Top 10 Greatest Elon Musk Creations and Inventions
#10: Neuralink
Founded by Musk in July 2016, this neurotechnology company would likely rank higher if it weren’t still in its infancy. Based on what we’re seen so far, though, Neuralink has the potential to change the world with its implantable brain-machine interfaces. The company is currently developing a “sewing machine-like” device that’ll implant electrode threads into the brain. According to Musk, the Neuralink chip will enable people to stream music to their brains, enhance abilities, and aid those with brain disease. Some neuroscientists have expressed doubt about its capabilities. But Musk believes that this “Fitbit in your skull,” as he calls it, could be the answer to treating paralysis, depression, blindness, deafness, seizures, and much more.
#9: Hyperloop
Like Neuralink, the Hyperloop remains in its early stages, but this project could revolutionize transportation as we know it. First publicly mentioned in 2012, this system would allow pods to travel through low-pressure tubes at rapid rates. Normally, it would take about six hours to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Even a plane would take over an hour. If Hyperloop lives up to the buzz, though, it would only be a 35-minute ride for passengers. Hyperloop is just one of the many interesting ideas coming out of Musk’s ironically-named Boring Company. Not only was a car elevator prototype successfully tested, but they also made and sold 20,000 flamethrowers, which was renamed “Not-A-Flamethrower” to appease customs. The kids love this one.
#8: SpaceX Starship
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Again, we don’t want to jump the gun on a creation still in testing, but this one has us so excited. In the works since 2012, SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy booster may fulfill Musk’s longtime goal of landing on Mars. Described as “the world’s most powerful launch vehicle,” Starship is powered by six Raptor rocket engines. Starship aims to transport humans and cargo to the Red Planet, although we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Before the SpaceX Starship system boldly goes to Mars, missions to the Moon are being planned. In 2023, Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa hopes to become SpaceX’s first private passenger to take a trip around the Moon. As for Mars, Musk wants to pull off an uncrewed mission by 2024.
#7: Starlink
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Another SpaceX project, Starlink has its pros and cons. This satellite internet constellation aspires to deliver almost universal service by late 2021 or 2022. As incredible as that sounds, there are some problems. Given the thousands of small satellites involved, Starlink could create long-term space debris, resulting in collisions. While SpaceX did attempt to rectify this by lowering the satellite orbits to 340 miles, Starlink has also been tied to light pollution, limiting our view of the stars. To reduce brightness, a sunshade structure was announced in April 2020. SpaceX is currently launching satellites in batches, which will hopefully allow enough time to work out these kinks. If all goes well, Starlink may provide internet access around the globe and one day on Mars.
#6: X.com
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“X.com” might not be ringing any bells, but you’re definitely familiar with what it became. Back in November 1999 when people were still using dial-up internet, Musk founded one of the first online banks. No more than five months later, X.com merged with the Silicon Valley-based software company Confinity. Through this merger, a little company known as PayPal was born. Later sold to eBay for $1.5 billion, PayPal remains one of the most popular online payment systems. Even before he was a household name, Musk was helping to shape the tech world in innovative ways. Musk bought the domain name “X.com” back in 2017, but if you try visiting the site today… well, let’s just say that “x” marks the spot.
#5: SpaceX Dragon Capsules
The SpaceX Dragon pulled off a historic feat in 2012, becoming the first private spacecraft to rendezvous with the International Space Station. This reusable cargo craft was succeeded by the SpaceX Dragon 2, which has two variants. Essentially a new and improved version of Dragon 1, Cargo Dragon can transport over 7,000 pounds. Crew Dragon, meanwhile, is capable of taking seven individuals into space and can remain docked for 210 days. The first crewed flight occurred in May 2020, transporting two NASA astronauts to the ISS, and returning them safe and sound in August. Previously, NASA was reliant on Russia’s Soyuz to transport crew to the ISS. So the Dragon Capsules herald a bright new era in American spaceflight.
#4: SolarCity
While SolarCity was founded by brothers Peter and Lyndon Rive (Rive rhymes with drive) in 2006, they got the idea from their cousin, Elon Musk. With Musk serving as chairman, SolarCity started producing solar panels and solar shingles. By 2015, it was being reported that SolarCity had produced “the world's most efficient rooftop solar panels.” The following year, SolarCity became a subsidiary of Tesla, which claims that Tesla Solar has the lowest price in the U.S. It’s also among the country’s top providers of solar-power systems, even designing an entire solar roof. Renewable energy is a key component in reducing climate change and, in conjunction with Tesla, SolarCity may play a significant role in our future.
#3: Tesla Energy Storage
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Speaking of Tesla, the company has made enormous strides in home and commercial energy storage with the Powerwall and Powerpack. They can store energy from both solar and the grid. In one of the company’s most ambitious endeavors, Tesla used Powerpacks to build a 100 megawatt battery in 2017. The world’s largest lithium-ion battery at the time, the Hornsdale Power Reserve saved the South Australian government millions. When Musk was asked on Twitter about helping South Australia with electrical issues, he promised the battery would be ready in 100 days or it’d be free; Tesla delivered in 63 days. Tesla is already outdoing themselves with the Megapack, which will make Moss Landing, California home to the largest battery storage facility in the world.
#2: SpaceX Falcon Rockets
SpaceX has repeatedly revolutionized space transport since it was founded in 2002, in no small part thanks to their Falcon rockets. When the Falcon 1 launched into Earth’s orbit, it became the first privately developed liquid-fuel rocket to do so. Of course, Falcon 1 was practically a prototype compared to the Falcon 9, which SpaceX promotes as “the first orbital class reusable rocket.” Although this two-stage rocket is only partially reusable, SpaceX is able to fly back the most expensive parts and save countless dollars in the process. Falcon 9 is powered by Merlin engines, which were made with recovery and reuse in mind. And in case you were wondering, yes, the name was inspired by the Millennium Falcon. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Zip2 The First Significant Enterprise Musk Co-Founded “Blastar” Musk Coded This Game at Age 12 & Sold it For $500 Musk Foundation Provides Solar-Power Energy Systems in Disaster Areas
#1: Tesla Electric Cars
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Tesla might not have invented the electric car, but they did give these vehicles a second wind. From their sleek designs to their quality performance, there’s a lot about Tesla’s electric cars that stand out. It’s no wonder why the Tesla Model 3 became the best-selling electric car ever in March 2020 with over 500,000 units sold. Tesla batteries can reportedly last more than 2 million miles in electric cars, which might be their greatest advantage. The software is also constantly being upgraded with innovations like Tesla Autopilot, which is on its way to making full self-driving a reality. These vehicles are making a huge impact by reducing fossil fuels as well. The electric car has officially arrived thanks in part to Mr. Musk.
