Comment by asmor
2 years ago
This wasn't an achievement for SpaceX. Lots of very talented people wanted to work on space based on passion alone. It just came down to providing funding at a time space privatization was an uncertain venture.
Compare to Neuralink mostly being a failure.
No one wanted to work at SpaceX initially. It took Musk's persistence and ability to sell a vision to hire first employees. And yes, also money. But just money gives you Blue Origin, not SpaceX.
It took SpaceX many years and a few rockets blowing up before they had first successful lunch so what you expect Neuralink to have achieved by now?
They're making progress. Let's revisit the "Neuarlink is a failure" 10 years from now.
The role of Mike Griffin in helping Musk set up SpaceX and source the right people, and then steering NASA support his way can’t be ignored though. Without that it’s almost certain it wouldn’t exist now.
There is still something special about spacex. There are many other space companies that get the same passionate people but they get very little done by comparison.
Be careful not to assume the something special is Musk rather than it succeeding in spite of him.