Elon Musk Enters the Scene

Having already transformed the automotive and space industries, could Elon Musk also reshape aviation? While a Tesla plane isn't on the horizon due to battery weight issues, Musk has a couple of game-changing strategies that could render conventional airplanes obsolete.

The first of these strategies involves utilizing rockets—specifically, the Starship. Designed for missions to Mars, Starship has the capacity to transport over 100 tonnes of cargo. But how will Musk finance its development?

Rockets vs. Planes

Musk plans to leverage Starship to disrupt long-distance air travel, potentially leading to a lucrative business in intercontinental transport. To achieve this, rockets must first reach Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where they travel at incredibly high speeds—approximately 7.66 km/s (17,135 mph). A flight from New York to Sydney could be completed in under 40 minutes, far quicker than the day-long airplane journey that includes layovers.

If Starship can land safely in any weather, it could take off from New York, ascend to LEO, and then descend into Australia within the hour. Passengers might have to forgo in-flight movies for a brief sitcom episode, and the food experience would be quite different in microgravity!

Elon Disrupts Private Jet Industry - YouTube

In this video, we explore how Elon Musk's ambitious plans could challenge the traditional private jet market, making it more accessible and environmentally friendly.

Sustainability Concerns

While Starship's launch consumes a significant amount of propellant—up to 4,600 tonnes—it utilizes methane, which burns cleanly. In contrast, NASA's SLS rocket emits vast amounts of CO2 and other harmful pollutants. Starship's emissions, while still considerable, include primarily water vapor and a minimal amount of NOx, making it one of the cleaner options available.

Carbon Neutrality

Interestingly, methane can be sourced sustainably, as it's generated by anaerobic bacteria. This means that if Musk can harness this methane effectively, Starship could achieve carbon neutrality. This capability positions Starship as a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional aircraft.

The Cost Factor

While the launch of Starship is estimated at around $2 million, this cost translates to a per-kilo rate of $20, significantly cheaper than current rockets. By using a Boeing 747 as a comparison, it’s reasonable to estimate that Starship could accommodate around 325 passengers, potentially pricing tickets at $6,153 each. This is competitive with high-end airline prices, especially given the much shorter travel time.