In a plan outlined to Bloomberg Businessweek, Tesla CEO Elon Musk described his desire to build Internet on Mars. The $10 billion venture was announced at the recent SpaceX event. The unnamed satellite Internet project will result in fast and cheap Internet accessibility around the world that would be without terrestrial boundaries.
Musk explains "the speed of light is 40% faster in the vacuum of space than it is for fiber." This means low orbit Internet satellites can serve those in remote rural areas. Given recent entrepreneurial endeavors like community-empowering telecoms such as Endaga's CCN1 and outreach from companies like Google, initiatives like this could result in greater access to Internet in developing countries too.
The SpaceX founder also foresees a human colony on the Red Planet in addition to Internet on Mars.
Extraterrestrial Internet Plans
Elon Musk has a $10 Billion Project to Get the Internet on Mars
Trend Themes
1. Extraterrestrial Internet - Developing a network infrastructure on Mars could open opportunities for a decentralized and borderless communication system.
2. Low Orbit Satellites - Satellites in low orbit have the potential to provide cost-effective and high-speed internet connectivity to underserved areas on Earth.
3. Internet Access in Developing Countries - Initiatives like SpaceX's satellite internet project and community-driven telecoms could improve access to the internet in developing countries.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - Developing and deploying a satellite-based communication system could disrupt traditional telecommunications industries and provide new opportunities for growth.
2. Space Exploration - Building a human colony on Mars will require new technological advancements and investments, opening opportunities for industries in aerospace, materials science, and more.
3. Internet Service Providers - New players, such as SpaceX, who provide global, borderless internet connectivity could disrupt traditional ISPs and drive down costs for consumers.