The Rocket Rag

News for Saturday, December 16th!

Select @elonmusk X Posts from the Past 24 Hours!

  • @elonmusk, 07:06 2024-11-16 PST: There will be consequences for those who pushed foreign interference hoaxes. The Hammer of Justice is coming.

  • @elonmusk, 22:09 2024-11-15 PST: Starting to feel like The @DOGE has real potential.

  • @elonmusk, 21:03 2024-11-13 PST: @SenWarren Unlike you, neither of us are being paid, so it is very efficient indeed. @DOGE will do great things for the American people. Let history be the judge.

  • @elonmusk, 23:07 2024-11-13 PST: Starship Flight 6 coming up soon!

SpaceX's Valuation: Climbing Higher

First up, SpaceX is reportedly gearing up for a tender offer that could see its valuation jump to over $250 billion. That's a significant leap from the $210 billion valuation earlier this year. This boost seems partly fueled by the expectation of increased support for NASA's Artemis program under the incoming Trump administration, something that aligns well with Musk's long-held ambitions for space exploration. It's a big number, and certainly suggests growing confidence in the company's future.

Behind Closed Doors: Musk Meets with Iranian Ambassador

More details have begun to emerge about a confidential meeting between Musk and Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani in New York. The hour-long discussion apparently focused on easing tensions between the US and Iran. This meeting raises some interesting questions about Musk's growing role in international affairs.

DOGE Days: The Department of Government Efficiency

Musk's plan for DOGE, as outlined by sources like AP News and The Wall Street Journal, involves some familiar themes from his business playbook. He aims to cut unnecessary regulations to boost innovation, implement lean operational practices honed at Tesla and SpaceX, and leverage technology, particularly AI, to automate processes and reduce costs. Barron's reports that automating government tasks is a key part of his vision for reducing labor expenses.

Musk's Expanding Influence: Diplomacy and Controversy

Musk's increasing involvement in global politics has been raising eyebrows. His regular communication with international leaders, combined with his prominent new role in the Trump administration, has some suggesting he's becoming a major power player, even a "co-President" in the eyes of some. This influence, however, isn't without its critics. Two Democratic senators have called for an investigation into Musk's contacts with Russian President Putin, adding a layer of controversy to his already busy week.