Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast.
This is a show where we discuss the critical Crossroads, The
Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink,
and I'm your host, Will Walden. If you want uninterrupted
episodes of the Elon Musk podcast, please go to
clubelon.supercast.com to find out how there's a link in the
show notes. AI can either help us or it
could hurt us, and those are the narratives that are going around
right now. But recently, a professional
makeup artist found her career with a leading cosmetic brand
abruptly ended due to an AI recruitment tools interpretation
of her body language during a video interview.
This incident sheds light on the growing reliance on artificial
intelligence in the recruitment process, particularly in the
United Kingdom, which is now recognized as a front runner in
integrating AI with human resources.
The makeup artist Anthea Mordois experienced his unexpected turn
in her career trajectory following a compulsory RE
evaluation of her position at Mac Cosmetics during a furlough
period and despite her commendable performance in the
video interview, the AI system developed by High Review, a
recruitment firm based in the United States, scored her low on
nonverbal communication, leading to her dismissal.
Now this case comes at a time when the United Kingdom is
reported to be the second largest adopter of AI in the
field of recruitment and human resources, following closely
behind India and on par with United Arab Emirates.
A study conducted by IBM in November of this year
encompassed 20 countries found that 41% of the companies are
now leveraging AI to streamline the recruiting and HR functions.
Now this controversy surrounding this dismissal highlights the
ethical and practical concerns associated with AI in employment
decisions. High Review's decision to
discontinue its facial analysis feature in 2020 was a response
to the growing unease amongst workers about the implications
of such technology on their careers and their personal
well-being now. This ordeal had significant
repercussions, though. Both.
Professionally and personally for this person in the industry,
feeling unjustly outed from a career she passionately pursued,
she embarked on legal proceedings against Estee
Lauder, the parent company of Mac Cosmetics.
The matter was eventually settled outside of court, but
not without leaving a lasting impact on their mental health
and her outlook on the use of AI in employment practices.
Now, the broader context of this incident is the increasing
incorporation of AI tools in the recruitment process, aiming at
enhancing efficiency and also decision making.
From scanning resumes to analyzing candidates,
expressions and gestures and video interviews, AI is
reshaping how companies assess potential hires.
This trend is supported by a notable increase in job
applications through platforms like LinkedIn, indicating a
shift towards more digitalized employment processes.
However, the effectiveness and fairness of AI is selecting the
most qualified candidate remains subject of debate.
Critics argue that despite the cost saving advantages for
companies, there's scant evidence to suggest that AI
consistently identifies the best suited candidates for positions.
And the growing use of AI in HR has raised alarms about the
transparency in such practices and the need for regulatory
oversight to protect workers rights.
The concern is that employees and job seekers are often
unaware of the extent to which AI influences their employment
prospects and workplace evaluations.
Now, legal experts and labor unions in the UK are advocating
for stringent regulations to govern the use of AI and
employment decisions. The goal is to ensure that these
technologies are applied ethically and that there are
mechanisms in place to challenge and rectify erroneous AI
judgments that could adversely affect individuals careers.
Now in response to this controversy, both Estee Lauder
and Higher View have defended their employment assessment
practices, emphasizing the comprehensive and multifaceted
nature of the decision making processes.
They assert that AI and visual recognition technologies
constitute a minor part of a broader array of performance
related data and qualitative feedback considering in
employment evaluations aiming to maintain fairness and
objectability in hiring processes.
Now concerns are mounting over the transparency and the
regulatory oversight of AI tools in the UK.
What's calls for? Protective measures for workers.
Of course. Legal experts stress the
necessity of regulating this to ensure fairness and
accountability and AI driven employment decisions.
Now I'm not sure how I feel about this.
I think there are some parts of AI that are great.
It helps us go through the HR process when scanning resumes
very easily. Candidates that aren't going to
work out get weeded out very quickly.
Candidates that wanna rise to the top, they can do that
relatively easily if we use AI technology to scan the resumes.
But the body language thing, that's what's getting me here.
Because some people, they just don't have the same body
language as other people. They don't know how to express
themselves and they never have. And it's OK if they get the work
done in my opinion, but they're a great worker.
They they know their industry and they can produce really
great products. There's no reason for them not
to get hired or for them to be fired.
Sometimes communication is something that people have to
work on and that's OK. So for right now, this is still
up in the air. Estee Lauder and Hire View have
both defended themselves and it looks like they're going to
continue to use products like this in their hiring process.
There's a. Link in the show notes SpaceX
and NASA. Are working together to launch
people to the moon for the Artemis 3 mission.
But the Artemis 2 mission is the next one that will be on the
schedule and at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
A flurry of activities surrounds the preparations for the
upcoming Artemis 2 mission, now slated for September of 2025
following a recent delay. Another mission, which is a
cornerstone in NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the
surface of the Moon, relies on the seamless integration of the
Orion spacecraft in the mighty Space Launch System rocket or
the SLS. The Exploration Ground Systems,
or the EGS program is at the forefront of these preparations,
meticulously finalizing the new ground systems essential for
crude launches. Now, the delay announced by NASA
officials has been attributed to unforeseen challenges within the
Orion program, dissensitating an additional 10 months of
engineering and production efforts.
And despite these setbacks, EGS is adapting its schedule to
ensure that the ground systems and the SLSS solid rocket
booster components are ready for the pivotal moment when assembly
can commence, hopefully later this year.
Now a significant focus for the EGS team is the completion and
certification of the mobile launcher and Pad 39-B systems.
Now these are crucial for the transition to crew missions,
involving comprehensive testing of new and upgraded systems to
ensure the safety and efficiency of operations.
The introduction of an advanced emergency egress system is a
highlight of these upgrades, mirroring the safety features of
pass NASA crew admissions and the current commercial crew
program. Now the emergency evacuation
system, critical for the safety of the crew and support
personnel, is undergoing rigorous testing.
This system featuring slide wire baskets and emergency transport
vehicles, is designed to provide a rapid evacuation route for the
launchpad in an emergency scenario, and the testing phase
for the system targeted for completion in mid spring
underscores NASA's commitment to maintaining the highest
standards of quality. Now, concurrently, EGS is
addressing the enhancement of liquid hydrogen storage capacity
at Pad 39 BA strategic move to bolster the SL s s launch
capabilities. This expansion, coupled with a
series of integrated system verification and validation
tests, shows that the thorough and methodical approach that
NASA employs in its missions planning and execution and now
the assembly of the SLS solid rocket boosters, which is a
critical component of the launch system, is progressing steadily.
With all booster segments delivered and inspections
underway, the focus has shifted to the assembly of the aft
sections. This step is pivotal for the
mission timeline and is being carefully coordinated with the
readiness of other mission components of the recent
postponement of the Artemis 2 mission necessitates A strategic
reassessment of the overall launch preparation timeline.
This challenge also presents an opportunity for NASA to refine
its processes and ensure that every element of the mission
adheres to the agency's stringent standards for safety
and performance. And NASA's dedication to
overcoming these hurdles is evident in the rigorous testing
and validation of the new ground systems.
The EGS team is committed to ensuring that all the systems
from the emergency egress to the liquid hydrogen storage are
fully operational and meet the exacting requirements of a crude
lunar mission. And the integration of the Orion
spacecraft with the SLS rocket is very complex, involving
numerous technical and logistical challenges.
Despite these complexities, NASA's teams are working
tirelessly to ensure that all systems function harmoniously,
paving the way for a successful launch.
And Artemis 2 is a huge milestone in NASA's lunar
exploration efforts and these preparations underway at Kennedy
Space Center. It shows that NASA is committed
to excellence, and they're committed to the safety of the
astronauts when they loop around the moon and come back down to
Earth. The EGS program in particular
plays a crucial role in this endeavor, ensuring that the
ground systems and launch infrastructure are ready to
support the historic mission. Now, as the EGS team navigates
the challenges posed by the mission delay, the focus remains
unwavering. To prepare the Kennedy Space
Center's facilities and systems for the Artemis 2 launch
involves A delicate balance of technical expertise, strategic
planning, and adaptability to ensure that all components are
launch ready. The upcoming tests and
validations of the ground systems and SRB components are
critical steps in the journey for the Artemis to launch, and
these efforts not only demonstrate NASA's technical
prowess, but also its commitment to ensuring the safety and
success of the crew on this mission.
Now NASA is redoubling their efforts here, working diligently
to resolve issues at hand and keep the Artemis 2 mission on
track. In.
The Artemis 2 mission, with its goal of circling the moon, is
more than just a Space Flight. It's a symbol of human ingenuity
and the relentless pursuit of exploration.
And the preparations at Kennedy Space Center, led by the EGS
program, are laying the groundwork for the next giant
leap in space exploration. Now, Artemis 2 is part of NASA's
enduring spirit of discovery and its commitment to pushing the
boundaries of human space exploration.
Through their meticulous preparations and unwavering
dedication of the EGS program and its partners, the stage is
being set for a mission that will not only advance our
understanding of the Moon, but also inspire future generations.
Scientists have recently started on the ground breaking analysis
of sample from the asteroid Bennu, courtesy of NASA's Osiris
Rex mission. This is spanned 7 years,
culminating with the delivery of a precious cargo of asteroid
fragments to Earth on September 24th, 2023.
The landing is in a secluded area of the Utah Test and
Training Range operated by the Department of Defense, and it
went off without a hitch. Now OSIRIS Rex, an acronym
encapsulating the mission's multifaceted goals, has returned
with what is believed to be remnants from the dawn of our
own solar system some 4.5 billion years ago.
And the University of Arizona's dedicated team is at the
forefront, employing cutting edge technology to decipher the
secrets held by these dark particles from Bennu.
With a modest 200 milligrams of the Bennu sample to work with,
the team has identified over 1000 particles, some as large as
3.5 centimeters, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the
building blocks of our solar system.
Now, these samples are teeming with minerals containing water
alongside a wealth of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus,
making them a significant repository of primordial
material. The implications of these
findings are profound, hinting at Bennu's potential origins
from an ancient oceanic world, a theory supported by the presence
of a unique phosphate crust in the samples, a feature not found
in any meteorites on Earth. Now, as the scientific community
awaits and anticipates the detailed revelations of the
upcoming 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference,
the research conducted paves the way for a deeper understanding
of our place in the cosmos. This journey not only unravels
the history of Bennu, but also bridges the gap between no
meteorites and their celestial origins, enriching our knowledge
of the vast asteroid belt. And the samples from the
asteroid Bennu through NASA's Osiris Rex mission suggest that
this space rock might have connections to ancient ocean
worlds. This discovery provides a unique
glimpse into the early solar system's composition and the
materials that formed our own planet.
The University of Arizona's team is at the forefront analyzing
the samples to uncover the secrets.
The samples are now under meticulous examination to
understand their composition and significance, and at the
University of Arizona Kuiper, Arizona Laboratory for Astro
Materials Analysis, scientists are busy investigating the Bennu
samples. The initial batch for analysis
consists of 200 milligrams of material, which, although small
in quantity, is rich in data. The samples feature a variety of
particle sizes, indicating A diverse collection of materials
from the asteroid. Now the Bennu samples have
revealed the wealth of information, including the
presence of water, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and also
phosphorus. These elements, which are all
essential for life, are locked within the asteroids, minerals
suggesting that Bennu could be a reservoir of primordial
material, untouched by the processes that have altered
similar substances on Earth. Now we're waiting for this
analysis, and it'll happen on the 55th Lunar and Planetary
Science Conference, and there's over 70 abstracts submitted for
this. The conference promises to shed
new light on the asteroids composition and its implications
for understanding the solar system's history.
Now, one intriguing aspect of the Benno samples is their
unique isotopic composition, setting them apart from
meteorites found on Earth. And this distinction suggests
that the asteroid contains materials not typically
accessible through meteorite study, offering new avenues for
research into the solar system's building blocks.
Our particularly novel finding is the presence of a phosphate
crust in Bennu samples, a feature not observed in
meteorites. This crust could indicate a
connection to extraterrestrial ocean worlds, where phosphates
play a crucial role in biological processes.
This discovery fuels speculation that Bennu may have originated
from an ancient ocean world. Now, the process of studying the
Bennu samples is a testament to the dedication and collaboration
scientists over decades. From the mission's proposal to
the analysis of the returned samples, researchers like Thomas
Zega express gratitude for opportunity to contribute and
participate in this groundbreaking work in the
success of Osiris Rex mission. And the analysis of the Bennu
samples show that this is an important space mission.
They not only enhance our understanding of scientific and
specific celestial bodies, but also help connect the dots
between different Astro materials found on Earth and
their origins far away in the cosmos.
The opening of the sample return capsule was monumentous for the
Quick Look team, revealing a fine grain dust coating from
Bennu was absolutely amazing. This initial examination set the
stage for the detailed analysis that would follow using some of
the most advanced analytical tools available now.
Zega's personal journey with the Bennu samples from Texas to
Arizona highlights this meticulous care taken to
preserve these precious materials.
The samples were transported under strict conditions to
ensure their integrity and with the full opening of the TAG Sam
head which held the Bennu samples, there's a lot of
challenges and excitement inherent in space exploration.
There's a lot of discovery to be happening right now, and despite
technical hurdles from the team, they were a part of the TAG Sam
that was stuck. The team's persistence paid off,
allowing for a comprehensive cataloging of the asteroid's
bounty. Now, the upcoming release of
more Bennu sample catalog will mark a significant milestone,
enabling scientists worldwide to request samples for their own
research. Now, this effort will broaden
the scope of Bennu's study, contributing to a more nuanced
understanding of the asteroid and its place in our solar
system's history. And the analysis of Bennu
samples is an interdisciplinary endeavor.
Involving a range of sophisticated instruments, from
optical and electron microscopes to the cutting edge nano Sims,
The team is equipped to delve into the minutiae of the
asteroids composition. The insight schemes from the
Bennu samples are poised to revolutionize our understanding
of our own early solar system. By examining the isotopic
variations in mineral content of the asteroid, scientists can
piece together the history of these ancient materials and
their journey through space. The ongoing study of the Bennu
samples is dynamic and it's evolving, with new discoveries
expected in the coming months. And we'll have them here for you
on this show, so please hit the subscribe button so you can get
them all. And the dedicated efforts of
scientists ensure that this mission will continue to unfail
mysteries of the cosmos for decades to come.
Now, this Osiris Rex mission and the study of the Bennu samples
are all about exploration and discovery.
As researchers continue to analyze these ancient materials,
they're writing a new chapter in our understanding of the
universe and our place within it.
And the analysis of the asteroid Bennu samples offers a
fascinating glimpse into the building blocks of our own solar
system. The findings from these studies
not only enhance our knowledge of Bennu, but also contribute to
our broader understanding of the cosmos and the origins of life
on Earth. Anything you hear in this
podcast is not financial advice, so please invest your money
wisely. Now, Tesla recently reported its
quarterly earnings missing both sales and earnings forecast.
This miss was attributed primarily to lower average
selling prices, or ASPs, for its popular Model 3 and Model Y
vehicles. Now, Tesla reduced its prices
more than expected to maintain its market share in the electric
vehicle sector. As high interest rates in a slow
economic climate. Now this strategy while
affecting short term financials. Might not be a long term
concern. As the economic situation
improves and interest rates potentially decrease, Tesla has
plans to introduce a new, more affordable mass market vehicle.
By 2025 it's going to be about $25,000 according to Elon Musk,
which could temporarily affect current sales due to the Osborne
effect. Now, this phenomenon occurs when
consumers delay purchasing. In anticipation of a newer model
and despite this, Tesla's long term outlook remains positive
with lowered future estimates potentially underestimating the
company's growth potential. Now, following the year earnings
report, Tesla's stock price fell to around $180.
This is a significant drop from its high and this decrease
reflects broader market sentiments but contrast with
Tesla's increasing revenue and net income, highlighting the
company's growing financial strength despite stock market
volatility. Now Tesla stock has shown signs
of reaching A generational low during the tech sell off with
technical indicators like the RSI and stochastic oscillators
suggesting potential momentum shifts.
And long term prospects for Tesla stock remain pretty strong
with potential for considering growth and market conditions
evolve. Now let's take a look at some of
the financials. Here.
Looking ahead to 2024, the rest of 2024, Tesla's revenue
projections paint kind of a promising picture of its growth
trajectory. The company is expected to
generate $80 billion from the sale of 2,000,000 Model 3 Model
Y vehicles, assuming an average selling price of $40,000 each.
The introduction of 75,000 cyber trucks with an ASP of 90,000 is
anticipated to contribute an additional $6.75 billion.
Now. Sales from 75,000 Model S s and
XS with a higher ASP of 110,000 are projected to add 8.25
billion to the revenue pool now. Furthermore, the emerging Tesla
Semi with an estimated 25,000 units sold at about $175,000
each, is expected to bring in $4.4 billion.
There's additional revenue streams too, which are
regulatory credit revenues of $2 billion.
Automotive leasing revenue is also at about 2 billion, and
energy generation and storage sales projected at around 7
billion. Also, services and other revenue
estimates of about $8.5 billion, culminating at a total revenue
of about $118 billion for 2024. Now the financial outlook for
2024 also highlights Tesla's profitability metrics with a
gross margin of 19.7% Tesla's. Poised to achieve.
A gross profit of $23.44 billion and after accounting for
estimated operational costs of $8.8 billion and additional
taxes and other expenses estimated at 1.2 Bill Tesla's
net income is projected to reach about $13.45 billion.
This financial performance translates to an earnings per
share estimate of $4.20 for 2024.
Now these projections show that. Tesla's potential for?
Sustained profitability and growth.
Despite the dynamic challenges in the EV market right now,
Tesla's ASPs for the Model 3 and Y segment dropped more than
anticipated, impacting overall automotive sales.
However, this trend might reverse as economic conditions.
Change, potentially increasing ASPs and revenue from these core
models. Now, despite the challenges that
Tesla's facing, it's shown margin improvements in the
recent quarter. Indicating potential for
enhanced profitability as it adjusts pricing strategies and
operational efficiencies. Now, Tesla's profitability
metrics, though currently lower than previous highs.
Are on an upward trajectory, though with new vehicle models
on the horizon and an expected improvement in economic
conditions, Tesla's profit margins are likely to expand,
positively impacting its stock price.
Now, the announcement of Tesla's new mass market vehicle could
lead to a temporary slowdown in Model 3 and Model Y sales as
consumers await the new model, the $25,000 model.
We don't know what it's. Called yet, however, this effect
is expected to be a strategic shift rather than a long term
detriment to Tesla's growth. Now projections for Tesla's 2024
revenues remain optimistic with significant contributions
expected from Model 3 and Y lineup and the introduction of
the Cyber Truck and the Semi and the expansion of other business
segments. Estimates suggest a strong
revenue growth trajectory for Tesla in 2024 and early 2025.
Now, current market sentiment around Tesla may be overly
pessimistic, though, with consensus EPS estimates
potentially undervaluing the company's earnings potential and
as Tesla continues to innovate and expand its product.
Line. Its financial performance is
likely to exceed market expectations and given the
current market dynamics and Tesla's growth prospects, this
stock presents a potentially lucrative investment
opportunity. Analysts suggest that the
current valuation might be an opportune entry point for long
term investors. Tesla faces significant
competition for both established automakers and emerging EV
companies too. These competitive pressures,
along with other market and operational risks, could impact
Tesla's growth trajectory and necessitate careful investment
consideration. Now Tesla's an innovator.
They challenge the markets and they're also kind of financially
volatile in a sort of bleak way right now.
But it's looking good and as the.
EV market continues to evolve. Tesla's strategic decisions from
pricing to do model introductions will play a
crucial role in shaping its future success.
Investors and market watchers will monitor Tesla's progress,
particularly in light of its ambitious plans for expansion
and market. Dominance even more than they
already have right now with the $25,000 EV coming out.
Sometime or being announced, I should say sometime in the
coming. Year or two?
Now, Tesla's fundamentals, their strategic initiatives and market
positioning suggest a promising outlook and the company's
ability to navigate market dynamics, innovate on the
vehicles that they already have and come out with a new.
Line and they also capitalize on emerging opportunities.
It's a key to the long term success and also investor
returns. Just recently, SpaceX
successfully launched NASA's Plankton Aerosol Cloud ocean
ecosystem mission also called PACE, a nearly $1 billion
Environmental Research satellite.
Now this event took place early on Thursday, despite previous
threats to cancel the project. We'll get into that a little bit
later. It's pretty juicy, and the
mission's goal is to enhance our understanding of climate change
by studying the intricate interactions among carbon
aerosols and marine life on a global scale.
Now, Karen Saint Germain, the director of NASA's Earth
Sciences Division, said that Pace's potential to
revolutionize our comprehension of aerosols, clouds, and the
global energy balance is one of the key factors for this
mission. She drew parallels between the
significance of Pace's contributions to oceanography
and the James Webb Space Telescope's contributions to
cosmology, emphasizing the mission's expected profound
impact on our knowledge of oceanic and terrestrial life
right here on our planet Earth. Now, the mission faced delays
due to adverse weather conditions, but eventually
launched from Cape Canaveral, marking a significant
achievement for SpaceX. The Falcon Nights rocket liftoff
was not only a visual spectacle but also a technical milestone,
achieving the first polar orbit launch from the East Coast from
the US government since 1960. Huge deal in a Space Flight
community. Now, Pace's journey to the
launchpad was fraught with challenges.
This is where we get a little bit of juicy stuff here,
including threats of cancellation under the Trump
administration. However, persistent support from
the scientific community and the pushback from NASA and the
pushback from the public as well, ensured the project's
continuation. As noted by Jeremy Werndel, PACE
project scientist. Now equipped with advanced
instruments, the PACE satellite aims to provide a comprehensive
understanding of the interactions between the ocean,
the atmosphere, and also the land.
This holistic approach is crucial for unraveling the
complexities of Earth's climate system and addressing one of the
most significant uncertainties in climate modeling.
The mission is expected to offer a high precision data critical
for refining computer models used by policymakers, and this
data will include real time measurements of aerosol
movement, plankton, health, and carbon transport, offering
invaluable insights into climate change dynamics.
And NASA's officials under score the importance of understanding
the interactions between ocean life and the atmosphere in
addressing the climate crisis. The PACE mission is set to
provide crucial data on aerosols and their role in cloud
formation and weather systems, shedding light on a key
scientific mystery of our own planet, Earth.
Now with a total cost of $940 million, almost a billion
dollars, the PACE mission represents a significant
investment in Earth observation technology.
It's successful deployment and forthcoming scientific
observations which will gather data and will the data will be
used for years, decades ahead. It's expected to begin in about
two months with that data collection.
Now we're all waiting for this and the launch of PACE is part
of NASA's broader effort to utilize space based assets to
study our own Mother Earth and also the changing climate right
here with us now. This mission, along with others
like the SWOT mission, aims to revolutionize our understanding
of Earth's own oceans and their role in the global climate
system. Now NASA's commitment to
addressing the climate crisis is evident in its deployment of
missions like PACE. Efforts are vital for providing
the global community with a lot of data needed to make informed
decisions about protecting our planet and all the inhabitants,
not only humans but also the animals on our planet.
Now the record-breaking temperatures of the past decade
highlight the urgent need for missions like PACE.
By providing a better understanding of carbon exchange
between the ocean and the atmosphere, NASA aims to enhance
our ability to respond to climate change.
Aerosols, while small, play significant role in Earth's
climate by influencing weather, air quality and also the
temperature. The PACE missions detailed study
of aerosols will improve our understanding of their impact
and help identify areas with poor air quality.
Now the oceans of our planet, they cover about 70% of Earth's
surface. They remain one of the least
understood parts of our planet. PACE aims to change this by
offering unprecedented insights into ocean biography and the
intricate web of life that they support now.
Phytoplankton, despite their microscopic size, are crucial
for marine ecosystems too, and also the global carbon cycle.
Pace's advanced instruments will allow scientists to study these
organisms in unparalleled detail, enhancing our
understanding of their role in Earth's biosphere.
And the mission's innovative tech will enable researchers to
differentiate among thousands of phytoplankton species, providing
new insights into marine biodiversity and its
implications for the food web, and also carbon sequestration.
Now, the changing conditions of the world's oceans, including
rising temperatures and alter nutrient distribution, pose
challenges for marine life. Pace's observations will
contribute to our understanding of how these changes are
affecting phytoplankton, communities, and by extension,
the entire marine ecosystem. And the successful launch of
PACE is a huge leap forward in our ability to monitor and
understand Earth's climate system.
By providing a more detailed picture of the interactions
between the atmosphere, oceans and also the land, this mission
will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed
by climate change. Tex has two options for the
upcoming catch of the Starship booster at Starbase, Texas.
Now one of them is the current launch tower that they're using
for IFT 1, IFT 2 and IFT 3. Now after this IFT 4, IFT 5,
probably IFT 6, they're going to continue to build Tower Two at
the launch site in the foreseeable future.
So what does that mean? That means that one the launch
area that they're using currently will be the launch and
the catch tower, or #2. They're building the second
tower as primarily a catch tower, as sort of a Pathfinder
as a test, a beta and alpha if you will.
So they can learn how to catch before they destroy any sort of
systems if they do it on the current tower.
So they have a lot to lose if they do it on the current tower.
If something goes wrong, shrapnel goes everywhere.
The systems, the ground systems could get damaged and it could
take them months to fix them, which would push them way behind
schedule for the IFT 4, IFT 5 launch and then push them back
even further for the Artemis 3, even though that's been pushed
back already. So what I believe is going to
happen is they're going to continue building Tower Two at,
I was going to say Boca Chica. It's not really Boca Chica
anymore. They switched it to just
Starbase. Now to Starbase.
They're going to keep building Tower Two at Starbase.
We're going to see something very similar to what they have
now. But I think what's going to
happen is that tower two is going to be a catch tower and
they're going to integrate some systems there so they can catch
the booster, but then also lower it and then maybe use a crane to
put it on a transport. And then, you know, move it to
where they have to refurbish it, fix it up, clean it up and get
it ready for the next flight. Now there is option two, though.
So everything that they've learned from the first tower,
they're putting into the tower at Kennedy Space Center as well,
because they're building one over at Kennedy Space Center at
NASA. And whatever they learned from
the first tower, they're making it better.
They're making improvements to the Kennedy Space Center tower.
And anything they learned at Kennedy Space Center, they're
probably going to build a better tower at the STAR Base facility,
the launch facility. So if that were the case and
they divert all the plumbing from what they have now, Tower
One to Tower Two, and then they use Tower One to catch the
booster from now on, that's not out of the realm of possibility,
but it's going to be a long time before they get Tower Two built.
It might actually be about a year or so.
It's taking them a while to get Kennedy Space Center Tower even
sort of functional. So it could be about a year for
Tower Two at Starbase. So expect maybe 2025 for the
first catch attempt at Starbase, maybe first quarter, second
quarter, may early second quarter 2025.
But it's going to take them a lot of work to get that done and
their primary goal right now isn't to get a new tower up like
they're not going to get a ton of people down there at Starbase
to build the second tower. What they're doing is they're
working on I FT3, IFT 4, IFT 5. They have to hit these
benchmarks in order to get to the Artemis program.
Artemis 3, they don't even have to land the booster for Artemis
3. You know, that's not part of the
contract. All they have to do is get a
ship up into orbit and then refuel the ship and then get
that ship to the moon. So if they can do that and they
can expend some boosters along the way, they might just wait
for a while to try to catch boosters.
Because I guess that's option three at this point.
Because if they if they don't catch any boosters, that's OK
too. They're not wasting a lot of
money. They know that in the future
they're going to make all this money back that they use on
expendable boosters, sort of like what they did with Falcon
One and Falcon Nine in the beginning.
They didn't land a Falcon 9 for a while, so it took them, took
the many flights for Falcon 9 before they actually landed 1
precisely. And even then they had mishaps
here and there where the booster would land, the Falcon 9 booster
would land and then tip over or would land and bounce.
And you know, we've all seen the videos like how not to land a a
rocket booster or whatever it was, and they explode.
So that could also happen at Starbase.
And that's not good because the Super heavy is built with
stainless steel. Stainless steel explodes.
It becomes shrapnel, Shrapnel like throwing knives everywhere.
I mean, they'll be ridiculous. The ground systems would get
exploded everywhere. So I think they're going to play
it safe. They're going to land a bunch of
these in the Gulf of Mexico. Get very precise with this.
Very, very precise. Make sure it works absolutely
perfect every time. Make sure they can guide it
perfectly. I think what they're going to do
is they're going to do three or four precision landings in the
Gulf of Mexico, and then after that maybe think about landing
them on a tower. They have to make sure this
works perfectly though. They might even do a hover test.
I'm not sure. I'm not sure.
It seems ridiculous if they would do a hover test.
I don't think they would though. I don't think they would do a
hover test. I think they're going to do full
testing and then they're going to bring it back.
They're going to do a kickback, they're going to do the flip and
then they're going to bring it back.
So I think that's what's going to happen 2025, early 2025,
maybe quarter 2/20/25. We're going to see the steps put
in place where maybe we're going to see a catch of a booster.
And another option could be that SpaceX builds a whole new
infrastructure for test catch tower, whatever it is, #2 could
they do all the infrastructure and they root it through one or
two, or do they do it to both? I think they might do it for
both. I think it looks like the
systems are in place for both. But could they do a substantial
amount for the tower two and just use what they have now for
tower one that's up in the air 2?
Because they always change down there and everything always
changes at Starbase. So like, we don't really know
what's going on down there until SpaceX does something.
It's all kind of speculation until SpaceX starts moving the
pieces and the parts around. And then we see what's actually
happening at Starbase. Jack Sweeney, a University of
Central Florida student who's made headlines by tracking the
private jet movements of celebrities Elon Musk and also
Taylor Swift. And he uses publicly available
flight data. Now with this practice has led
to a legal confrontation with Swift's attorneys sending
Sweeney A cease and desist letter alleging that his social
media posts about her jet movements caused her direct and
irreparable harm, as well as emotional and physical distress.
And Sweeney's tracking activities spotlight the
public's access to flight information through sources like
the Federal Aviation Administration and aircraft
broadcast signals. The social media accounts don't
just log takeoffs and landings, though.
They also estimate the carbon footprint of these flights,
echoing the broader environmental campaign against
excessive private jet use known as flight Shame.
Now, this controversy gained momentum when a 2022 report
branded Taylor Swift as a top carbon emitter due to her jets
frequent flights, and Swift's team has encountered these
claims by stating that her jet is often loaned out to other
people, implying that not all flights should be attributed
directly to her. This defense, however, seems at
odds with the recent legal threat against Sweeney,
highlighting a potential inconsistency in Swift's camps
responses to privacy and environmental concerns.
Sweeney's predicament is not unique to him, though.
It reflects a larger debate over privacy, public information in
the rights of individuals versus high profile public figures like
Taylor Swift. His transition from Twitter to
other platforms like Threads and Instagram after being banned by
Elon Musk for alleged security risks shows that there's a
complex terrain of digital information sharing and power
dynamics at play at Swiss legal team argues that there's no
legitimate public need for this flight information.
Framing Sweeney's actions as invasive and harmful, the stance
raises questions about the balance between public interest
in celebrity activities and the celebrity's own right to
privacy, especially when the information in question is
already publicly accessible. Now, the response from Sweeney
and his legal representative, James Slater, challenges the
claims made by Swift's attorneys.
They argue that the tracking is a form of protected speech
utilizing public data without infringing on Swift's legal
rights, and suggests that the legal threats or an attempt to
suppress unfavorable publicity rather than a genuine concern
for privacy and safety. And this incident coincides with
increased scrutiny over Swift's environmental impact,
particularly in light of her eras tour in the substantial
carbon footprint associated with her travel.
Now the social media clamp down on Sweeney's accounts,
especially those tracking swift contrast with the continued
operation of his other celebrity jet tracking accounts, hinting
at a targeted effort to silence criticism of Swift's carbon
emissions. Now the legal confrontation with
Sweeney is part of a broader narrative about celebrity
privacy. Public data in the Environmental
Accountability Swiss legal team's actions, including the
cease and desist letter and its allegations of stalking and
harassment, spotlight the tension between celebrity status
and public scrutiny. And the environmental aspect of
the story is pivotal. With Sweeney's accounts leaking
celebrity jets used to larger discussions about climate change
and individual responsibility. Now this ties back to the
growing social movements against excessive private jet travel and
its disproportionate impact on the environment.
And the debate over Sweeney's jet tracking activities
intersects with ongoing discussions about digital
privacy, public information rights, and the ethical
implications of tracking public figures movements.
The case underscores the evolving natures of privacy in
the digital age, where publicly available data can be repurposed
in ways that challenge traditional notions of personal
space and security. And the legal threats against
Sweeney also touch upon the use of cease and desist letters as a
tool for managing public relations crises.
This approach, often seen in disputes involving high profile
figures like Taylor Swift, raises questions about the power
dynamics between celebrities and individuals like Jack Sweeney,
and also the role of legal intimidation in controlling
narrative and public perception. Swift's environmental record,
particularly the use of her private jet, has become a
flashpoint in the broader discussion about the
environmental responsibility of public figures.
The public and media's focus on Swift's travel habits reflects
growing concerns about the environmental impact of private
jet travel and the role of celebrities in addressing
climate change. The situation brings the light
challenges faced by individuals like Jack Sweeney who navigate
these murky waters of public information sharing in the face
of legal and social pressures. It highlights the precarious
position of those who seek to promote transparency and
accountability, particularly when their efforts cast a
spotlight on the action of power figures like Taylor Swift.
So this saga between Sweeney versus Swift's legal team is
emblematic of larger debates surrounding privacy, public
interest, and the ethics of information sharing in the
digital age, and encapsulates the tensions between individual
rights and public scrutiny, especially in the context of
celebrity culture in environmental activism.
And as this story develops, it'll undoubtedly continue to
spark discussions about the boundaries of public
information, the right to privacy in the role of social
media, and shaping public discourse.
It's a case study in the complexities of digital age
privacy, public interest journalism, and the intersection
of celebrity culture with environmental concerns.
But there's legal implications here.
They extend beyond the immediate parties involved, touching on
broader societal issues such as freedom of speech.
The public's right to information in the environmental
impact of the lives of the rich and famous raises important
questions about where the line should be drawn in the pursuit
of transparency and accountability.
But ultimately, it shows that the evolving landscape of
privacy, public information and environmental awareness in the
social. Media age.
Well, it's an ongoing tension between the desire for
transparency and the need for privacy, set against the
backdrop of growing environmental awareness and
activism. Now this confrontation between
Taylor Swift's legal team and Jack Sweeney over his jet
tracking social media accounts brings to the fore critical
issues surrounding privacy and public information, and the
power dynamics of celebrity culture and celebrities like
Elon Musk and Taylor Swift. It's a microcosm of the broader
challenges and debates facing society and digital age, where
the boundaries of privacy, public interest, and
environmental ethics are continually being renegotiated.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC,
has announced its plan to establish a second manufacturing
facility in Japan, a move that shows a significant investment
in the country's semiconductor industry, with major backing
from Sony and also from Toyota. That's part of a larger strategy
to strengthen Japan's semiconductor manufacturing
capabilities in response to global demands and geopolitical
pressures. TSMC, the world's leading
contract chip maker is extending its global footprint with this
new plant though which combined with an earlier announced
facility will push its total investment in Japan beyond $20
billion. Now this new plant which is to
be operated by Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc
or JASM ATSMC majority owned venture is set to commence
construction within this year as plan aims for the facility to be
operational by the end of 2027. And it's clear indication of TSM
CS commitment to Japan itself leveraging the country's skilled
workforce and supportive government policies to enhance
its semiconductor production capacity.
Now TSM CS investment in Japan is significant exceeding $20
billion when considering both the new facility and the initial
plant that is scheduled to start operations this year.
This investment not only shows that the importance of Japan and
TSM CS global strategy, it also highlights the collaborative
nature of this venture with contributions from other
partners including giants like Sony and also Toyota, which adds
depth to the project's foundation.
Now the decision to expand in Japan aligns with the Japanese
government's initiative to revitalize its semiconductor
industry, which has been declined from its peak in the
1980s. Now, semiconductors are crucial
for a wide array of applications, from consumer
electronics to advanced computing.
Automotive technology isn't also the military.
Japan aims to reassert its position in this critical sector
with TSM CS new facilities focusing on producing chips for
automotive, industrial and high performance computing
applications rather than the most advanced chips.
Now TSM CS global presence not limited to Japan, though, the
company is also making significant investments in the
United States with a $40 billion project to build 2 manufacturing
plants in Arizona. This move is part of a broader
effort to localize semiconductor production in the US and reduce
dependency on foreign chip supply chains.
TSM CS expansion reflects A strategic positioning to meet
the growing demand for semiconductors across various
sectors, including the rapidly expanding field of artificial
intelligence. And the establishment of TSM.
CS second plant in Japan is a strategic move that leverages
the country's manufacturing strengths and supportive
government policies. The venture is expected to
enhance Japan semiconductor production capabilities and
contribute to the global supply chain stability.
The construction of the second fab in Kumamoto shows that TSMC
is confident in Japan, propelled by the successful progress of
the first plant in the promising partnership dynamics with
Japanese corporations and the government.
Now TSMC is major stake in the Japan venture complemented by
investments from Sony, Denso and also Toyota shows there's a
collaborative approach to this. There's a lot of investors and
the semiconductor manufacturing plan is a huge one.
This partnership structure designed to leverage unique
strengths of each participant ensuring a robust foundation for
the venture's success. The plan capabilities expansion
with both facilities expected to produce over 100,012 inch wafers
monthly, shows that TSM CS response to increased demand in
key sectors such as automotive and high performance computing
is absolutely real. They're working on this right
now and there's tons of money being invested in this now.
Japan's semiconductor industry, once a global leader back in the
80s, has faced challenges over the past few decades, losing
ground to competitors, particularly Taiwanese
manufacturers. And TSM sees investment as a
significant opportunity for Japan to rejuvenate its
semiconductor sector, leveraging the expertise of technological
prowess of the world's largest contract chip manufacturer.
This is also a part of a broader effort to secure a stable chip
supply, especially amid heightened trade tensions
between major global powers like China and the United States.
Now TSM CS global expansion strategy, which includes
significant investments in the United States and also Europe,
shows that they're responsive to diverse customer demands and
also geopolitical considerations.
They want to spread themselves out and the establishment of
manufacturing facilities outside Taiwan, such as the major
projects in Arizona and the upcoming factory in Germany is
indicative of TSM CS commitment to serving global markets more
effectively and strengthening the resilience of the
semiconductor supply chain. The announcement of TSM, CS
Second Vavage Japan has been met with a lot of optimism too, as
evidenced by the positive performance of its stock, which
has outperformed broader market indices.
So this is showing that there's investor confidence in TSMC
strategic investments and its ability to capitalize on the
growing demand for semiconductors driven by
advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence and
AI. Now the company's decision to
expand in Japan is a strategic move that aligns with global
trends and the need for diversification of manufacturing
hubs. Now this plant in Japan is a
response to demand from customers as well for more
semiconductor production capabilities and capacity.
It's part of TSMC strategic plan to enhance its manufacturing
capabilities globally worldwide and ensure it can meet the
growing needs of industries reliant semiconductor technology
like EVs and also AI. Now the decision to establish
the second fab in Japan strengthens TSMC and they're
supporting the technological advancements and supply chain
requirements of their global clientele.
The construction of the second TSMC plant in Japan set to begin
by the end of 2024 too with operational capabilities
targeted by the end of 2027. This timeline reflects TSM CS
urgency in responding to market demands and its commitment to
supporting Japan superconductor industry resurgence.
And the collaboration with JASIM and the backing of major
Japanese companies like Toyota and also Sony shows that there's
a strategic importance of this venture to all parties involved.
And it is also going to bring on 3400 skilled jobs through TSM CS
expansion. And this employment boost is
particularly timely as TSMC faces project delays in other
regions such as Arizona. Now this Arizona project,
initially set for an earlier start, has experienced delays
pushing the operational timeline to 2027 or 2028.
And despite these setbacks, TSM, CS investments in the US and
other regions, including the new facilities in Japan and the
planned factory in Germany, demonstrate the company's
strategic approach to expanding its manufacturing footprint all
over the world. Hey, thank you so much for
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