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Unlike computing, where costs have been driven steadily down and performance continuously increases, the rocket-launching business has made little progress since the 1960s. Despite several failed attempts by other firms, Musk sensed an opportunity, and set up a new firm, SpaceX, with the goal of building a low-cost launcher 9. The resulting machine, called Falcon10, is not technically complex. However, it combines a number of innovations, including the use of modern materials and a reusable first stage11, to reduce costs to a mere $6 million per launch -the first of which is due later this year.
SpaceX already has customers lined up for its first two commercial launches, which will carry satellites into orbit. Musk then hopes to proceed with his original plan, sending a small probe to Mars and campaigning12 for a government-backed manned mission. His eyes light up as he talks about humanity becoming a "multi-planetary species13". He cannot be faulted for failing to think big.14
Musk outlined his plans at a conference on technology that was held recently in San Diego. His presentation ended a day during which luminaries15 of the computer industry discussed the future of computing. In contrast to the heady days of the Internet boom, it is difficult to get excited about grid computing or identity management.16 Computers have become a commodity, sales are stagnating17, the industry is maturing, and there is talk of a "post-technology era" in which innovation takes a back seat to improvements in business processes and supply-chain management.18 None of which sounds terribly thrilling. Hence the interest in space.19
What better way to escape the malaise20 of the computer business than to jump into a rocket?
