A prototype of the future giant SpaceX rocket Starship -- which the company hopes will become its go-to for Mars missions -- crashed in a fiery explosion during a test launch along the Texas coast Wednesday.

But the company line was upbeat as a live stream of the launch displayed the on-screen message "AWESOME TEST. CONGRATS STARSHIP TEAM!"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Starship landing flip maneuver <a href="https://t.co/QuD9HwZ9CX">pic.twitter.com/QuD9HwZ9CX</a>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1336849897987796992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"Mars, here we come!!" SpaceX founder Tesla's Elon Musk tweeted just minutes after the flight, explaining that a too-fast landing speed was to blame for the crash.

He recounted the successful parts of the rocket's short late afternoon trip: the take-off, the change of position in flight and its (pre-explosion) precise landing trajectory.

"We got all the data we needed! Congrats SpaceX team," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So close! The SpaceX Starship SN8 flips before landing and undergoes a rapid unscheduled disassembly. <a href="https://t.co/LOHK39CwyK">pic.twitter.com/LOHK39CwyK</a>
— Wonder of Science (@WonderofScienc) <a href="https://twitter.com/WonderofScienc/status/1336883585970794498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Wednesday's test launch took off and ascended properly in a seemingly straight line, before one and then another of its engines went out. After 4 minutes and 45 seconds of flight, its third engine extinguished and the rocket began its descent in its expected position.

The engines were restarted just seconds before landing in an effort to slow the ship, but it crashed hard into the Earth.

Smaller prototypes have already blasted off several hundred yards (meters) into the air for less than a minute as part of a series of tests aimed at developing the next generation of rockets from the company at lightning speed.

"Success"

After several aborted attempts this week, the flight was live-streamed on the @SpaceX Twitter account.

The test flight was planned to check the huge metal body of SN8 (Starship number 8) and its three engines for their aerodynamism, including during the ship's return to Earth -- which happens vertically, in the same vein as SpaceX's pioneering Falcon 9 rocket.

"With a test such as this, success is not measured by completion of specific objectives but rather how much we can learn, which will inform and improve the probability of success in the future as SpaceX rapidly advances the development of Starship," a statement on the company's website said, implying even before the launch that an explosion or crash would not mean a failed mission.

Construction on SN9, the next prototype, is already almost finished.

The experimental flights are taking place in a nearly deserted part of southern Texas on the Gulf of Mexico near the US-Mexican border -- an area empty enough that any flight malfunction would be unlikely to cause physical or property damage.

Musk recently announced he plans to move to the vast southern US state from California.

Any future completed Starship rocket will be equipped with 37 engines instead of nine and will measure 120 meters (390 feet) tall and be capable of carrying 100 tons of cargo into orbit around the Earth.

Musk hopes to be able to one day launch several of these space ships to Mars, though they could prove useful even in the short term as NASA eyes re-establishing an ongoing presence on the Moon in 2024.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is currently scheduled to pay an undisclosed sum to take Starship for a spin around the Moon in 2023 -- at the earliest.

A prototype of the future giant SpaceX rocket Starship -- which the company hopes will become its go-to for Mars missions -- crashed in a fiery explosion during a test launch along the Texas coast Wednesday.

A prototype of the future giant SpaceX rocket Starship -- which the company hopes will become its go-to for Mars missions -- crashed in a fiery explosion during a test launch along the Texas coast Wednesday. But the company line was upbeat as a live stream of the launch displayed the on-screen message "AWESOME TEST. CONGRATS STARSHIP TEAM!" Starship landing flip maneuver pic.twitter.com/QuD9HwZ9CX — SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 10, 2020 × "Mars, here we come!!" SpaceX founder Tesla's Elon Musk tweeted just minutes after the flight, explaining that a too-fast landing speed was to blame for the crash. He recounted the successful parts of the rocket's short late afternoon trip: the take-off, the change of position in flight and its (pre-explosion) precise landing trajectory. "We got all the data we needed! Congrats SpaceX team," he tweeted. So close! The SpaceX Starship SN8 flips before landing and undergoes a rapid unscheduled disassembly. pic.twitter.com/LOHK39CwyK — Wonder of Science (@WonderofScienc) December 10, 2020 × Wednesday's test launch took off and ascended properly in a seemingly straight line, before one and then another of its engines went out. After 4 minutes and 45 seconds of flight, its third engine extinguished and the rocket began its descent in its expected position. The engines were restarted just seconds before landing in an effort to slow the ship, but it crashed hard into the Earth. Smaller prototypes have already blasted off several hundred yards (meters) into the air for less than a minute as part of a series of tests aimed at developing the next generation of rockets from the company at lightning speed. "Success" After several aborted attempts this week, the flight was live-streamed on the @SpaceX Twitter account. The test flight was planned to check the huge metal body of SN8 (Starship number 8) and its three engines for their aerodynamism, including during the ship's return to Earth -- which happens vertically, in the same vein as SpaceX's pioneering Falcon 9 rocket. "With a test such as this, success is not measured by completion of specific objectives but rather how much we can learn, which will inform and improve the probability of success in the future as SpaceX rapidly advances the development of Starship," a statement on the company's website said, implying even before the launch that an explosion or crash would not mean a failed mission. Construction on SN9, the next prototype, is already almost finished. The experimental flights are taking place in a nearly deserted part of southern Texas on the Gulf of Mexico near the US-Mexican border -- an area empty enough that any flight malfunction would be unlikely to cause physical or property damage. Musk recently announced he plans to move to the vast southern US state from California. Any future completed Starship rocket will be equipped with 37 engines instead of nine and will measure 120 meters (390 feet) tall and be capable of carrying 100 tons of cargo into orbit around the Earth. Musk hopes to be able to one day launch several of these space ships to Mars, though they could prove useful even in the short term as NASA eyes re-establishing an ongoing presence on the Moon in 2024. Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa is currently scheduled to pay an undisclosed sum to take Starship for a spin around the Moon in 2023 -- at the earliest.

Watch: SpaceX's starship prototype blasts off, crashes in fireball on landing

SpaceX’s Starship prototype exploded on Thursday while attempting to land after its test launch from the company’s rocket facility in Boca Chica, Texas.

SpaceX Starship explodes during landing after test launch

Hibernating snakes are complicating Elon Musk's plans for a gigafactory near Berlin.

A German court has told the US billionaire's electric vehicle company, Tesla, to suspend clearing of a forest at the site of the proposed factory after environmentalists said that cutting down more trees could endanger hibernating snakes.

"The Landesumweltamt (state environmental authority) and Tesla will now be consulted, they need to make submissions by this afternoon and then we assess the situation," a spokesman for the administrative court in Frankfurt an der Oder in eastern Germany said on Tuesday.

Tesla declined to comment. The Landesumweltamt declined to comment further.

The carmaker announced plans late last year to build its first European factory and design centre in Gruenheide, outside Berlin, with plans to have it up and running by July 1, 2021, to start building its electric crossover, the Model Y sports utility vehicle.

Musk, who has transformed Tesla from start-up to the world's most valuable automaker in the space of 16 years, is used to moving fast. The company's Shanghai Gigafactory went from Greenfield site to building cars in just 11 months.

The decision to locate the company's first European factory near Berlin gives the US electric car pioneer the coveted "Made in Germany" label but it also means navigating local planning rules.

Tesla's permission to start construction hinges on conditional approval by local authorities, who are obliged to consult environmental groups and the community.

The company has been engaged in an environmental audit, a time-consuming process in a country where attention to detail is prized.

Environmental activists from a local group, NABU, are concerned that the smooth snake, also known as Coronella austriaca, may be hibernating in the ground at the site, and that tree-cutting activity may disturb its winter slumber.

Local authorities are also reviewing claims by NABU that Lacerta agilis, also known as sand lizards, could be put at risk by Tesla's expansion, NABU said.

At the beginning of October, Tesla set aside three days to sound out locals and potential critics of the factory, but the consultation process lasted eight days and 414 complaints and observations were lodged.

Locals were concerned that the Gigafactory, especially once it started building battery cells, would be a drain on local water resources and wanted assurances from Tesla that consumption would be limited.

In response, Tesla agreed to cut water consumption to 1.4 million cubic meters, down from 3.3 million cubic meters.

Berlin's Tagesspiegel was first to report that Tesla has been ordered to suspend clearing of the forest.

Hibernating snakes are complicating Elon Musk's plans for a gigafactory near Berlin. A German court has told the US billionaire's electric vehicle company, Tesla, to suspend clearing of a forest at the site of the proposed factory after environmentalists said that cutting down more trees could endanger hibernating snakes.

Hibernating snakes are complicating Elon Musk's plans for a gigafactory near Berlin. A German court has told the US billionaire's electric vehicle company, Tesla, to suspend clearing of a forest at the site of the proposed factory after environmentalists said that cutting down more trees could endanger hibernating snakes. "The Landesumweltamt (state environmental authority) and Tesla will now be consulted, they need to make submissions by this afternoon and then we assess the situation," a spokesman for the administrative court in Frankfurt an der Oder in eastern Germany said on Tuesday. Tesla declined to comment. The Landesumweltamt declined to comment further. The carmaker announced plans late last year to build its first European factory and design centre in Gruenheide, outside Berlin, with plans to have it up and running by July 1, 2021, to start building its electric crossover, the Model Y sports utility vehicle. Musk, who has transformed Tesla from start-up to the world's most valuable automaker in the space of 16 years, is used to moving fast. The company's Shanghai Gigafactory went from Greenfield site to building cars in just 11 months. The decision to locate the company's first European factory near Berlin gives the US electric car pioneer the coveted "Made in Germany" label but it also means navigating local planning rules. Tesla's permission to start construction hinges on conditional approval by local authorities, who are obliged to consult environmental groups and the community. The company has been engaged in an environmental audit, a time-consuming process in a country where attention to detail is prized. Environmental activists from a local group, NABU, are concerned that the smooth snake, also known as Coronella austriaca, may be hibernating in the ground at the site, and that tree-cutting activity may disturb its winter slumber. Local authorities are also reviewing claims by NABU that Lacerta agilis, also known as sand lizards, could be put at risk by Tesla's expansion, NABU said. At the beginning of October, Tesla set aside three days to sound out locals and potential critics of the factory, but the consultation process lasted eight days and 414 complaints and observations were lodged. Locals were concerned that the Gigafactory, especially once it started building battery cells, would be a drain on local water resources and wanted assurances from Tesla that consumption would be limited. In response, Tesla agreed to cut water consumption to 1.4 million cubic meters, down from 3.3 million cubic meters. Berlin's Tagesspiegel was first to report that Tesla has been ordered to suspend clearing of the forest.

Sleeping snakes stall Elon Musk's plans for a gigafactory near Berlin

Elon Musk's electric car company Tesla has released its first-ever diversity report titled 'Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report', and women are majorly underrepresented in the company's US workforce.

Men represent 79 per cent of the overall workforce of the company in the US, and women make the remaining 21 per cent, the report revealed.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-tesla-factory-workers-counted-as-essential-workers-344684">&nbsp;Elon Musk's Tesla factory workers counted as 'essential workers'</a>

The figures reported by the company have come as a surprise as the company has been one of the flag bearers in promoting gender equality.&nbsp;

Women represent 21 per cent of the overall workforce and 23 per cent of the total promotions offered in the company. The figures, though not much, have seen an increase of five per cent since last year.

Tesla's leadership roles also have a majority of men population with only 17 per cent women getting the opportunity to climb the ranks.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-the-extraordinary-life-of-worlds-second-richest-person-345379">Elon Musk: The extraordinary life of world's second-richest person</a>

"While women are historically underrepresented in the tech and automotive industries, we recognise we have work to do in this area. We are committed to working alongside companies in these industries to make improvements," the report stated.

Tesla, however, has assured that the company is looking to increase its outreach to women and bring in a more inclusive environment in the company. On that note, the report also noted that 25 per cent of new joiners in the company have been women, hinting towards a positive change in the diversity of the company.

"Increasing women's representation at all levels, especially in leadership, is a top priority in 2021," the company said.

It is not just the women who stay underrepresented in the company. Black and African American community, too, is a minority in the company's US workforce with only 10 per cent representation.&nbsp;

The Asian community, however, has 21 per cent representation and has been observing an increasing graph, especially in managerial roles by comprising nearly 25 per cent of its directorial and above level positions in the company.

Elon Musk's electric car company Tesla has released its first-ever diversity report titled 'Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report', and women are majorly underrepresented in the company's US workforce.

Elon Musk's electric car company Tesla has released its first-ever diversity report titled 'Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report', and women are majorly underrepresented in the company's US workforce. Men represent 79 per cent of the overall workforce of the company in the US, and women make the remaining 21 per cent, the report revealed. Also read| Elon Musk's Tesla factory workers counted as 'essential workers' The figures reported by the company have come as a surprise as the company has been one of the flag bearers in promoting gender equality. Women represent 21 per cent of the overall workforce and 23 per cent of the total promotions offered in the company. The figures, though not much, have seen an increase of five per cent since last year. Tesla's leadership roles also have a majority of men population with only 17 per cent women getting the opportunity to climb the ranks. Also read| Elon Musk: The extraordinary life of world's second-richest person "While women are historically underrepresented in the tech and automotive industries, we recognise we have work to do in this area. We are committed to working alongside companies in these industries to make improvements," the report stated. Tesla, however, has assured that the company is looking to increase its outreach to women and bring in a more inclusive environment in the company. On that note, the report also noted that 25 per cent of new joiners in the company have been women, hinting towards a positive change in the diversity of the company. "Increasing women's representation at all levels, especially in leadership, is a top priority in 2021," the company said. It is not just the women who stay underrepresented in the company. Black and African American community, too, is a minority in the company's US workforce with only 10 per cent representation. The Asian community, however, has 21 per cent representation and has been observing an increasing graph, especially in managerial roles by comprising nearly 25 per cent of its directorial and above level positions in the company.

Elon Musk's 'diverse' Tesla employs 79% male workforce

Melissa McCarthy's new comedy 'Superintelligence'&nbsp;centres on artificial intelligence deciding it's time to destroy the world. While bringing it to life McCarthy and her director/husband Ben Falcone completed major items on their bucket lists including having lunch with Elon Musk.

"And we sat down and had lunch with Elon Musk," says McCarthy, 50. "Which is not a sentence I thought I was ever going to be able to say."

Melissa McCarthy spoke with USA TODAY about the future horrors she picked up from her chat with Tesla CEO Musk, who has warned that AI is a "fundamental risk to the existence of human civilization". 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/melissa-mccarthy-apologises-for-donating-to-anti-abortion-anti-lgbtqi-charity-343165">Also read:&nbsp;Melissa McCarthy apologises for donating to anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQI+ charity</a>

"We wanted to talk to him about, "Is this possible?" To our surprise, and slight terror, he was like, "It's not what if, but when." It was eye-opening to realize we are doing this dance with technology, friend and foe." she said. 
&nbsp; 
"It makes our lives better and worse. It's all up to how we use it, how we program it, even if it is to our own demise, which could possibly be our own fault. I walked out of there just like, "Oh, boy!" she further added. 
 
On being asked who paid for lunch, McCarthy quipped, "I have a change belt and sat there counting out pennies and nickels, sliding pennies across the table, saying, "This should cover it, Mr. Musk." He finally said, "I can't watch this anymore." 
&nbsp;

'Superintelligence'&nbsp;is a&nbsp;romantic comedy sci-fi film directed by Ben Falcone and written by Steve Mallory. The film stars Melissa McCarthy in her fourth collaboration with her husband, Falcone. It was digitally released by Warner Bros. Pictures via HBO Max on November 26, 2020.

Melissa McCarthy's new comedy 'Superintelligence' centres on artificial intelligence deciding it's time to destroy the world. While bringing it to life McCarthy and her director/husband Ben Falcone completed major items on their bucket lists including having lunch with Elon Musk.

Melissa McCarthy's new comedy 'Superintelligence' centres on artificial intelligence deciding it's time to destroy the world. While bringing it to life McCarthy and her director/husband Ben Falcone completed major items on their bucket lists including having lunch with Elon Musk. "And we sat down and had lunch with Elon Musk," says McCarthy, 50. "Which is not a sentence I thought I was ever going to be able to say." Melissa McCarthy spoke with USA TODAY about the future horrors she picked up from her chat with Tesla CEO Musk, who has warned that AI is a "fundamental risk to the existence of human civilization". Also read: Melissa McCarthy apologises for donating to anti-abortion, anti-LGBTQI+ charity "We wanted to talk to him about, "Is this possible?" To our surprise, and slight terror, he was like, "It's not what if, but when." It was eye-opening to realize we are doing this dance with technology, friend and foe." she said. "It makes our lives better and worse. It's all up to how we use it, how we program it, even if it is to our own demise, which could possibly be our own fault. I walked out of there just like, "Oh, boy!" she further added. On being asked who paid for lunch, McCarthy quipped, "I have a change belt and sat there counting out pennies and nickels, sliding pennies across the table, saying, "This should cover it, Mr. Musk." He finally said, "I can't watch this anymore." 'Superintelligence' is a romantic comedy sci-fi film directed by Ben Falcone and written by Steve Mallory. The film stars Melissa McCarthy in her fourth collaboration with her husband, Falcone. It was digitally released by Warner Bros. Pictures via HBO Max on November 26, 2020.

When Melissa McCarthy had lunch with Elon Musk to talk Artificial Intelligence and left terrified

From Melissa McCarthy's high-profile lunch with Elon Musk to 'Friends' star Matthew Perry's engagement news, &nbsp;these are the top 5 Hollywood news stories of the day.&nbsp;

Matthew Perry confirms he is engaged to girlfriend Molly Hurwitz

Chandler Bing aka Matthew Perry is now off the market, ladies. The 'Friends' star recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend Molly Hurwitz. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-matthew-perry-confirms-he-is-engaged-to-girlfriend-molly-hurwitz-345713">Read more</a>

When Melissa McCarthy had lunch with Elon Musk to talk Artificial Intelligence and left terrified

Melissa McCarthy's new comedy 'Superintelligence' centres on artificial intelligence deciding it's time to destroy the world. While bringing it to life McCarthy and her director/husband Ben Falcone completed major items on their bucket lists including having lunch with Elon Musk. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/when-melissa-mccarthy-had-lunch-with-elon-musk-to-talk-artificial-intelligence-and-left-terrified-345718">Read more</a>

Watch 'The Prom' trailer: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman come together in what looks like a fun film

The film, ‘The Prom’ is based on the Tony-nominated Broadway musical of the same name. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-watch-the-prom-trailer-meryl-streep-nicole-kidman-come-together-in-what-looks-like-a-fun-film-345808">Read more</a>

Kristen Stewart feels 'protective' of Princess Diana as she plays the late royal in 'Spencer'

Talking about the biopic Kristen Stewart revealed that rather than simply rehashing biographical details of Princess Diana's life 'Spencer' will turn inward. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kristen-stewart-feels-protective-of-princess-diana-as-she-plays-the-late-royal-in-spencer-345724">Read more</a>

'Dash and Lily' review: This Netflix series is a perfect start to Christmas binge season

Netflix's 'Dash and Lily' is a must-binge for a dash of lightheartedness in a gloomy year and lily-like freshness to the overdone genre of Christmas romance. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dash-and-lily-review-this-netflix-series-is-a-perfect-start-to-christmas-binge-season-345814">Read more</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

From Melissa McCarthy's high-profile lunch with Elon Musk to 'Friends' star Matthew Perry's engagement news, these are the top 5 Hollywood news stories of the day.

From Melissa McCarthy's high-profile lunch with Elon Musk to 'Friends' star Matthew Perry's engagement news, these are the top 5 Hollywood news stories of the day. Matthew Perry confirms he is engaged to girlfriend Molly Hurwitz Chandler Bing aka Matthew Perry is now off the market, ladies. The 'Friends' star recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend Molly Hurwitz. Read more When Melissa McCarthy had lunch with Elon Musk to talk Artificial Intelligence and left terrified Melissa McCarthy's new comedy 'Superintelligence' centres on artificial intelligence deciding it's time to destroy the world. While bringing it to life McCarthy and her director/husband Ben Falcone completed major items on their bucket lists including having lunch with Elon Musk. Read more Watch 'The Prom' trailer: Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman come together in what looks like a fun film The film, ‘The Prom’ is based on the Tony-nominated Broadway musical of the same name. Read more Kristen Stewart feels 'protective' of Princess Diana as she plays the late royal in 'Spencer' Talking about the biopic Kristen Stewart revealed that rather than simply rehashing biographical details of Princess Diana's life 'Spencer' will turn inward. Read more 'Dash and Lily' review: This Netflix series is a perfect start to Christmas binge season Netflix's 'Dash and Lily' is a must-binge for a dash of lightheartedness in a gloomy year and lily-like freshness to the overdone genre of Christmas romance. Read more

Top 5 Hollywood news today: Melissa McCarthy's lunch with Elon Musk to Matthew Perry's engagement

Elon Musk has beaten Bill Gates to become the World's second-richest person. His journey has been defined by risks, revolutionary ideas, and controversies. WION's Molly Gambhir brings you his story.

Gravitas: Elon Musk becomes the World's second-richest person

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk mostly makes news for all the wrong reason, he once wiped off $14 billion from Tesla's value by tweeting that the stock price is too high. He was slapped with a $20 million lawsuit for cracking cannabis jokes.

Musk went on to say that his joke was worth it and that he was right before he called a British cave diver a pedo. The billionaire also got into controversy by protesting Wuhan virus lockdowns.

Elon Musk is making headlines again, but it has nothing to do with his controversies. Elon musk has become the world's second-richest person&nbsp;with a net worth of $128 billion.

However, not too long ago, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO was being written off and his ideas were called "outrageous". There is a fine line between being genius and insane, they said and that Musk tends to lean towards the latter.

Today, the 49-year-old has silenced his critics. He was not born with a silver spoon, if anything he was born in a broken family in Pretoria, South Africa and was severely bullied during his childhood but financial hardships did not keep Musk from taking career risks.

Many describe Elon Musk's journey as one defined by bold moves and one leap of faith after another.&nbsp;

The first one was at age 17, when Musk moved to the United States against his father's wishes. He studied economics and physics at the University of Pennsylvania then enrolled himself at Standford for a PHD after spending just two days on campus, Musk decided to put everything at stake, again. He started his first company zip2 corporation. It was later sold to Compaq for $307 million and from the money he made Musk co-founded the first online payment company- x.com.

Within a year, that company merged with Paypal which then was sold to eBay for $1.5 billion. Musk used his sale money to fund Spacex in 2002 and Tesla in 2003. Both companies have been revolutionary in their own ways and have seen several ups and downs along with their CEO.

Musk has been broke, lived off loans from friends, mortgaged his properties and also seen days when his company's stocks shot through the roof but this story is not all rainbows and butterflies.

Elon Musk once called a British diver a "paedo guy". He also downplayed the Wuhan virus, threatened the state of California and even got a legislator to abuse him in public but you need to give credit where it's due while many of Musk's predictions may have failed, the ones that have come true have changed the world.

Tesla's electric cars have forced more automakers to switch to sustainable energy. Musk's ambitious hyperloop will be slashing travel time like never before. His solar city project is promising a greener future.&nbsp;

SpaceX recently became the first private company to ferry NASA astronauts to the international space station(ISS).

On November 16, four NASA astronauts got on a Tesla car, &nbsp;drove to the launch pad of Florida's Kennedy space station and then boarded the one-of-a-kind SpaceX Dragon capsule.&nbsp;

As Musk's Falcon-9 rocket blasted off the message was loud and clear: no matter how outrageous your dreams are, you can always make them come true.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk mostly makes news for all the wrong reason, he once wiped off $14 billion from Tesla's value by tweeting that the stock price is too high.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk mostly makes news for all the wrong reason, he once wiped off $14 billion from Tesla's value by tweeting that the stock price is too high. He was slapped with a $20 million lawsuit for cracking cannabis jokes. Musk went on to say that his joke was worth it and that he was right before he called a British cave diver a pedo. The billionaire also got into controversy by protesting Wuhan virus lockdowns. Elon Musk is making headlines again, but it has nothing to do with his controversies. Elon musk has become the world's second-richest person with a net worth of $128 billion. However, not too long ago, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO was being written off and his ideas were called "outrageous". There is a fine line between being genius and insane, they said and that Musk tends to lean towards the latter. Today, the 49-year-old has silenced his critics. He was not born with a silver spoon, if anything he was born in a broken family in Pretoria, South Africa and was severely bullied during his childhood but financial hardships did not keep Musk from taking career risks. Many describe Elon Musk's journey as one defined by bold moves and one leap of faith after another. The first one was at age 17, when Musk moved to the United States against his father's wishes. He studied economics and physics at the University of Pennsylvania then enrolled himself at Standford for a PHD after spending just two days on campus, Musk decided to put everything at stake, again. He started his first company zip2 corporation. It was later sold to Compaq for $307 million and from the money he made Musk co-founded the first online payment company- x.com. Within a year, that company merged with Paypal which then was sold to eBay for $1.5 billion. Musk used his sale money to fund Spacex in 2002 and Tesla in 2003. Both companies have been revolutionary in their own ways and have seen several ups and downs along with their CEO. Musk has been broke, lived off loans from friends, mortgaged his properties and also seen days when his company's stocks shot through the roof but this story is not all rainbows and butterflies. Elon Musk once called a British diver a "paedo guy". He also downplayed the Wuhan virus, threatened the state of California and even got a legislator to abuse him in public but you need to give credit where it's due while many of Musk's predictions may have failed, the ones that have come true have changed the world. Tesla's electric cars have forced more automakers to switch to sustainable energy. Musk's ambitious hyperloop will be slashing travel time like never before. His solar city project is promising a greener future. SpaceX recently became the first private company to ferry NASA astronauts to the international space station(ISS). On November 16, four NASA astronauts got on a Tesla car, drove to the launch pad of Florida's Kennedy space station and then boarded the one-of-a-kind SpaceX Dragon capsule. As Musk's Falcon-9 rocket blasted off the message was loud and clear: no matter how outrageous your dreams are, you can always make them come true.

Elon Musk: The extraordinary life of world's second-richest person

Bill Gates is no longer the world's second-richest person. Now, Elon Musk is&nbsp;the world’s second-richest person, after overtaking Gates on Monday.

The Tesla co-founder’s net worth jumped to $127.9 billion, clocking in an increase of $7.2 million, which was partly caused by an upsurge in Tesla’s shares.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/elon-musk-shows-pig-blend-of-human-artificial-intelligence-324076/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Musk has added $100.3 billion to his net worth just in 2020.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/elon-musks-tesla-factory-workers-counted-as-essential-workers-344684" hreflang="en">Elon Musk's Tesla factory workers counted as 'essential workers'</a>

A report published in Fortune posits that Elon Musk’s accumulation of wealth was largely caused by Tesla. Over three-quarters of his earnings were caused by Tesla.

Musk’s Tesla shares are valued over four more times more than his SpaceX shares.

For years, Bill Gates was the richest person in the world, before Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos overtook his position in 2017. Currently, Gates’ net worth is $127.7 billion.

Gates’ dip in earnings is reportedly owing to his philanthropy and charity. Since 2006, Bill Gates has donated over $27 billion to Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/elon-musks-tesla-launches-tequila-250-worth-tequila-called-teslaquilla-341054" hreflang="en">Elon Musk's Tesla launches tequila $250 worth tequila called 'Teslaquilla'</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
He has no clue
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1304792315634966529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Recently, Musk had mocked Bill Gates, claiming Gates had no knowledge of electric cards. When he was asked on Twitter by a user what his&nbsp; opinion&nbsp; was “about Bill Gates' declarations” on electric trucks, he said that Gates “has no clue”.

In February 2020, Gates had claimed that he wasn’t going to buy a Tesla made car. Musk responded and claimed that his conversations with Gates were rather “underwhelming”.

Bill Gates is no longer the world's second-richest person. Now, Elon Musk is the world’s second-richest person, after overtaking Gates on Monday. The Tesla co-founder’s net worth jumped to $127.

Bill Gates is no longer the world's second-richest person. Now, Elon Musk is the world’s second-richest person, after overtaking Gates on Monday. The Tesla co-founder’s net worth jumped to $127.9 billion, clocking in an increase of $7.2 million, which was partly caused by an upsurge in Tesla’s shares. According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Musk has added $100.3 billion to his net worth just in 2020. Also read: Elon Musk's Tesla factory workers counted as 'essential workers' A report published in Fortune posits that Elon Musk’s accumulation of wealth was largely caused by Tesla. Over three-quarters of his earnings were caused by Tesla. Musk’s Tesla shares are valued over four more times more than his SpaceX shares. For years, Bill Gates was the richest person in the world, before Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos overtook his position in 2017. Currently, Gates’ net worth is $127.7 billion. Gates’ dip in earnings is reportedly owing to his philanthropy and charity. Since 2006, Bill Gates has donated over $27 billion to Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Also read: Elon Musk's Tesla launches tequila $250 worth tequila called 'Teslaquilla' He has no clue — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 12, 2020 × Recently, Musk had mocked Bill Gates, claiming Gates had no knowledge of electric cards. When he was asked on Twitter by a user what his opinion was “about Bill Gates' declarations” on electric trucks, he said that Gates “has no clue”. In February 2020, Gates had claimed that he wasn’t going to buy a Tesla made car. Musk responded and claimed that his conversations with Gates were rather “underwhelming”.

Bill Gates is no longer world's second-richest person

In a first, Tesla factory workers based in California will be counted as 'essential workers' and will be exempted from&nbsp;new coronavirus restrictions in the state.

The decision has been taken as the state is inching towards new coronavirus restrictions, which will be initiated from this weekend. The authorities let the Tesla workers be exempted as earlier Elon Musk had argued that manufacturing is listed as an essential workforce.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hits-12-million-covid-19-cases-as-many-americans-defy-thanksgiving-travel-guidance-344596" hreflang="en">US hits 12 million COVID-19 cases as many Americans defy guidelines</a>

"The limited stay-at-home order does not apply to employees deemed essential workers — manufacturing is listed as an essential workforce," said California's Department of Public Health, specifying in particular transport products and equipment.

The exemption has been granted on the condition that Musk's factories will ensure all necessary health guidelines and will make sure the employees are provided all the basic precautions and facilities needed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-grants-emergency-use-authorisation-to-regeneron-covid-19-antibodies-344588">US grants emergency use authorisation to Regeneron Covid-19 antibodies</a>

Elon Musk, during the last lockdown, had argued about shutting down his factory and had even threatened to move his headquarters and all other future projects to&nbsp;Texas or Nevada.

In the end of the feud, Musk had, once again, won the argument with the state having to admit that manufacturing has been listed as an essential workforce, which automatically exempts Musk's employees from all lockdowns.

The 10:00 pm to 5:00 am stay-at-home order, apart from essential activities, will take effect Saturday evening and remain in force through December 21. Some 94 per cent of the population is affected by the curfew, including residents of Alameda, where the electric car manufacturer's plant is located.

In a first, Tesla factory workers based in California will be counted as 'essential workers' and will be exempted from new coronavirus restrictions in the state.

In a first, Tesla factory workers based in California will be counted as 'essential workers' and will be exempted from new coronavirus restrictions in the state. The decision has been taken as the state is inching towards new coronavirus restrictions, which will be initiated from this weekend. The authorities let the Tesla workers be exempted as earlier Elon Musk had argued that manufacturing is listed as an essential workforce. Also read| US hits 12 million COVID-19 cases as many Americans defy guidelines "The limited stay-at-home order does not apply to employees deemed essential workers — manufacturing is listed as an essential workforce," said California's Department of Public Health, specifying in particular transport products and equipment. The exemption has been granted on the condition that Musk's factories will ensure all necessary health guidelines and will make sure the employees are provided all the basic precautions and facilities needed to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. Also read| US grants emergency use authorisation to Regeneron Covid-19 antibodies Elon Musk, during the last lockdown, had argued about shutting down his factory and had even threatened to move his headquarters and all other future projects to Texas or Nevada. In the end of the feud, Musk had, once again, won the argument with the state having to admit that manufacturing has been listed as an essential workforce, which automatically exempts Musk's employees from all lockdowns. The 10:00 pm to 5:00 am stay-at-home order, apart from essential activities, will take effect Saturday evening and remain in force through December 21. Some 94 per cent of the population is affected by the curfew, including residents of Alameda, where the electric car manufacturer's plant is located.

Elon Musk's Tesla factory workers counted as 'essential workers'

SpaceX's Dragon capsule has become the first private spacecraft to reach space. The launch marked a new chapter in space exploration where private companies no longer play second fiddle to NASA.

Gravitas: NASA's First-ever commercial flight

NASA and high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk`s rocket company SpaceX announced on Friday a 24-hour weather delay of their planned launch of four astronauts into orbit for NASA`s first full-fledged human mission using a privately owned spacecraft.

The liftoff time slipped from Saturday to Sunday evening due to forecasts of gusty, onshore winds over Florida - remnants of Tropical Storm Eta - that would have made a return landing for the Falcon 9 rocket`s reusable booster stage difficult, NASA officials said.

SpaceX`s newly designed Crew Dragon capsule, dubbed "Resilience" by its crew, was rescheduled for launch atop the Falcon 9 at 7:27 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday (0027 GMT on Monday) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/another-big-leap-spacex-set-to-launch-first-fully-crewed-iss-mission-342288">'Another big leap': SpaceX set to launch first fully-crewed ISS mission</a>

The crew for the flight to the International Space Station includes three American astronauts - Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and the mission commander, Mike Hopkins, a U.S. Air Force colonel who is to be sworn into the fledgling U.S. Space Force once aboard the orbiting laboratory.

The fourth crew member is Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi, making his third trip to orbit after flying on the U.S. space shuttle in 2005 and a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2009.

The journey to the space station - lengthened from about eight hours to a little over a day by the new launch time - is considered SpaceX’s first "operational" mission for the Crew Dragon.

A so-called test flight of the vehicle to and from the space station with two crewmen aboard the Dragon in August marked the first space flight of NASA astronauts launched from U.S. soil in nine years, following the end of the shuttle program.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacexs-envisioned-machinery-will-not-only-take-us-to-mars-but-reduce-travel-time-on-earth-tremendously-306615">SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously!</a>

NASA officials only just signed off on Crew Dragon’s final design earlier this week, capping a nearly 10-year development phase for SpaceX under the space agency’s public-private crew program.

The advent of the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon represents a new era of commercially developed space vehicles - owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA - being used to carry Americans into orbit.

"The history being made this time is we’re launching what we call an operational flight to the International Space Station," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said at a press conference at Kennedy Space Center on Friday.

Musk, the billionaire Silicon Valley titan who also is chief executive of electric carmarker and battery manufacturer Tesla Inc , usually attends high-profile SpaceX missions in person. But his presence for the launch was thrown into question on Thursday after he said he had taken a series of four coronavirus diagnostic tests, with two coming back positive and two negative.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-launches-third-batch-of-mini-satellites-into-orbit-272623">SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit</a>

Asked if Musk would be in the launch control room for liftoff, Bridenstine said agency policy required employees to quarantine and self-isolate after testing positive for the disease, "so we anticipate that that will be taking place."

Whether Musk came into contact with the astronauts was unclear but unlikely since the crew has been in routine quarantine for weeks prior to the flight.

NASA contracted SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to develop competing space capsules aimed at replacing the shuttle program that ended in 2011 and weaning the United States off dependence on Russian rockets to send U.S. astronauts to space.

Boeing’s first crewed test mission with its Starliner capsule is planned for late next year.

NASA and high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk`s rocket company SpaceX announced on Friday a 24-hour weather delay of their planned launch of four astronauts into orbit for NASA`s first full-fledged human mission using a privately owned spacecraft.

NASA and high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk`s rocket company SpaceX announced on Friday a 24-hour weather delay of their planned launch of four astronauts into orbit for NASA`s first full-fledged human mission using a privately owned spacecraft. The liftoff time slipped from Saturday to Sunday evening due to forecasts of gusty, onshore winds over Florida - remnants of Tropical Storm Eta - that would have made a return landing for the Falcon 9 rocket`s reusable booster stage difficult, NASA officials said. SpaceX`s newly designed Crew Dragon capsule, dubbed "Resilience" by its crew, was rescheduled for launch atop the Falcon 9 at 7:27 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday (0027 GMT on Monday) from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Also read| 'Another big leap': SpaceX set to launch first fully-crewed ISS mission The crew for the flight to the International Space Station includes three American astronauts - Victor Glover, Shannon Walker and the mission commander, Mike Hopkins, a U.S. Air Force colonel who is to be sworn into the fledgling U.S. Space Force once aboard the orbiting laboratory. The fourth crew member is Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi, making his third trip to orbit after flying on the U.S. space shuttle in 2005 and a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 2009. The journey to the space station - lengthened from about eight hours to a little over a day by the new launch time - is considered SpaceX’s first "operational" mission for the Crew Dragon. A so-called test flight of the vehicle to and from the space station with two crewmen aboard the Dragon in August marked the first space flight of NASA astronauts launched from U.S. soil in nine years, following the end of the shuttle program. Also read| SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously! NASA officials only just signed off on Crew Dragon’s final design earlier this week, capping a nearly 10-year development phase for SpaceX under the space agency’s public-private crew program. The advent of the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon represents a new era of commercially developed space vehicles - owned and operated by a private entity rather than NASA - being used to carry Americans into orbit. "The history being made this time is we’re launching what we call an operational flight to the International Space Station," NASA chief Jim Bridenstine said at a press conference at Kennedy Space Center on Friday. Musk, the billionaire Silicon Valley titan who also is chief executive of electric carmarker and battery manufacturer Tesla Inc , usually attends high-profile SpaceX missions in person. But his presence for the launch was thrown into question on Thursday after he said he had taken a series of four coronavirus diagnostic tests, with two coming back positive and two negative. Also read| SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit Asked if Musk would be in the launch control room for liftoff, Bridenstine said agency policy required employees to quarantine and self-isolate after testing positive for the disease, "so we anticipate that that will be taking place." Whether Musk came into contact with the astronauts was unclear but unlikely since the crew has been in routine quarantine for weeks prior to the flight. NASA contracted SpaceX and Boeing in 2014 to develop competing space capsules aimed at replacing the shuttle program that ended in 2011 and weaning the United States off dependence on Russian rockets to send U.S. astronauts to space. Boeing’s first crewed test mission with its Starliner capsule is planned for late next year.

SpaceX launch of crew on first 'operational' mission delayed by weather

Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Thursday he took four coronavirus tests on the same day, with two showing positive results, while the other two were negative.

"Something extremely bogus is going on. Was tested for covid four times today. Two tests came back negative, two came back positive. Same machine, same test, same nurse. Rapid antigen test from BD," Musk said in a tweet, possibly referring to Becton Dickinson and Co`s rapid antigen test.

The Tesla CEO said he was also undergoing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests from separate labs whose results will take about 24 hours.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-elon-musk-questions-the-accuracy-of-covid-19-tests-343054/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

When asked by a Twitter user if he showed any symptoms, Musk said he had symptoms of a "typical cold".

"Nothing unusual so far," Musk added.

Becton Dickinson said in September it was investigating reports from U.S. nursing homes that its rapid coronavirus testing equipment was producing false-positive results.

Becton Dickinson did not respond to a request for comment late on Thursday.

Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Thursday he took four coronavirus tests on the same day, with two showing positive results, while the other two were negative.

Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Thursday he took four coronavirus tests on the same day, with two showing positive results, while the other two were negative. "Something extremely bogus is going on. Was tested for covid four times today. Two tests came back negative, two came back positive. Same machine, same test, same nurse. Rapid antigen test from BD," Musk said in a tweet, possibly referring to Becton Dickinson and Co`s rapid antigen test. The Tesla CEO said he was also undergoing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests from separate labs whose results will take about 24 hours. × When asked by a Twitter user if he showed any symptoms, Musk said he had symptoms of a "typical cold". "Nothing unusual so far," Musk added. Becton Dickinson said in September it was investigating reports from U.S. nursing homes that its rapid coronavirus testing equipment was producing false-positive results. Becton Dickinson did not respond to a request for comment late on Thursday.

Elon Musk says took four COVID-19 tests; two were positive, two negative

Elon Musk took four tests for the Wuhan Virus. 2 tests came back positive, 2 were negative. Musk claims 'something extremely bogus is going on'. Is he right? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Elon Musk questions the accuracy of COVID-19 tests

Elon Musk's rocket company&nbsp;SpaceX is set to launch its first fully-crewed bound for the International Space Station on Saturday.

It is&nbsp;the program's first six-month routine mission since the United States resumed crewed space flight in May after nine years of reliance on Russia. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacexs-envisioned-machinery-will-not-only-take-us-to-mars-but-reduce-travel-time-on-earth-tremendously-306615">SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously!</a>

NASA on Tuesday officially certified as safe the Crew Dragon capsule developed for regular astronaut transportation by SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk that carried two astronauts to the ISS in May and back to Earth again in August without major incident.&nbsp;

"I'm extremely proud to say we are returning regular human spaceflight launches to American soil on an American rocket and spacecraft," NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said.&nbsp;

The mission, named CREW-1, will deliver four of the seven individuals from Expedition 64 to the ISS: NASA space travelers Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, and Shannon Walker, just as Japanese space explorer Soichi Noguchi. Endeavor 64 is the term for this 64th gathering of individuals to possess and chip away at the ISS long haul.

Take-off is planned for 7:49 pm Saturday (0049 GMT Sunday) from Kennedy Space Center in Florida and they are expected to arrive at the ISS eight hours later, at 0920 GMT Sunday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-launches-third-batch-of-mini-satellites-into-orbit-272623">SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit</a>

The mission marks a culmination for SpaceX, setting it up to be NASA's favored,&nbsp;and so far most reliable, transportation provider as the agency waits on Boeing's Starliner capsule, which has been held up in testing and is not expected to be ready before next year.&nbsp;

SpaceX has been operating space station re-supplying flights with the cargo version of the Dragon since 2012.&nbsp;

"For the next 15 months, we will fly seven crew and cargo Dragon missions for NASA," SpaceX head of crewed flights Benji Reed said during a phone call Tuesday.&nbsp;

"That means that (from December) starting with Crew-1, there will be a continuous presence of SpaceX Dragons in orbit."

The next crewed mission is expected to blast off at the end of March 2021, carrying one European, one Japanese and two American crew members.&nbsp;

Elon Musk's organisation has dispatched two individuals into space to date: NASA space explorers Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken, who rode to the International Space Station May 30 on board a Crew Dragon container mounted on a Falcon 9 rocket. That experimental drill, named DEMO-2, denoted the primary ever business manned dispatch, and the principal dispatch from American soil since the finish of the Space Shuttle program in 2011.

In any case, it was an experimental drill, with only two space explorers on board, enduring only 64 days with the vast majority of that time in zero-gravity spent on the International Space Station (ISS). On Nov. 14, if all works out as expected, four space explorers will take a Crew Dragon to the ISS and stay on the space station for a half year. It will check the start of the period of commonsense business spaceflight.&nbsp;

Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX is set to launch its first fully-crewed bound for the International Space Station on Saturday. It is the program's first six-month routine mission since the United States resumed crewed space flight in May after nine years of reliance on Russia.

Elon Musk's rocket company SpaceX is set to launch its first fully-crewed bound for the International Space Station on Saturday. It is the program's first six-month routine mission since the United States resumed crewed space flight in May after nine years of reliance on Russia. Also read: SpaceX's envisioned machinery will not only take us to Mars, but reduce travel time on Earth tremendously! NASA on Tuesday officially certified as safe the Crew Dragon capsule developed for regular astronaut transportation by SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk that carried two astronauts to the ISS in May and back to Earth again in August without major incident. "I'm extremely proud to say we are returning regular human spaceflight launches to American soil on an American rocket and spacecraft," NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said. The mission, named CREW-1, will deliver four of the seven individuals from Expedition 64 to the ISS: NASA space travelers Michael Hopkins, Victor Glover, and Shannon Walker, just as Japanese space explorer Soichi Noguchi. Endeavor 64 is the term for this 64th gathering of individuals to possess and chip away at the ISS long haul. Take-off is planned for 7:49 pm Saturday (0049 GMT Sunday) from Kennedy Space Center in Florida and they are expected to arrive at the ISS eight hours later, at 0920 GMT Sunday. Also read: SpaceX launches third batch of mini-satellites into orbit The mission marks a culmination for SpaceX, setting it up to be NASA's favored, and so far most reliable, transportation provider as the agency waits on Boeing's Starliner capsule, which has been held up in testing and is not expected to be ready before next year. SpaceX has been operating space station re-supplying flights with the cargo version of the Dragon since 2012. "For the next 15 months, we will fly seven crew and cargo Dragon missions for NASA," SpaceX head of crewed flights Benji Reed said during a phone call Tuesday. "That means that (from December) starting with Crew-1, there will be a continuous presence of SpaceX Dragons in orbit." The next crewed mission is expected to blast off at the end of March 2021, carrying one European, one Japanese and two American crew members. Elon Musk's organisation has dispatched two individuals into space to date: NASA space explorers Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken, who rode to the International Space Station May 30 on board a Crew Dragon container mounted on a Falcon 9 rocket. That experimental drill, named DEMO-2, denoted the primary ever business manned dispatch, and the principal dispatch from American soil since the finish of the Space Shuttle program in 2011. In any case, it was an experimental drill, with only two space explorers on board, enduring only 64 days with the vast majority of that time in zero-gravity spent on the International Space Station (ISS). On Nov. 14, if all works out as expected, four space explorers will take a Crew Dragon to the ISS and stay on the space station for a half year. It will check the start of the period of commonsense business spaceflight.

'Another big leap': SpaceX set to launch first fully-crewed ISS mission

What started as an April Fools'Day joke by Tesla owner Elon Musk is now a reality, and a very pricey one. After automobiles, internet services and space programmes, Elon Musk&nbsp;has launched his own brand of tequila called&nbsp;Teslaquilla.

In 2018, Musk played an April Fools' Day prank on his fans by posting a picture of himself sitting on the floor leaning on a Tesla car with the caption, "Tesla Goes Bankrupt"

"Elon was found passed out against a Tesla Model 3, surrounded by "Teslaquilla" bottles, the tracks of dried tears still visible on his cheeks," the tweet read. "This is not a forward-looking statement, because, obviously, what's the point?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Elon was found passed out against a Tesla Model 3, surrounded by "Teslaquilla" bottles, the tracks of dried tears still visible on his cheeks. 
 
This is not a forward-looking statement, because, obviously, what's the point? 
 
Happy New Month! <a href="https://t.co/YcouvFz6Y1">pic.twitter.com/YcouvFz6Y1</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/980566116614291456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The tweet sent fits of laughter across the social media platform. Later that year, Tesla filed an application with the&nbsp;US Patent and Trademark Office and got the word 'Teslaquilla' trademarked for the company. Two years later, the company has jow launched a tequila bottle in the shape of a lightning bolt and costs $250 per bottle.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-spacex-starlink-internet-surprises-users-with-174-mbps-download-speed-340020">Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink internet surprises users with 174 Mbps download speed</a>

The tequila is being defined as a "small-batch premium 100% de agave tequila añejo made from sustainably sourced highland and lowland agaves" on Tesla's official website. Officials claim this añejo, which typically from one to three years in oak, was aged for 15 months. The orders for this are limited to two bottles per person, as of now. The orders are no yet open for worldwide distribution due to&nbsp;industry regulations; only a few states in the US have permission to sell the new and pricey bottle of tequila.

After launching the expensive and much-awaited bottle, Musk replied to his own tweet from April 2018 as a form of the formal announcement on the social media platform.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🤗
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1324591221424025606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

What started as an April Fools'Day joke by Tesla owner Elon Musk is now a reality, and a very pricey one. After automobiles, internet services and space programmes, Elon Musk has launched his own brand of tequila called Teslaquilla.

What started as an April Fools'Day joke by Tesla owner Elon Musk is now a reality, and a very pricey one. After automobiles, internet services and space programmes, Elon Musk has launched his own brand of tequila called Teslaquilla. In 2018, Musk played an April Fools' Day prank on his fans by posting a picture of himself sitting on the floor leaning on a Tesla car with the caption, "Tesla Goes Bankrupt" "Elon was found passed out against a Tesla Model 3, surrounded by "Teslaquilla" bottles, the tracks of dried tears still visible on his cheeks," the tweet read. "This is not a forward-looking statement, because, obviously, what's the point?" Elon was found passed out against a Tesla Model 3, surrounded by "Teslaquilla" bottles, the tracks of dried tears still visible on his cheeks. This is not a forward-looking statement, because, obviously, what's the point? Happy New Month! pic.twitter.com/YcouvFz6Y1 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 1, 2018 × The tweet sent fits of laughter across the social media platform. Later that year, Tesla filed an application with the US Patent and Trademark Office and got the word 'Teslaquilla' trademarked for the company. Two years later, the company has jow launched a tequila bottle in the shape of a lightning bolt and costs $250 per bottle. Also read| Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink internet surprises users with 174 Mbps download speed The tequila is being defined as a "small-batch premium 100% de agave tequila añejo made from sustainably sourced highland and lowland agaves" on Tesla's official website. Officials claim this añejo, which typically from one to three years in oak, was aged for 15 months. The orders for this are limited to two bottles per person, as of now. The orders are no yet open for worldwide distribution due to industry regulations; only a few states in the US have permission to sell the new and pricey bottle of tequila. After launching the expensive and much-awaited bottle, Musk replied to his own tweet from April 2018 as a form of the formal announcement on the social media platform. 🤗 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 6, 2020 ×

Elon Musk's Tesla launches tequila $250 worth tequila called 'Teslaquilla'

SpaceX launched a beta version of its&nbsp;Starlink satellite internet on October 26, and people have been surprised with the current download speed as beta users observed download speed between 160-174 megabits per second.

Beta users were asked to pay a fee of&nbsp;$600 upfront to get the internet which Musk announced as "Better Than Nothing Beta". However, Musk had tried to downplay his hand and said the internet would provide&nbsp;download speeds between 50 to 150 Mbps. However, the download speeds have surprised the users.

Starlink will be using nearly 900 satellites to beam the internet down to earth. After the users started sharing screenshots of the download speed, SpaceX said they deliberately wanted to "lower your initial expectations" to make sure no disappointment came their way when the users started beta testing.

Some users, however, have also shared their experiences where the downloads paused for a few seconds and even the internet service gets completely disrupted for brief periods and some said the disruption may be as there are a&nbsp;couple of trees in the way. However, Starlink still remains one of the fastest internet service providers in the US with&nbsp;steady high speeds.

Many users are now hailing the new internet system, while some have complained about the cost involved in the same. The beta version is available $99 a month but there are additional costs involved which totals to&nbsp;$499 for a kit with a tripod, a WiFi router, and a terminal to connect to Starlink satellites. While some are unhappy with the massive cost, some are saying they will be happy to pay even more if the speed remains either the same or increases, especially now as majority people are working from home.

Users are now urging each other to share their screenshots after a few days to test whether or not SpaceX will be able to maintain the quality of the service they have started to provide.

SpaceX launched a beta version of its Starlink satellite internet on October 26, and people have been surprised with the current download speed as beta users observed download speed between 160-174 megabits per second.

SpaceX launched a beta version of its Starlink satellite internet on October 26, and people have been surprised with the current download speed as beta users observed download speed between 160-174 megabits per second. Beta users were asked to pay a fee of $600 upfront to get the internet which Musk announced as "Better Than Nothing Beta". However, Musk had tried to downplay his hand and said the internet would provide download speeds between 50 to 150 Mbps. However, the download speeds have surprised the users. Starlink will be using nearly 900 satellites to beam the internet down to earth. After the users started sharing screenshots of the download speed, SpaceX said they deliberately wanted to "lower your initial expectations" to make sure no disappointment came their way when the users started beta testing. Some users, however, have also shared their experiences where the downloads paused for a few seconds and even the internet service gets completely disrupted for brief periods and some said the disruption may be as there are a couple of trees in the way. However, Starlink still remains one of the fastest internet service providers in the US with steady high speeds. Many users are now hailing the new internet system, while some have complained about the cost involved in the same. The beta version is available $99 a month but there are additional costs involved which totals to $499 for a kit with a tripod, a WiFi router, and a terminal to connect to Starlink satellites. While some are unhappy with the massive cost, some are saying they will be happy to pay even more if the speed remains either the same or increases, especially now as majority people are working from home. Users are now urging each other to share their screenshots after a few days to test whether or not SpaceX will be able to maintain the quality of the service they have started to provide.

Elon Musk's SpaceX Starlink internet surprises users with 174 Mbps download speed

With only four days to go for the US election 2020,&nbsp;President Donald Trump's differences with rival presidential candidate Joe Biden extend far beyond planet Earth.

However, NASA's moonshot, aerospace company Boeing,&nbsp;Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, and&nbsp;SpaceX owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk also have a&nbsp;lot riding on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/us-election">US&nbsp;election</a> on November 3.

While Republican candidate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Trump</a>&nbsp;plans to win the race in space call for a 2024 moon mission and ending direct US&nbsp;financial support for the International Space Station in 2025, turning&nbsp;over control of the decades-old orbital laboratory to private space companies.

Biden, on the other hand, would likely call for a delayed&nbsp;moonshot&nbsp;and propose a funding extension for the International Space Station if he wins the White House, according to people familiar with the fledging Biden space agenda.

Earlier,&nbsp;NASA had&nbsp;selected&nbsp;Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX&nbsp;to develop human landers for Artemis moon missions.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bezoss-blue-origin-and-musks-spacex-to-collaborate-in-building-nasas-lunar-lander-296099">Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX to collaborate in building NASA's lunar lander</a>

Pushing back the moon mission could cast more doubt on the long-term fate of Boeing Co's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, just as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin scramble to bring rival rockets to market as soon as next year.

Extending support for the space station for a decade would also be a major boost for Boeing, whose $225 million annual ISS operations contract is set to expire in 2024 and is at the depths of a financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 737 MAX grounding after fatal crashes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-shepard-capsule-bezos-blue-origin-conducts-successful-test-flight-for-space-tourism-335120">New Shepard capsule: Bezos' Blue Origin conducts successful test flight for space tourism</a>

Boeing and SpaceX are already supplying spacecraft to ferry astronauts to the ISS under a program begun under the Obama administration and supported by both Trump and Biden.

Though slowing the&nbsp;moonshot&nbsp;would push back contracts for moon landers and related equipment the companies aim to win, the emerging Biden space agenda appears broadly set to promote competition between traditional defense contractors like Boeing and "new space" rivals like SpaceX who promise lower-cost and reusable rocket systems and space vehicles.

Craving consistency

For the commercial space industry, "consistency is key," said Mike French, a vice president at the Aerospace Industries Association trade group who earlier served as NASA chief of staff under Obama.

"If you shake the etch-a-sketch now, you will (be) risking a series of potentially historic accomplishments and the strong and sustained bipartisan support NASA has seen across its portfolio," French told Reuters.

Roughly 20 former senior NASA officials and scientists have assembled as a volunteer subgroup under the Biden campaign's science committee to informally help draw up ideas for a space platform.

Many held jobs in the Obama administration and are jockeying for influential roles on the transition team or in a Biden administration.

Members of the subgroup also want to boost NASA funding for Earth science and support partnerships with other nations. They stressed that Biden's space agenda, and the staff assignments to lead it, were in a formative stage as his campaign prioritizes more pressing issues, like the coronavirus pandemic and joblessness.

A Biden campaign spokesman pointed to earlier remarks from Biden. In August, after SpaceX launched and returned the first astronauts from US&nbsp;soil on a trip to the ISS in nearly a decade, Biden said he looked forward to "leading a bold space program that will continue to send astronaut heroes to expand our exploration and scientific frontiers."

Representatives for Blue Origin and Boeing declined to comment. SpaceX and the Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Fight over Boeing rocket

But the Biden space group is divided on what to do about Boeing's SLS, several sources said.

The super heavy-lift rocket has been beset by development delays and cost overruns, but supports tens of thousands of jobs in Alabama and California and is seen by backers as central to NASA's exploration plans and the only path to Trump's 2024 timeline for the Artemis mission.

Critics say the rocket's aging technology and launch costs of $1 billion or more permission should prompt a formal White House or Congressional review of the program, particularly if SpaceX and Blue Origin are able to offer new rockets at a lower cost.

It costs as little as $90 million to fly Musk's massive but still less-powerful Falcon Heavy, and some $350 million per launch for United Launch Alliance's legacy Delta IV Heavy.

Whether a Biden space policy would be more friendly to SLS or to newer commercial alternatives from "new space" players will be heavily influenced by his choice for NASA administrator, a role the campaign wants to be filled by a woman, two people said.

NASA views SLS as its only human-rated ride to the moon in the near term, said Doug Loverro, the former NASA head of human spaceflight.

"But is that the long-term direction to continue to pursue?" Loverro asked.

With only four days to go for the US election 2020, President Donald Trump's differences with rival presidential candidate Joe Biden extend far beyond planet Earth.

With only four days to go for the US election 2020, President Donald Trump's differences with rival presidential candidate Joe Biden extend far beyond planet Earth. However, NASA's moonshot, aerospace company Boeing, Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, and SpaceX owner and Tesla CEO Elon Musk also have a lot riding on the US election on November 3. While Republican candidate Trump plans to win the race in space call for a 2024 moon mission and ending direct US financial support for the International Space Station in 2025, turning over control of the decades-old orbital laboratory to private space companies. Biden, on the other hand, would likely call for a delayed moonshot and propose a funding extension for the International Space Station if he wins the White House, according to people familiar with the fledging Biden space agenda. Earlier, NASA had selected Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX to develop human landers for Artemis moon missions. Also read: Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX to collaborate in building NASA's lunar lander Pushing back the moon mission could cast more doubt on the long-term fate of Boeing Co's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, just as Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin scramble to bring rival rockets to market as soon as next year. Extending support for the space station for a decade would also be a major boost for Boeing, whose $225 million annual ISS operations contract is set to expire in 2024 and is at the depths of a financial crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 737 MAX grounding after fatal crashes. Also read: New Shepard capsule: Bezos' Blue Origin conducts successful test flight for space tourism Boeing and SpaceX are already supplying spacecraft to ferry astronauts to the ISS under a program begun under the Obama administration and supported by both Trump and Biden. Though slowing the moonshot would push back contracts for moon landers and related equipment the companies aim to win, the emerging Biden space agenda appears broadly set to promote competition between traditional defense contractors like Boeing and "new space" rivals like SpaceX who promise lower-cost and reusable rocket systems and space vehicles. Craving consistency For the commercial space industry, "consistency is key," said Mike French, a vice president at the Aerospace Industries Association trade group who earlier served as NASA chief of staff under Obama. "If you shake the etch-a-sketch now, you will (be) risking a series of potentially historic accomplishments and the strong and sustained bipartisan support NASA has seen across its portfolio," French told Reuters. Roughly 20 former senior NASA officials and scientists have assembled as a volunteer subgroup under the Biden campaign's science committee to informally help draw up ideas for a space platform. Many held jobs in the Obama administration and are jockeying for influential roles on the transition team or in a Biden administration. Members of the subgroup also want to boost NASA funding for Earth science and support partnerships with other nations. They stressed that Biden's space agenda, and the staff assignments to lead it, were in a formative stage as his campaign prioritizes more pressing issues, like the coronavirus pandemic and joblessness. A Biden campaign spokesman pointed to earlier remarks from Biden. In August, after SpaceX launched and returned the first astronauts from US soil on a trip to the ISS in nearly a decade, Biden said he looked forward to "leading a bold space program that will continue to send astronaut heroes to expand our exploration and scientific frontiers." Representatives for Blue Origin and Boeing declined to comment. SpaceX and the Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment. Fight over Boeing rocket But the Biden space group is divided on what to do about Boeing's SLS, several sources said. The super heavy-lift rocket has been beset by development delays and cost overruns, but supports tens of thousands of jobs in Alabama and California and is seen by backers as central to NASA's exploration plans and the only path to Trump's 2024 timeline for the Artemis mission. Critics say the rocket's aging technology and launch costs of $1 billion or more permission should prompt a formal White House or Congressional review of the program, particularly if SpaceX and Blue Origin are able to offer new rockets at a lower cost. It costs as little as $90 million to fly Musk's massive but still less-powerful Falcon Heavy, and some $350 million per launch for United Launch Alliance's legacy Delta IV Heavy. Whether a Biden space policy would be more friendly to SLS or to newer commercial alternatives from "new space" players will be heavily influenced by his choice for NASA administrator, a role the campaign wants to be filled by a woman, two people said. NASA views SLS as its only human-rated ride to the moon in the near term, said Doug Loverro, the former NASA head of human spaceflight. "But is that the long-term direction to continue to pursue?" Loverro asked.

US election 2020: Why are the polls crucial for NASA's moonshot, Boeing, Bezos and Musk

Microsoft Corp is partnering with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk-led SpaceX and others as it targets space customers, the software giant said on Tuesday.

The partnership with SpaceX Starlink will provide high-speed satellite broadband for Microsoft`s cloud computing data centers, the company said https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2020/10/20/azure-space-cloud-powered-innovation-on-and-off-the-planet in a blog post.

Cloud companies have seen a surge in demand this year as more businesses use their services for switching to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SpaceX, known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceX`s interplanetary goals.

Earlier this month, SpaceX won a $149 million contract to build missile-tracking satellites for the Pentagon, its first government contract to build satellites.

Microsoft Corp is partnering with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk-led SpaceX and others as it targets space customers, the software giant said on Tuesday. The partnership with SpaceX Starlink will provide high-speed satellite broadband for Microsoft`s cloud computing data centers, the company said https://blogs.

Microsoft Corp is partnering with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk-led SpaceX and others as it targets space customers, the software giant said on Tuesday. The partnership with SpaceX Starlink will provide high-speed satellite broadband for Microsoft`s cloud computing data centers, the company said https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2020/10/20/azure-space-cloud-powered-innovation-on-and-off-the-planet in a blog post. Cloud companies have seen a surge in demand this year as more businesses use their services for switching to work from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SpaceX, known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceX`s interplanetary goals. Earlier this month, SpaceX won a $149 million contract to build missile-tracking satellites for the Pentagon, its first government contract to build satellites.

Microsoft, Elon Musk's SpaceX tie up to woo space customers

The wealth of the world's&nbsp;billionaires has reached a new high amid the coronavirus crisis according to a latest report by Swiss bank&nbsp;a report by UBS.

The report found that&nbsp;billionaires did ''extremely well'' as a rally in stock prices and gains in technology and healthcare helped the wealth of the world's richest break the $10 trillion mark.

It covered over 2,000&nbsp;billionaires representing some 98 per cent&nbsp;of the cohort's total wealth. The report states&nbsp;billionaire&nbsp;wealth grew by more than a quarter during the early months of the pandemic to reach $10.2 trillion in July, breaking the previous record of $8.9 trillion at the end of 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-billionaires-get-richer-as-americans-lose-jobs-303714">Amid coronavirus pandemic, billionaires get richer as Americans lose jobs</a>

According to the&nbsp;UBS and PwC database,&nbsp;25 years ago&nbsp;billionaire&nbsp;wealth stood at just over $1 trillion, but there has been&nbsp;five- to ten-fold rise over the period of time.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-why-do-the-british-love-fugitive-billionaires-327089/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Between April 7 and July 31 this year,&nbsp;billionaires across every industry covered by the study saw their wealth rise by double digits, with&nbsp;billionaires in the technology, healthcare and industrial sectors leading the pack with 36 per cent to 44&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;gains.

The pandemic accelerated a trend of technology and healthcare entrepreneurs, and other business innovators, pulling ahead of their ultra-rich peers.

From 2018 through July 2020, tech&nbsp;billionaires saw their wealth rise 42.5&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;to $1.8 trillion, the report found, while&nbsp;billionaires deriving their fortune from healthcare similarly saw their wealth rise 50.3&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;during the period to $658.6 billion.

Just over 200 of those&nbsp;billionaires publicly committed some $7.2 billion to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, the study found, noting that&nbsp;billionaire&nbsp;donations to combat the medical crisis as well as the societal and economic turmoil it caused were likely actually higher.

The wealth of the world's billionaires has reached a new high amid the coronavirus crisis according to a latest report by Swiss bank a report by UBS. The report found that billionaires did ''extremely well'' as a rally in stock prices and gains in technology and healthcare helped the wealth of the world's richest break the $10 trillion mark.

The wealth of the world's billionaires has reached a new high amid the coronavirus crisis according to a latest report by Swiss bank a report by UBS. The report found that billionaires did ''extremely well'' as a rally in stock prices and gains in technology and healthcare helped the wealth of the world's richest break the $10 trillion mark. It covered over 2,000 billionaires representing some 98 per cent of the cohort's total wealth. The report states billionaire wealth grew by more than a quarter during the early months of the pandemic to reach $10.2 trillion in July, breaking the previous record of $8.9 trillion at the end of 2019. Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, billionaires get richer as Americans lose jobs According to the UBS and PwC database, 25 years ago billionaire wealth stood at just over $1 trillion, but there has been five- to ten-fold rise over the period of time. Between April 7 and July 31 this year, billionaires across every industry covered by the study saw their wealth rise by double digits, with billionaires in the technology, healthcare and industrial sectors leading the pack with 36 per cent to 44 per cent gains. The pandemic accelerated a trend of technology and healthcare entrepreneurs, and other business innovators, pulling ahead of their ultra-rich peers. From 2018 through July 2020, tech billionaires saw their wealth rise 42.5 per cent to $1.8 trillion, the report found, while billionaires deriving their fortune from healthcare similarly saw their wealth rise 50.3 per cent during the period to $658.6 billion. Just over 200 of those billionaires publicly committed some $7.2 billion to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, the study found, noting that billionaire donations to combat the medical crisis as well as the societal and economic turmoil it caused were likely actually higher.

Wealth of billionaires rises to $10.2 trillion amid coronavirus crisis

The&nbsp;Pentagon has&nbsp;awarded&nbsp;a $149 million (£114.8 million) contract to build missile-tracking satellites to Elon Musk's SpaceX.

This is the&nbsp;first government contract to build satellites for SpaceX which is&nbsp;an&nbsp;American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-to-destroy-rocket-in-mock-failure-before-manned-missions-with-nasa-275010">SpaceX to destroy rocket in 'mock-failure' before manned missions with NASA</a>

SpaceX is known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that chief executive Elon Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceX’s interplanetary goals.

Under the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Space Development Agency (SDA)&nbsp;contract, SpaceX will use its Starlink assembly plant in Redmond, Washington, to build four satellites fitted with a wide-angle infrared missile-tracking sensor supplied by a subcontractor, an SDA official said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-nasa-astronauts-on-spacexs-crew-dragon-will-vote-from-space-331336">NASA astronauts on SpaceX's Crew Dragon will vote from space</a>

Technology company L3 Harris Technologies Inc., formerly Harris Corporation, received $193 million to build another four satellites. Both companies are expected to deliver the satellites for launch by fall 2022.&nbsp;

The awards are part of the SDA’s first phase to procure satellites to detect and track missiles like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which can travel long distances and are challenging to track and intercept.&nbsp;

SpaceX in 2019 received $28 million from the Air Force to use the fledgling Starlink satellite network to test encrypted internet services with a number of military planes, though the Air Force has not ordered any Starlink satellites of its own.

The Pentagon has awarded a $149 million (£114.8 million) contract to build missile-tracking satellites to Elon Musk's SpaceX. This is the first government contract to build satellites for SpaceX which is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services.

The Pentagon has awarded a $149 million (£114.8 million) contract to build missile-tracking satellites to Elon Musk's SpaceX. This is the first government contract to build satellites for SpaceX which is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services. Also read: SpaceX to destroy rocket in 'mock-failure' before manned missions with NASA SpaceX is known for its reusable rockets and astronaut capsules, is ramping up satellite production for Starlink, a growing constellation of hundreds of internet-beaming satellites that chief executive Elon Musk hopes will generate enough revenue to help fund SpaceX’s interplanetary goals. Under the US Space Development Agency (SDA) contract, SpaceX will use its Starlink assembly plant in Redmond, Washington, to build four satellites fitted with a wide-angle infrared missile-tracking sensor supplied by a subcontractor, an SDA official said. Also read: NASA astronauts on SpaceX's Crew Dragon will vote from space Technology company L3 Harris Technologies Inc., formerly Harris Corporation, received $193 million to build another four satellites. Both companies are expected to deliver the satellites for launch by fall 2022. The awards are part of the SDA’s first phase to procure satellites to detect and track missiles like intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which can travel long distances and are challenging to track and intercept. SpaceX in 2019 received $28 million from the Air Force to use the fledgling Starlink satellite network to test encrypted internet services with a number of military planes, though the Air Force has not ordered any Starlink satellites of its own.

Pentagon awards $149 million contract to Elon Musk's SpaceX for missile tracking satellites

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk indicated on Friday that the U.S. electric carmaker will make a foray into India in 2021.

"Next year for sure," Musk said on Twitter in reply to a post with a photograph of a T-shirt with the message: "India wants Tesla".

"Thanks for waiting," Musk said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Next year for sure
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1311931936261263360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Tesla`s entry could come at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is increasingly becoming focussed on promoting the use and manufacture of electric vehicles.

India`s auto sector, already reeling from a slowdown in demand last year, has been further hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic and carmakers are seeking government support to push sales.

Musk commented last year about coming to India, in response to someone on Twitter who asked "What about India sir?".

"Would love to be there this year. If not, definitely next!" he said in March 2019.

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk indicated on Friday that the U.S. electric carmaker will make a foray into India in 2021. "Next year for sure," Musk said on Twitter in reply to a post with a photograph of a T-shirt with the message: "India wants Tesla".

Tesla Inc chief executive Elon Musk indicated on Friday that the U.S. electric carmaker will make a foray into India in 2021. "Next year for sure," Musk said on Twitter in reply to a post with a photograph of a T-shirt with the message: "India wants Tesla". "Thanks for waiting," Musk said. Next year for sure — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 2, 2020 × Tesla`s entry could come at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is increasingly becoming focussed on promoting the use and manufacture of electric vehicles. India`s auto sector, already reeling from a slowdown in demand last year, has been further hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic and carmakers are seeking government support to push sales. Musk commented last year about coming to India, in response to someone on Twitter who asked "What about India sir?". "Would love to be there this year. If not, definitely next!" he said in March 2019.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk suggests India entry in 2021

Tesla shares on Tuesday closed down 21.06 per cent, making it the worst one-day loss on record. After a steep fall in shares, the company’s market valuation has gone down by roughly $82 billion to $307.7 billion.

According to Forbes, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk's wealth too witnessed a fall by $16 billion.&nbsp;

This year, Tesla has witnessed a rise in stocks after rising around 300 per cent due to which the company is now worth more than some of the world's largest automakers, including Toyota and Volkswagen.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-becomes-worlds-third-richest-man-bezos-ex-wife-now-worlds-richest-woman-324475">Also read|&nbsp;Elon Musk becomes world's third richest man; Bezos' ex-wife now world's richest woman</a>

The S&amp;P 500 Index Committee on Friday decided to add e-commerce site Etsy, automatic test equipment maker Teradyne and pharmaceutical firm Catalent to the S&amp;P 500 but stopped short of including Tesla.

After Tesla reported its fourth consecutive quarter of profitability in July, some investors expected the company to be included this quarter. Following the news, the company's stock dropped 7 per cent after hours on Friday.&nbsp;

The American markets were closed on Monday because of Labor Day.&nbsp;

Last month, Tesla split its stock 5-to-1, this move by the company saw a significant rise in the value despite having no fundamental impact on the stock. However, it declined a few days later after its largest shareholder, Baillie Gifford cut its stake in the company. According to Gifford, the reduction in ownership was merely down to portfolio restrictions.

Tesla shares on Tuesday closed down 21.06 per cent, making it the worst one-day loss on record. After a steep fall in shares, the company’s market valuation has gone down by roughly $82 billion to $307.

Tesla shares on Tuesday closed down 21.06 per cent, making it the worst one-day loss on record. After a steep fall in shares, the company’s market valuation has gone down by roughly $82 billion to $307.7 billion. According to Forbes, Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk's wealth too witnessed a fall by $16 billion. This year, Tesla has witnessed a rise in stocks after rising around 300 per cent due to which the company is now worth more than some of the world's largest automakers, including Toyota and Volkswagen. Also read| Elon Musk becomes world's third richest man; Bezos' ex-wife now world's richest woman The S&P 500 Index Committee on Friday decided to add e-commerce site Etsy, automatic test equipment maker Teradyne and pharmaceutical firm Catalent to the S&P 500 but stopped short of including Tesla. After Tesla reported its fourth consecutive quarter of profitability in July, some investors expected the company to be included this quarter. Following the news, the company's stock dropped 7 per cent after hours on Friday. The American markets were closed on Monday because of Labor Day. Last month, Tesla split its stock 5-to-1, this move by the company saw a significant rise in the value despite having no fundamental impact on the stock. However, it declined a few days later after its largest shareholder, Baillie Gifford cut its stake in the company. According to Gifford, the reduction in ownership was merely down to portfolio restrictions.

Elon Musk's Tesla witnesses worst single-day loss in its history; company plunges by 21%

While billions of people have struggling to keep their business afloat in the pandemic this year, the year has been gracious for billionaire Elon Musk.

According to recent reports, Elon Musk has crossed Mark Zuckerberg to become world's third richest man as his net worth increased to&nbsp;$115.4 billion.

The Founder of social media giant Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, is now on the fourth position with a net worth of&nbsp;$110.8 billion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/three-little-pigs-elon-musk-unveils-neuralink-brain-computer-implants-323802">Also read|&nbsp;'Three little pigs': Elon Musk unveils Neuralink brain computer implants</a>

The SPaceX and Tesla owner saw an increase of&nbsp;nearly $87.8 billion this year due to an increase of almost 500 per cent in Tesla's shares.

The reports by&nbsp;Bloomberg Billionaire Index have also suggested that Musk, who is quite famous and liked on twitter too, has gained the most among all the billionaires.

As per Bloomberg, "Tesla’s $464 billion market value is now more than retail behemoth Walmart."

Musk is now following Jeff Bezos, world's richest man, with a net worth of&nbsp;$202 billion and Bill Gates, the second richest man who has a net worth of&nbsp;$125 billion.

World's richest woman

The year has been good for Jeff Bezos' ex-wife&nbsp;MacKenzie Scott too, as she climbed the ranks to become world's richest woman after she received&nbsp;a 4 per cent stake in Amazon.com Inc. as part of her divorce from founder Bezos. Now, her net worth is $66.4 billion.

While billions of people have struggling to keep their business afloat in the pandemic this year, the year has been gracious for billionaire Elon Musk. According to recent reports, Elon Musk has crossed Mark Zuckerberg to become world's third richest man as his net worth increased to $115.

While billions of people have struggling to keep their business afloat in the pandemic this year, the year has been gracious for billionaire Elon Musk. According to recent reports, Elon Musk has crossed Mark Zuckerberg to become world's third richest man as his net worth increased to $115.4 billion. The Founder of social media giant Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, is now on the fourth position with a net worth of $110.8 billion. Also read| 'Three little pigs': Elon Musk unveils Neuralink brain computer implants The SPaceX and Tesla owner saw an increase of nearly $87.8 billion this year due to an increase of almost 500 per cent in Tesla's shares. The reports by Bloomberg Billionaire Index have also suggested that Musk, who is quite famous and liked on twitter too, has gained the most among all the billionaires. As per Bloomberg, "Tesla’s $464 billion market value is now more than retail behemoth Walmart." Musk is now following Jeff Bezos, world's richest man, with a net worth of $202 billion and Bill Gates, the second richest man who has a net worth of $125 billion. World's richest woman The year has been good for Jeff Bezos' ex-wife MacKenzie Scott too, as she climbed the ranks to become world's richest woman after she received a 4 per cent stake in Amazon.com Inc. as part of her divorce from founder Bezos. Now, her net worth is $66.4 billion.

Elon Musk becomes world's third richest man; Bezos' ex-wife now world's richest woman

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has unveiled a pig that has had a coin-sized computer implant in its brain for two months, calling it an early step toward the goal of curing human diseases with the technology.

Elon Musk shows pig, blend of human & artificial intelligence

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's brain-machine interface company Neuralink showcased a working device on Friday, shedding new light into the progress of the secretive company.

Co-founded by Tesla Inc and SpaceX CEO&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;in 2016, San Francisco Bay Area-based Neuralink aims to implant wireless brain-computer interfaces that include thousands of electrodes in the most complex human organ to help cure neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia and spinal cord injuries and ultimately fuse humankind with artificial intelligence.

While the touted benefits of the company's brain-machine interface range from providing anxiety relief to helping paralysed people control devices, the more immediate goal of the company appears to be allowing people to control their phones and computers with chips that can be implanted on brain.

<img alt="N" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="019b3228-c4c9-455a-a36f-c8489ba751e2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Egi0pX4WAAUL409.jpg" />

In picture: V2 of the Neuralink brain-machine interface surgery bot 

"An implantable device can actually solve these problems,"&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;said on a webcast Friday, mentioning ailments such as memory loss, hearing loss, depression and insomnia.

<img alt="Musk" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b11df4b6-2297-4850-bbaa-4b89ff001c97" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2847%29_5.jpg" />

In picture: Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;is seen on a screen during a video message&nbsp; 
 
"Live webcast of working @Neuralink device," Musk said in tweet, adding that it will take place on Friday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Live webcast of working <a href="https://twitter.com/neuralink?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Neuralink</a> device 
Friday 3pm Pacific <a href="https://t.co/PouLbrGzFU">https://t.co/PouLbrGzFU</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1298494373278220290?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Musk&nbsp;did not provide a timeline for those treatments, appearing to retreat from earlier statements that human trials would begin by the end of this year. Neuralink's first clinical trials with a small number of human patients would be aimed at treating paralysis or paraplegia, the company's head surgeon Dr. Matthew MacDougall said.

Neuroscientists unaffiliated with the company said the presentation indicated that Neuralink had made great strides but cautioned that longer studies were needed.

Musk&nbsp;presented what he described as the "three little pigs demo." Gertrude, the pig with a Neuralink implant in the part of its brain that controls the snout, required some coaxing by&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;to appear on camera, but eventually began eating off of a stool and sniffing straw, triggering spikes on a graph tracking the animal's neural activity.

Musk&nbsp;said the company had three pigs with two implants each, and also revealed a pig that previously had an implant. They were "healthy, happy and indistinguishable from a normal pig,"&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;said.&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;said the company predicted a pig's limb movement during a treadmill run at "high accuracy" using implant data.

Musk is soon expected to announce human trials for the technology that has been successful on mice and even apes. 
 
"Will show neurons firing in real-time on August 28th. The matrix in the matrix," Musk tweeted last month. 
 
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also claimed that a new Neuralink chip will allow users to hear sounds that previously were impossible to human ears. 
 
He confirmed the new feature last month over an exchange with a Twitter user who asked: "If we implement Neuralink - can we listen to music directly from our chips? Great feature." Musk replied with a simple, "yes". 
 
Musk founded Neuralink in 2016 but has only held one major public presentation so far.

The Silicon Valley entrepreneur's&nbsp;&nbsp;net worth topped $100 billion on Friday, according to the Forbes real-time billionaires list, as the shares of electric-car maker Tesla Inc see a more than five-fold surge in value this year.

Tesla Inc's factory in Nevada was a target of a "serious" cybersecurity attack according to&nbsp;a media report that claimed an employee of the company helped the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) thwart the attack.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's brain-machine interface company Neuralink showcased a working device on Friday, shedding new light into the progress of the secretive company.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk's brain-machine interface company Neuralink showcased a working device on Friday, shedding new light into the progress of the secretive company. Co-founded by Tesla Inc and SpaceX CEO Musk in 2016, San Francisco Bay Area-based Neuralink aims to implant wireless brain-computer interfaces that include thousands of electrodes in the most complex human organ to help cure neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia and spinal cord injuries and ultimately fuse humankind with artificial intelligence. While the touted benefits of the company's brain-machine interface range from providing anxiety relief to helping paralysed people control devices, the more immediate goal of the company appears to be allowing people to control their phones and computers with chips that can be implanted on brain. In picture: V2 of the Neuralink brain-machine interface surgery bot "An implantable device can actually solve these problems," Musk said on a webcast Friday, mentioning ailments such as memory loss, hearing loss, depression and insomnia. In picture: Tesla Inc Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk is seen on a screen during a video message "Live webcast of working @Neuralink device," Musk said in tweet, adding that it will take place on Friday. Live webcast of working @Neuralink device Friday 3pm Pacific https://t.co/PouLbrGzFU — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 26, 2020 × Musk did not provide a timeline for those treatments, appearing to retreat from earlier statements that human trials would begin by the end of this year. Neuralink's first clinical trials with a small number of human patients would be aimed at treating paralysis or paraplegia, the company's head surgeon Dr. Matthew MacDougall said. Neuroscientists unaffiliated with the company said the presentation indicated that Neuralink had made great strides but cautioned that longer studies were needed. Musk presented what he described as the "three little pigs demo." Gertrude, the pig with a Neuralink implant in the part of its brain that controls the snout, required some coaxing by Musk to appear on camera, but eventually began eating off of a stool and sniffing straw, triggering spikes on a graph tracking the animal's neural activity. Musk said the company had three pigs with two implants each, and also revealed a pig that previously had an implant. They were "healthy, happy and indistinguishable from a normal pig," Musk said. Musk said the company predicted a pig's limb movement during a treadmill run at "high accuracy" using implant data. Musk is soon expected to announce human trials for the technology that has been successful on mice and even apes. "Will show neurons firing in real-time on August 28th. The matrix in the matrix," Musk tweeted last month. The Tesla and SpaceX CEO also claimed that a new Neuralink chip will allow users to hear sounds that previously were impossible to human ears. He confirmed the new feature last month over an exchange with a Twitter user who asked: "If we implement Neuralink - can we listen to music directly from our chips? Great feature." Musk replied with a simple, "yes". Musk founded Neuralink in 2016 but has only held one major public presentation so far. The Silicon Valley entrepreneur's net worth topped $100 billion on Friday, according to the Forbes real-time billionaires list, as the shares of electric-car maker Tesla Inc see a more than five-fold surge in value this year. Tesla Inc's factory in Nevada was a target of a "serious" cybersecurity attack according to a media report that claimed an employee of the company helped the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI) thwart the attack.

'Three little pigs': Elon Musk unveils Neuralink brain computer implants

Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems.

The California automaker wants permission to use unlicensed millimeter-wave sensors that would operate at higher power levels than allowed under existing rules.

Tesla’s device would utilize four transmit and three receive antennas driven by a radar front-end unit. Tesla says millimeter wave radar technology has advantages over other sensing systems like camera-based or in-seat occupant detection systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-invites-elon-musk-after-aliens-built-pyramids-tweet-318124">Also read:&nbsp;Egypt invites Elon Musk after 'aliens built pyramids' tweet</a>

The radar-based system “provides depth perception and can ‘see’ through soft materials, such as a blanket covering a child in a child restraint.”

Tesla added it “can differentiate between a child and an object left on the seat, reducing the likelihood of false alarms” and can detect “micromovements like breathing patterns and heart rates, neither of which can be captured by cameras or in-seat sensors alone.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-upcoming-neuralink-will-let-you-beam-music-directly-into-the-brain-314879">Also read:&nbsp;Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain</a>

Radar imaging, Tesla adds, can assess body size to optimize airbag deployment in a crash depending on whether an adult or child is seated, which it says would be more effective than existing weight-based, in-seat sensor systems.

It would also more accurately determine when to engage seat belt reminders.

The FCC is seeking public comment on Tesla’s request through September 21.

Tesla notes the FCC in 2018 granted a similar request for a device of Alphabet Inc’s Google that works under identical operating parameters.

Valeo North America submitted a request in March to the FCC for its in-vehicle safety-related monitoring device that would also detect children in cars. The request is pending.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 50 children died when left behind in hot cars in both 2019 and 2018. Of those incidents, 54% occurred because someone forgot a child.

Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems.

Tesla Inc. asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval to market a short-range interactive motion-sensing device that could help prevent children from being left behind in hot cars and boost theft-prevention systems. The California automaker wants permission to use unlicensed millimeter-wave sensors that would operate at higher power levels than allowed under existing rules. Tesla’s device would utilize four transmit and three receive antennas driven by a radar front-end unit. Tesla says millimeter wave radar technology has advantages over other sensing systems like camera-based or in-seat occupant detection systems. Also read: Egypt invites Elon Musk after 'aliens built pyramids' tweet The radar-based system “provides depth perception and can ‘see’ through soft materials, such as a blanket covering a child in a child restraint.” Tesla added it “can differentiate between a child and an object left on the seat, reducing the likelihood of false alarms” and can detect “micromovements like breathing patterns and heart rates, neither of which can be captured by cameras or in-seat sensors alone.” Also read: Elon Musk's upcoming 'Neuralink' will let you beam music directly into the brain Radar imaging, Tesla adds, can assess body size to optimize airbag deployment in a crash depending on whether an adult or child is seated, which it says would be more effective than existing weight-based, in-seat sensor systems. It would also more accurately determine when to engage seat belt reminders. The FCC is seeking public comment on Tesla’s request through September 21. Tesla notes the FCC in 2018 granted a similar request for a device of Alphabet Inc’s Google that works under identical operating parameters. Valeo North America submitted a request in March to the FCC for its in-vehicle safety-related monitoring device that would also detect children in cars. The request is pending. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says more than 50 children died when left behind in hot cars in both 2019 and 2018. Of those incidents, 54% occurred because someone forgot a child.

Tesla seeks approval for sensor that could detect child left in hot cars

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into whether NASA`s former head of human spaceflight gave Boeing Co improper guidance during a lucrative lunar-lander contract competition, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The Justice Department has sent subpoenas to NASA, Boeing and Doug Loverro, who led the agency`s marquee space travel program until he resigned abruptly in May, as part of a grand-jury investigation into the possible violation of federal procurement laws, the sources said.

In the probe, opened in June, prosecutors are focusing on communication between Loverro and Boeing space executive Jim Chilton in late January, during a blackout period for the Human Landing System competition, one of the sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-ingenuity-mars-helicopter-recharges-its-batteries-in-flight-320348">Also read:&nbsp;NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter recharges its batteries in flight</a>

Representatives for Boeing and Loverro declined to comment. NASA declined to comment on personnel matters and the status of any investigation, but said the agency was confident in its procurement processes.

The probe was earlier reported by the Wall Street Journal.

The investigation, and an earlier probe by a NASA watchdog, has cast a shadow over one of NASA`s most ambitious endeavors: sending humans back to the moon from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly half a century.

In April, NASA bypassed Boeing — an industry juggernaut with deep ties to space travel — and awarded contracts worth a combined $1 billion to Elon Musk`s SpaceX, Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos` Blue Origin, and Leidos Inc affiliate Dynetics to build lunar landing vehicles that can carry astronauts to the moon by 2024.

Boeing was removed from the competition, NASA said in April, without explaining why.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-drops-racially-charged-nicknames-of-celestial-bodies-319130">Also read:&nbsp;NASA drops racially charged nicknames of celestial bodies</a>

Two people briefed on a NASA watchdog investigation told Reuters Boeing`s removal was over its contact with Loverro.

The sources said NASA`s Office of Inspector General found that Loverro told Boeing during a blackout period the company`s proposal was incomplete and discussed aspects of the bid that were missing.

After discussions with Loverro, Boeing officials submitted another version during the blackout period, raising legal concerns among agency procurement staff, one of the people said.

Loverro abruptly resigned in May after less than a year on the job, telling employees in an email seen by Reuters that he took certain "risks" to meet NASA`s 2024 moon deadline.

"It is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences," Loverro said, without explaining the mistake he was referring to.

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into whether NASA`s former head of human spaceflight gave Boeing Co improper guidance during a lucrative lunar-lander contract competition, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The U.S. Justice Department has opened a criminal probe into whether NASA`s former head of human spaceflight gave Boeing Co improper guidance during a lucrative lunar-lander contract competition, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday. The Justice Department has sent subpoenas to NASA, Boeing and Doug Loverro, who led the agency`s marquee space travel program until he resigned abruptly in May, as part of a grand-jury investigation into the possible violation of federal procurement laws, the sources said. In the probe, opened in June, prosecutors are focusing on communication between Loverro and Boeing space executive Jim Chilton in late January, during a blackout period for the Human Landing System competition, one of the sources said. Also read: NASA's Ingenuity Mars helicopter recharges its batteries in flight Representatives for Boeing and Loverro declined to comment. NASA declined to comment on personnel matters and the status of any investigation, but said the agency was confident in its procurement processes. The probe was earlier reported by the Wall Street Journal. The investigation, and an earlier probe by a NASA watchdog, has cast a shadow over one of NASA`s most ambitious endeavors: sending humans back to the moon from U.S. soil for the first time in nearly half a century. In April, NASA bypassed Boeing — an industry juggernaut with deep ties to space travel — and awarded contracts worth a combined $1 billion to Elon Musk`s SpaceX, Amazon.com Inc founder Jeff Bezos` Blue Origin, and Leidos Inc affiliate Dynetics to build lunar landing vehicles that can carry astronauts to the moon by 2024. Boeing was removed from the competition, NASA said in April, without explaining why. Also read: NASA drops racially charged nicknames of celestial bodies Two people briefed on a NASA watchdog investigation told Reuters Boeing`s removal was over its contact with Loverro. The sources said NASA`s Office of Inspector General found that Loverro told Boeing during a blackout period the company`s proposal was incomplete and discussed aspects of the bid that were missing. After discussions with Loverro, Boeing officials submitted another version during the blackout period, raising legal concerns among agency procurement staff, one of the people said. Loverro abruptly resigned in May after less than a year on the job, telling employees in an email seen by Reuters that he took certain "risks" to meet NASA`s 2024 moon deadline. "It is clear that I made a mistake in that choice for which I alone must bear the consequences," Loverro said, without explaining the mistake he was referring to.

US prosecutors probe ex-NASA official, Boeing over space contract: sources

Jeff Bezos is very rich, so is Bill Gates and so is Mark Zuckerberg. But can you really assess how rich they are.

There can be no definite parameter, you say. "Researchers" have, however, devised a way -- knowing how long it would take him to, for example, earn your entire years’ salary, tackle your entire student debt or pay off your mortgage.

A new website will you give you these exact numbers, as they apply to Bezos and 14 other tech moguls. The company says it uses data on salary, bonuses, earnings from equity and other forms of compensation from 2019 SEC filings to let you calculate just how quickly people like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Susan Wojcicki of YouTube and Reed Hastings of Netflix could pay off all of your expenses.

The data hence tells us the 15 best-paid CEOs in tech have a combined annual income of over $83bn --&nbsp;greater than the entire gross domestic product of hundreds of countries.

One will be surprised to know Bezos earns a common man's entire salary in under a minute.

As for Elon Musk, his net-worth is almost 20 times the entire budget of the county he sued. He could pay a common man monthly rent after less than 30 minutes of work. 
&nbsp;

Jeff Bezos is very rich, so is Bill Gates and so is Mark Zuckerberg. But can you really assess how rich they are. There can be no definite parameter, you say. "Researchers" have, however, devised a way -- knowing how long it would take him to, for example, earn your entire years’ salary, tackle your entire student debt or pay off your mortgage.

Jeff Bezos is very rich, so is Bill Gates and so is Mark Zuckerberg. But can you really assess how rich they are. There can be no definite parameter, you say. "Researchers" have, however, devised a way -- knowing how long it would take him to, for example, earn your entire years’ salary, tackle your entire student debt or pay off your mortgage. A new website will you give you these exact numbers, as they apply to Bezos and 14 other tech moguls. The company says it uses data on salary, bonuses, earnings from equity and other forms of compensation from 2019 SEC filings to let you calculate just how quickly people like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook, Susan Wojcicki of YouTube and Reed Hastings of Netflix could pay off all of your expenses. The data hence tells us the 15 best-paid CEOs in tech have a combined annual income of over $83bn -- greater than the entire gross domestic product of hundreds of countries. One will be surprised to know Bezos earns a common man's entire salary in under a minute. As for Elon Musk, his net-worth is almost 20 times the entire budget of the county he sued. He could pay a common man monthly rent after less than 30 minutes of work.

Use this calculator to assess how rich billionaires really are

SpaceX on Tuesday successfully completed a flight of less than a minute of the largest prototype ever tested of the future rocket Starship, which the company hopes to use one day to colonize Mars.

"Mars is looking real," SpaceX founder Elon Musk tweeted in response to a fan.

The current Starship prototype is fairly crude: it's a large metallic cylinder, built in a few weeks by SpaceX teams on the Texas coast, in Boca Chica, but it's still smaller than the actual rocket will be.

Several previous prototypes exploded during ground tests, during a learning process of trial and error.

In images shared Tuesday by several space specialists, including the space news website NASASpaceFlight.com, the latest prototype, dubbed SN5, reached an undetermined altitude before descending to land in a cloud of dust, demonstrating good trajectory control.

"And when the smoke cleared, she stood there majestically, after the 150 meter flight!" tweeted NASA's top scientist, Thomas Zurbuchen.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
And when the smoke cleared, she stood there majestically, after the 150 meter flight! 
 
Congrats, <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> <a href="https://t.co/hjHbUOW8SD">pic.twitter.com/hjHbUOW8SD</a>
— Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_ThomasZ/status/1290800171123527680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The so-called "hop test" was planned to reach a 150-meter&nbsp;altitude, but SpaceX has not confirmed any details about the test flight.&nbsp;

In 2019, an earlier prototype, the smaller Starhopper, flew to 150 meters in altitude and returned to land.

The Starship envisioned by Musk will be 120 meters tall and will be able to land vertically on Mars.

"We are going to the Moon, we are going to have a base on the Moon, we are going to send people to Mars and make life multi-planetary," Musk said Sunday, after welcoming two NASA astronauts back from the International Space Station.

The astronauts had traveled in the Dragon capsule developed by SpaceX.

SpaceX on Tuesday successfully completed a flight of less than a minute of the largest prototype ever tested of the future rocket Starship, which the company hopes to use one day to colonize Mars.

SpaceX on Tuesday successfully completed a flight of less than a minute of the largest prototype ever tested of the future rocket Starship, which the company hopes to use one day to colonize Mars. "Mars is looking real," SpaceX founder Elon Musk tweeted in response to a fan. The current Starship prototype is fairly crude: it's a large metallic cylinder, built in a few weeks by SpaceX teams on the Texas coast, in Boca Chica, but it's still smaller than the actual rocket will be. Several previous prototypes exploded during ground tests, during a learning process of trial and error. In images shared Tuesday by several space specialists, including the space news website NASASpaceFlight.com, the latest prototype, dubbed SN5, reached an undetermined altitude before descending to land in a cloud of dust, demonstrating good trajectory control. "And when the smoke cleared, she stood there majestically, after the 150 meter flight!" tweeted NASA's top scientist, Thomas Zurbuchen. And when the smoke cleared, she stood there majestically, after the 150 meter flight! Congrats, @SpaceX pic.twitter.com/hjHbUOW8SD — Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) August 5, 2020 × The so-called "hop test" was planned to reach a 150-meter altitude, but SpaceX has not confirmed any details about the test flight. In 2019, an earlier prototype, the smaller Starhopper, flew to 150 meters in altitude and returned to land. The Starship envisioned by Musk will be 120 meters tall and will be able to land vertically on Mars. "We are going to the Moon, we are going to have a base on the Moon, we are going to send people to Mars and make life multi-planetary," Musk said Sunday, after welcoming two NASA astronauts back from the International Space Station. The astronauts had traveled in the Dragon capsule developed by SpaceX.

SpaceX Starship prototype takes first big step towards Mars; completes test flight

Egypt has invited Elon Musk to visit its famed pyramids after the SpaceX and Tesla founder posted a satirical tweet stating that clearly extra-terrestrials had built the giant monuments.

Egypt has invited Elon Musk to visit its famed pyramids after the SpaceX and Tesla founder posted a satirical tweet stating that clearly extra-terrestrials had built the giant monuments. "Aliens built the pyramids obv," Musk had tweeted, picking up on a theme popular with conspiracy theorists and kicking off a predictable flood of replies ranging from light-hearted to furious. Among the avalanche of one-liners, memes and potshots were some angry messages from nationalistic Egyptians who demanded the eccentric engineer and high-tech billionaire better check his facts. Egyptian International Cooperation Minister Rania al-Mashat, a savvy social media user, however, saw a marketing opportunity to help revive the country's pandemic-battered tourism sector. "I follow your work with a lot of admiration," wrote Mashat, a former tourism minister. "I invite you & Space X to explore the writings about how the pyramids were built and also to check out the tombs of the pyramid builders. Aliens built the pyramids obv — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 31, 2020 × "Mr. Musk, we are waiting for you," she added, inviting the entrepreneur to come and see for himself one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Egypt's enormous tombs built for pharaohs and their consorts. Musk followed up by posting a link to a BBC article about the history of the giant structures, calling it "a sensible summary" of how they were constructed. The most famous and largest of Egypt's ancient monuments, the Giza Pyramids outside Cairo, reopened to the public last month after a three-month closure forced by the coronavirus pandemic. Egypt's tourism sector suffered a decade of turmoil after the 2011 Arab Spring protests and overthrow of longtime dictator Hosni Mubarak, with militant attacks and political instability keeping many tourists away. The tourism sector, which accounts for a fifth of the country's GDP and employs some three million people, had recovered to draw record visitors, around 13.6 million last year, when the COVID-19 crisis struck.

Egypt invites Elon Musk after 'aliens built pyramids' tweet

elon-musk

Elon Musk, News on Elon Musk, stories on Elon Musk, articles on Elon Musk, Elon Musk stories at Wion, Elon Musk news, Elon Musk latest news

elon musk