo and eventually transporting astronauts to the Moon and Mars. Each test flight provides data that helps improve the system. The outcome of Flight 12 will play a role in shaping the next phase of development. As SpaceX continues testing, the results will also influence timelines for commercial launches and international space programmes linked to Starship.

SpaceX is preparing for the next test of its Starship launch system, with liftoff scheduled for Tuesday, May 19. The mission, known as Starship Flight 12, will take place from the company’s Starbase facility in South Texas and marks another step in its long-term space exploration plans.

SpaceX set for Starship Flight 12 test launch: Know timing, upgrades, and mission

Elon Musk has sparked a row after making a remark on social media suggesting that "Instagram is for girls" while mocking men who share their profiles with him. Musk's statement on X came in response to a viral discussion about social media habits and evolving online trends. The post centred on how people’s digital behaviour can often reflect different phases of their lives. The discussion highlighted common Instagram habits, such as posting “thirst traps,” regularly sharing stories throughout the day, and uploading pictures of home-cooked meals.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">How to tell what phase of life a girl is in: Posting thirst traps = recently single Posting 5 stories a day and scrolling through so see if he saw it = she’s dating a guy who doesn’t like her She suddenly starts posting home cooked meals, sourdough, and little farmer’s market… <a href="https://t.co/nZHet2jzwr">https://t.co/nZHet2jzwr</a>&mdash; Raq (@raqisright) <a href="https://twitter.com/raqisright/status/2055066754062455023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Later, Elon Musk added that when adult men send him links to their Instagram profiles, it makes him wonder whether they are “transitioning or what.” He wrote, "Obviously. Sometimes grown men send me their Instagram profiles and I'm like are you transitioning or what?"&nbsp;Critics claimed the statement ridiculed both men who are active Instagram users and transgender individuals by turning gender transition into a joke. Many users called the remarks offensive, while others accused Musk of continuing a pattern of comments perceived as targeting women and LGBTQ+ communities. Several users also connected the remarks to the ongoing competition between X and Meta. Since taking over Twitter and rebranding it as X, Musk has often promoted the platform as a hub for political discourse and “free speech,” frequently drawing comparisons with Instagram’s more lifestyle-focused image. Some critics argued that Musk’s comments were aimed less at humour and more at discrediting a competing social media platform. Others, however, defended him, describing the posts as typical internet humour and accusing critics of overreacting.&nbsp;Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-uk-health-secretary-wes-streeting-confirms-bid-to-replace-keir-starmer-as-labour-leader-after-quitting-cabinet-1778948975124"> Former UK health secretary Wes Streeting confirms bid to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader after quitting Cabinet</a><h3>Netizens mock in the post</h3>Musk's post quickly went viral after he made a remark on social media, with many users calling his comments sexist and offensive.&nbsp;In a post on X, a user said, "I have a theory that we should all just be real with who we are and where we’re at in life. We all have dark circles under our eyes. We all get gray hair. We all gain a little weight in menopause. We all look tired most of the time because we live in a society that makes us slaves to a system that never really cared. Stop lying to the world and yourself. Just be real. Best thing you can do for the planet. Honesty changes things."&nbsp;Another user said, “Instagram is basically PornHub with more clothes.” The next also said mockingly,"Threads is for people who just got banned from Twitter/X."

The discussion highlighted common Instagram habits, such as posting “thirst traps,” regularly sharing stories throughout the day, and uploading pictures of home-cooked meals.

Elon Musk has sparked a row after making a remark on social media suggesting that "Instagram is for girls" while mocking men who share their profiles with him. Musk's statement on X came in response to a viral discussion about social media habits and evolving online trends. The post centred on how people’s digital behaviour can often reflect different phases of their lives. The discussion highlighted common Instagram habits, such as posting “thirst traps,” regularly sharing stories throughout the day, and uploading pictures of home-cooked meals.

The discussion highlighted common Instagram habits, such as posting “thirst traps,” regularly sharing stories throughout the day, and uploading pictures of home-cooked meals.

‘Instagram is for girls’: Elon Musk sparks row with his viral remark, netizens call it 'sexist'

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