From: lexfridman
In a recent in-depth conversation, Kimball Musk provided fascinating insights into his experiences and observations concerning SpaceX and Tesla. His perspectives shed light on the historical and personal significance of both ventures, which have profoundly impacted the technological and environmental landscapes.
Tesla: Pioneering Electric Vehicles
Initially, Tesla seemed like a long shot, but the vision behind it—high-performance electric vehicles—captured Kimball Musk’s interest and support. Tesla’s early plan involved taking the powerful electric motor, noted for its high performance, and combining it with the aesthetics of a sports car. This was a stark contrast to previous attempts, like GM’s electric vehicle, which lacked appeal due to poor design and limited performance [01:33:23].
Kimball Musk recalled the transformative moment he experienced while driving an early test vehicle—a mule with an electric drivetrain. The experience of being shot out of a cannon by the electric motor was unlike anything possible with a gasoline engine. This reinforced his belief that Tesla could achieve something truly remarkable by creating a sports car that affirmed the capabilities of electric vehicles [01:35:10].
The true turning point for Tesla, however, came with the introduction of the Model 3, which made electric vehicles more accessible and proved key for scale and market presence. This shift was not without challenges, as Tesla faced the threat of bankruptcy multiple times during the development and launch of the Model 3 [01:36:26]. Despite these hurdles, Tesla’s approach of continuously improving their vehicles, analogous to how updates are pushed out for smartphones, contributed to their success [01:37:16].
SpaceX: Pioneering Human Space Travel
Kimball Musk also spoke about his experiences with SpaceX, highlighting the formidable challenges faced by the company, especially in its early years. Despite financial constraints, Elon Musk’s unwavering commitment to achieving successful rocket launches embodied the company’s audacious vision. Kimball Musk shared memories from the Kwajalein Atoll, describing the emotional lows that followed unsuccessful launches. These moments were pivotal for the SpaceX team [01:41:12].
A particularly fond memory for Kimball Musk from his time with SpaceX was the camaraderie and shared resilience within the team, where food played a central role in bringing people together during tough times. After a failed launch, sharing a simple, comforting meal reminded everyone of the human spirit and their collective mission [01:42:36].
Conclusion
Through these reflections, Kimball Musk emphasized the journey’s importance over the destination. He advocated for a growth mindset—embracing challenges as opportunities to learn rather than solely focusing on end goals [01:38:31]. Both Tesla and SpaceX demonstrate how dedication, an openness to learning, and the support of a committed team can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, driving humanity forward into a sustainable and exploratory future.