Hey everybody, welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical Crossroads, The Shape, SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neuralink, and I'm your host, Will Walden. If you want uninterrupted episodes of the Elon Musk podcast, please go to clubelon.supercast.com to find out how there's a link in the show notes. AI can either help us or it could hurt us, and those are the narratives that are going around
right now. But recently, a professional makeup artist found her career with a leading cosmetic brand abruptly ended due to an AI recruitment tools interpretation of her body language during a video interview. This incident sheds light on the growing reliance on artificial intelligence in the recruitment process, particularly in the United Kingdom, which is now recognized as a front runner in integrating AI with human resources.
The makeup artist Anthea Mordois experienced his unexpected turn in her career trajectory following a compulsory RE evaluation of her position at Mac Cosmetics during a furlough period and despite her commendable performance in the video interview, the AI system developed by High Review, a recruitment firm based in the United States, scored her low on nonverbal communication, leading to her dismissal.
Now this case comes at a time when the United Kingdom is reported to be the second largest adopter of AI in the field of recruitment and human resources, following closely behind India and on par with United Arab Emirates. A study conducted by IBM in November of this year encompassed 20 countries found that 41% of the companies are now leveraging AI to streamline the recruiting and HR functions.
Now this controversy surrounding this dismissal highlights the ethical and practical concerns associated with AI in employment decisions. High Review's decision to discontinue its facial analysis feature in 2020 was a response to the growing unease amongst workers about the implications of such technology on their careers and their personal well-being now. This ordeal had significant
repercussions, though. Both. Professionally and personally for this person in the industry, feeling unjustly outed from a career she passionately pursued, she embarked on legal proceedings against Estee Lauder, the parent company of Mac Cosmetics. The matter was eventually settled outside of court, but not without leaving a lasting impact on their mental health and her outlook on the use of AI in employment practices.
Now, the broader context of this incident is the increasing incorporation of AI tools in the recruitment process, aiming at enhancing efficiency and also decision making. From scanning resumes to analyzing candidates, expressions and gestures and video interviews, AI is reshaping how companies assess potential hires. This trend is supported by a notable increase in job applications through platforms like LinkedIn, indicating a shift towards more digitalized employment processes.
However, the effectiveness and fairness of AI is selecting the most qualified candidate remains subject of debate. Critics argue that despite the cost saving advantages for companies, there's scant evidence to suggest that AI consistently identifies the best suited candidates for positions. And the growing use of AI in HR has raised alarms about the transparency in such practices and the need for regulatory oversight to protect workers rights.
The concern is that employees and job seekers are often unaware of the extent to which AI influences their employment prospects and workplace evaluations. Now, legal experts and labor unions in the UK are advocating for stringent regulations to govern the use of AI and
employment decisions. The goal is to ensure that these technologies are applied ethically and that there are mechanisms in place to challenge and rectify erroneous AI judgments that could adversely affect individuals careers. Now in response to this controversy, both Estee Lauder and Higher View have defended their employment assessment practices, emphasizing the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of the decision making processes.
They assert that AI and visual recognition technologies constitute a minor part of a broader array of performance related data and qualitative feedback considering in employment evaluations aiming to maintain fairness and objectability in hiring processes. Now concerns are mounting over the transparency and the regulatory oversight of AI tools in the UK. What's calls for? Protective measures for workers.
Of course. Legal experts stress the necessity of regulating this to ensure fairness and accountability and AI driven employment decisions. Now I'm not sure how I feel about this. I think there are some parts of AI that are great. It helps us go through the HR process when scanning resumes very easily. Candidates that aren't going to work out get weeded out very quickly.
Candidates that wanna rise to the top, they can do that relatively easily if we use AI technology to scan the resumes. But the body language thing, that's what's getting me here. Because some people, they just don't have the same body language as other people. They don't know how to express themselves and they never have. And it's OK if they get the work done in my opinion, but they're a great worker. They they know their industry and they can produce really
great products. There's no reason for them not to get hired or for them to be fired. Sometimes communication is something that people have to work on and that's OK. So for right now, this is still up in the air. Estee Lauder and Hire View have both defended themselves and it looks like they're going to continue to use products like this in their hiring process. There's a. Link in the show notes SpaceX
and NASA. Are working together to launch people to the moon for the Artemis 3 mission. But the Artemis 2 mission is the next one that will be on the schedule and at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. A flurry of activities surrounds the preparations for the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, now slated for September of 2025
following a recent delay. Another mission, which is a cornerstone in NASA's ambitious plan to return humans to the surface of the Moon, relies on the seamless integration of the Orion spacecraft in the mighty Space Launch System rocket or the SLS. The Exploration Ground Systems, or the EGS program is at the forefront of these preparations, meticulously finalizing the new ground systems essential for
crude launches. Now, the delay announced by NASA officials has been attributed to unforeseen challenges within the Orion program, dissensitating an additional 10 months of engineering and production efforts. And despite these setbacks, EGS is adapting its schedule to ensure that the ground systems and the SLSS solid rocket booster components are ready for the pivotal moment when assembly can commence, hopefully later this year.
Now a significant focus for the EGS team is the completion and certification of the mobile launcher and Pad 39-B systems. Now these are crucial for the transition to crew missions, involving comprehensive testing of new and upgraded systems to ensure the safety and efficiency of operations. The introduction of an advanced emergency egress system is a highlight of these upgrades, mirroring the safety features of pass NASA crew admissions and the current commercial crew
program. Now the emergency evacuation system, critical for the safety of the crew and support personnel, is undergoing rigorous testing. This system featuring slide wire baskets and emergency transport vehicles, is designed to provide a rapid evacuation route for the launchpad in an emergency scenario, and the testing phase for the system targeted for completion in mid spring underscores NASA's commitment to maintaining the highest
standards of quality. Now, concurrently, EGS is addressing the enhancement of liquid hydrogen storage capacity at Pad 39 BA strategic move to bolster the SL s s launch
capabilities. This expansion, coupled with a series of integrated system verification and validation tests, shows that the thorough and methodical approach that NASA employs in its missions planning and execution and now the assembly of the SLS solid rocket boosters, which is a critical component of the launch system, is progressing steadily. With all booster segments delivered and inspections underway, the focus has shifted to the assembly of the aft
sections. This step is pivotal for the mission timeline and is being carefully coordinated with the readiness of other mission components of the recent postponement of the Artemis 2 mission necessitates A strategic reassessment of the overall launch preparation timeline. This challenge also presents an opportunity for NASA to refine its processes and ensure that every element of the mission adheres to the agency's stringent standards for safety
and performance. And NASA's dedication to overcoming these hurdles is evident in the rigorous testing and validation of the new ground systems. The EGS team is committed to ensuring that all the systems from the emergency egress to the liquid hydrogen storage are fully operational and meet the exacting requirements of a crude lunar mission. And the integration of the Orion spacecraft with the SLS rocket is very complex, involving numerous technical and logistical challenges.
Despite these complexities, NASA's teams are working tirelessly to ensure that all systems function harmoniously, paving the way for a successful launch.
And Artemis 2 is a huge milestone in NASA's lunar exploration efforts and these preparations underway at Kennedy Space Center. It shows that NASA is committed to excellence, and they're committed to the safety of the astronauts when they loop around the moon and come back down to Earth. The EGS program in particular plays a crucial role in this endeavor, ensuring that the ground systems and launch infrastructure are ready to
support the historic mission. Now, as the EGS team navigates the challenges posed by the mission delay, the focus remains unwavering. To prepare the Kennedy Space Center's facilities and systems for the Artemis 2 launch involves A delicate balance of technical expertise, strategic planning, and adaptability to ensure that all components are
launch ready. The upcoming tests and validations of the ground systems and SRB components are critical steps in the journey for the Artemis to launch, and these efforts not only demonstrate NASA's technical prowess, but also its commitment to ensuring the safety and success of the crew on this mission. Now NASA is redoubling their efforts here, working diligently to resolve issues at hand and keep the Artemis 2 mission on
track. In. The Artemis 2 mission, with its goal of circling the moon, is more than just a Space Flight. It's a symbol of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of exploration. And the preparations at Kennedy Space Center, led by the EGS program, are laying the groundwork for the next giant leap in space exploration. Now, Artemis 2 is part of NASA's enduring spirit of discovery and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of human space exploration.
Through their meticulous preparations and unwavering dedication of the EGS program and its partners, the stage is being set for a mission that will not only advance our understanding of the Moon, but also inspire future generations. Scientists have recently started on the ground breaking analysis of sample from the asteroid Bennu, courtesy of NASA's Osiris
Rex mission. This is spanned 7 years, culminating with the delivery of a precious cargo of asteroid fragments to Earth on September 24th, 2023. The landing is in a secluded area of the Utah Test and Training Range operated by the Department of Defense, and it went off without a hitch. Now OSIRIS Rex, an acronym encapsulating the mission's multifaceted goals, has returned with what is believed to be remnants from the dawn of our own solar system some 4.5 billion years ago.
And the University of Arizona's dedicated team is at the forefront, employing cutting edge technology to decipher the secrets held by these dark particles from Bennu. With a modest 200 milligrams of the Bennu sample to work with, the team has identified over 1000 particles, some as large as 3.5 centimeters, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the building blocks of our solar system.
Now, these samples are teeming with minerals containing water alongside a wealth of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus, making them a significant repository of primordial
material. The implications of these findings are profound, hinting at Bennu's potential origins from an ancient oceanic world, a theory supported by the presence of a unique phosphate crust in the samples, a feature not found in any meteorites on Earth. Now, as the scientific community awaits and anticipates the detailed revelations of the upcoming 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, the research conducted paves the way for a deeper understanding
of our place in the cosmos. This journey not only unravels the history of Bennu, but also bridges the gap between no meteorites and their celestial origins, enriching our knowledge of the vast asteroid belt. And the samples from the asteroid Bennu through NASA's Osiris Rex mission suggest that this space rock might have connections to ancient ocean worlds. This discovery provides a unique glimpse into the early solar system's composition and the materials that formed our own planet.
The University of Arizona's team is at the forefront analyzing the samples to uncover the secrets. The samples are now under meticulous examination to understand their composition and significance, and at the University of Arizona Kuiper, Arizona Laboratory for Astro Materials Analysis, scientists are busy investigating the Bennu samples. The initial batch for analysis consists of 200 milligrams of material, which, although small
in quantity, is rich in data. The samples feature a variety of particle sizes, indicating A diverse collection of materials from the asteroid. Now the Bennu samples have revealed the wealth of information, including the presence of water, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and also
phosphorus. These elements, which are all essential for life, are locked within the asteroids, minerals suggesting that Bennu could be a reservoir of primordial material, untouched by the processes that have altered similar substances on Earth. Now we're waiting for this analysis, and it'll happen on the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, and there's over 70 abstracts submitted for
this. The conference promises to shed new light on the asteroids composition and its implications for understanding the solar system's history. Now, one intriguing aspect of the Benno samples is their unique isotopic composition, setting them apart from meteorites found on Earth. And this distinction suggests that the asteroid contains materials not typically accessible through meteorite study, offering new avenues for research into the solar system's building blocks.
Our particularly novel finding is the presence of a phosphate crust in Bennu samples, a feature not observed in meteorites. This crust could indicate a connection to extraterrestrial ocean worlds, where phosphates play a crucial role in biological processes. This discovery fuels speculation that Bennu may have originated from an ancient ocean world. Now, the process of studying the Bennu samples is a testament to the dedication and collaboration
scientists over decades. From the mission's proposal to the analysis of the returned samples, researchers like Thomas Zega express gratitude for opportunity to contribute and participate in this groundbreaking work in the success of Osiris Rex mission. And the analysis of the Bennu samples show that this is an important space mission.
They not only enhance our understanding of scientific and specific celestial bodies, but also help connect the dots between different Astro materials found on Earth and their origins far away in the cosmos. The opening of the sample return capsule was monumentous for the Quick Look team, revealing a fine grain dust coating from
Bennu was absolutely amazing. This initial examination set the stage for the detailed analysis that would follow using some of the most advanced analytical tools available now. Zega's personal journey with the Bennu samples from Texas to Arizona highlights this meticulous care taken to preserve these precious materials.
The samples were transported under strict conditions to ensure their integrity and with the full opening of the TAG Sam head which held the Bennu samples, there's a lot of challenges and excitement inherent in space exploration. There's a lot of discovery to be happening right now, and despite technical hurdles from the team, they were a part of the TAG Sam that was stuck. The team's persistence paid off, allowing for a comprehensive cataloging of the asteroid's
bounty. Now, the upcoming release of more Bennu sample catalog will mark a significant milestone, enabling scientists worldwide to request samples for their own research. Now, this effort will broaden the scope of Bennu's study, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the asteroid and its place in our solar system's history. And the analysis of Bennu samples is an interdisciplinary endeavor.
Involving a range of sophisticated instruments, from optical and electron microscopes to the cutting edge nano Sims, The team is equipped to delve into the minutiae of the asteroids composition. The insight schemes from the Bennu samples are poised to revolutionize our understanding of our own early solar system. By examining the isotopic variations in mineral content of the asteroid, scientists can piece together the history of these ancient materials and
their journey through space. The ongoing study of the Bennu samples is dynamic and it's evolving, with new discoveries expected in the coming months. And we'll have them here for you on this show, so please hit the subscribe button so you can get them all. And the dedicated efforts of scientists ensure that this mission will continue to unfail mysteries of the cosmos for decades to come.
Now, this Osiris Rex mission and the study of the Bennu samples are all about exploration and discovery. As researchers continue to analyze these ancient materials, they're writing a new chapter in our understanding of the universe and our place within it. And the analysis of the asteroid Bennu samples offers a fascinating glimpse into the building blocks of our own solar
system. The findings from these studies not only enhance our knowledge of Bennu, but also contribute to our broader understanding of the cosmos and the origins of life on Earth. Anything you hear in this podcast is not financial advice, so please invest your money wisely. Now, Tesla recently reported its quarterly earnings missing both sales and earnings forecast. This miss was attributed primarily to lower average selling prices, or ASPs, for its popular Model 3 and Model Y
vehicles. Now, Tesla reduced its prices more than expected to maintain its market share in the electric vehicle sector. As high interest rates in a slow economic climate. Now this strategy while affecting short term financials. Might not be a long term concern. As the economic situation improves and interest rates potentially decrease, Tesla has plans to introduce a new, more affordable mass market vehicle.
By 2025 it's going to be about $25,000 according to Elon Musk, which could temporarily affect current sales due to the Osborne effect. Now, this phenomenon occurs when consumers delay purchasing. In anticipation of a newer model and despite this, Tesla's long term outlook remains positive with lowered future estimates potentially underestimating the company's growth potential. Now, following the year earnings report, Tesla's stock price fell to around $180.
This is a significant drop from its high and this decrease reflects broader market sentiments but contrast with Tesla's increasing revenue and net income, highlighting the company's growing financial strength despite stock market volatility. Now Tesla stock has shown signs of reaching A generational low during the tech sell off with technical indicators like the RSI and stochastic oscillators suggesting potential momentum shifts.
And long term prospects for Tesla stock remain pretty strong with potential for considering growth and market conditions evolve. Now let's take a look at some of the financials. Here. Looking ahead to 2024, the rest of 2024, Tesla's revenue projections paint kind of a promising picture of its growth trajectory. The company is expected to generate $80 billion from the sale of 2,000,000 Model 3 Model Y vehicles, assuming an average selling price of $40,000 each.
The introduction of 75,000 cyber trucks with an ASP of 90,000 is anticipated to contribute an additional $6.75 billion. Now. Sales from 75,000 Model S s and XS with a higher ASP of 110,000 are projected to add 8.25 billion to the revenue pool now. Furthermore, the emerging Tesla Semi with an estimated 25,000 units sold at about $175,000 each, is expected to bring in $4.4 billion. There's additional revenue streams too, which are regulatory credit revenues of $2 billion.
Automotive leasing revenue is also at about 2 billion, and energy generation and storage sales projected at around 7 billion. Also, services and other revenue estimates of about $8.5 billion, culminating at a total revenue of about $118 billion for 2024. Now the financial outlook for 2024 also highlights Tesla's profitability metrics with a gross margin of 19.7% Tesla's. Poised to achieve.
A gross profit of $23.44 billion and after accounting for estimated operational costs of $8.8 billion and additional taxes and other expenses estimated at 1.2 Bill Tesla's net income is projected to reach about $13.45 billion. This financial performance translates to an earnings per share estimate of $4.20 for 2024. Now these projections show that. Tesla's potential for? Sustained profitability and growth.
Despite the dynamic challenges in the EV market right now, Tesla's ASPs for the Model 3 and Y segment dropped more than anticipated, impacting overall automotive sales. However, this trend might reverse as economic conditions. Change, potentially increasing ASPs and revenue from these core models. Now, despite the challenges that Tesla's facing, it's shown margin improvements in the recent quarter. Indicating potential for enhanced profitability as it adjusts pricing strategies and
operational efficiencies. Now, Tesla's profitability metrics, though currently lower than previous highs. Are on an upward trajectory, though with new vehicle models on the horizon and an expected improvement in economic conditions, Tesla's profit margins are likely to expand, positively impacting its stock price. Now, the announcement of Tesla's new mass market vehicle could lead to a temporary slowdown in Model 3 and Model Y sales as consumers await the new model, the $25,000 model.
We don't know what it's. Called yet, however, this effect is expected to be a strategic shift rather than a long term detriment to Tesla's growth. Now projections for Tesla's 2024 revenues remain optimistic with significant contributions expected from Model 3 and Y lineup and the introduction of the Cyber Truck and the Semi and the expansion of other business segments. Estimates suggest a strong revenue growth trajectory for Tesla in 2024 and early 2025.
Now, current market sentiment around Tesla may be overly pessimistic, though, with consensus EPS estimates potentially undervaluing the company's earnings potential and as Tesla continues to innovate and expand its product. Line. Its financial performance is likely to exceed market expectations and given the current market dynamics and Tesla's growth prospects, this stock presents a potentially lucrative investment
opportunity. Analysts suggest that the current valuation might be an opportune entry point for long term investors. Tesla faces significant competition for both established automakers and emerging EV companies too. These competitive pressures, along with other market and operational risks, could impact Tesla's growth trajectory and necessitate careful investment consideration. Now Tesla's an innovator.
They challenge the markets and they're also kind of financially volatile in a sort of bleak way right now. But it's looking good and as the. EV market continues to evolve. Tesla's strategic decisions from pricing to do model introductions will play a crucial role in shaping its future success. Investors and market watchers will monitor Tesla's progress, particularly in light of its ambitious plans for expansion
and market. Dominance even more than they already have right now with the $25,000 EV coming out. Sometime or being announced, I should say sometime in the coming. Year or two? Now, Tesla's fundamentals, their strategic initiatives and market positioning suggest a promising outlook and the company's ability to navigate market dynamics, innovate on the vehicles that they already have and come out with a new. Line and they also capitalize on emerging opportunities.
It's a key to the long term success and also investor returns. Just recently, SpaceX successfully launched NASA's Plankton Aerosol Cloud ocean ecosystem mission also called PACE, a nearly $1 billion Environmental Research satellite. Now this event took place early on Thursday, despite previous threats to cancel the project. We'll get into that a little bit
later. It's pretty juicy, and the mission's goal is to enhance our understanding of climate change by studying the intricate interactions among carbon aerosols and marine life on a global scale. Now, Karen Saint Germain, the director of NASA's Earth Sciences Division, said that Pace's potential to revolutionize our comprehension of aerosols, clouds, and the global energy balance is one of the key factors for this
mission. She drew parallels between the significance of Pace's contributions to oceanography and the James Webb Space Telescope's contributions to cosmology, emphasizing the mission's expected profound impact on our knowledge of oceanic and terrestrial life right here on our planet Earth. Now, the mission faced delays due to adverse weather conditions, but eventually launched from Cape Canaveral, marking a significant achievement for SpaceX. The Falcon Nights rocket liftoff
was not only a visual spectacle but also a technical milestone, achieving the first polar orbit launch from the East Coast from the US government since 1960. Huge deal in a Space Flight community. Now, Pace's journey to the launchpad was fraught with challenges. This is where we get a little bit of juicy stuff here, including threats of cancellation under the Trump
administration. However, persistent support from the scientific community and the pushback from NASA and the pushback from the public as well, ensured the project's continuation. As noted by Jeremy Werndel, PACE project scientist. Now equipped with advanced instruments, the PACE satellite aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between the ocean, the atmosphere, and also the land.
This holistic approach is crucial for unraveling the complexities of Earth's climate system and addressing one of the most significant uncertainties in climate modeling. The mission is expected to offer a high precision data critical for refining computer models used by policymakers, and this data will include real time measurements of aerosol movement, plankton, health, and carbon transport, offering invaluable insights into climate change dynamics.
And NASA's officials under score the importance of understanding the interactions between ocean life and the atmosphere in addressing the climate crisis. The PACE mission is set to provide crucial data on aerosols and their role in cloud formation and weather systems, shedding light on a key scientific mystery of our own planet, Earth. Now with a total cost of $940 million, almost a billion dollars, the PACE mission represents a significant investment in Earth observation technology.
It's successful deployment and forthcoming scientific observations which will gather data and will the data will be used for years, decades ahead. It's expected to begin in about two months with that data collection. Now we're all waiting for this and the launch of PACE is part of NASA's broader effort to utilize space based assets to study our own Mother Earth and also the changing climate right
here with us now. This mission, along with others like the SWOT mission, aims to revolutionize our understanding of Earth's own oceans and their role in the global climate system. Now NASA's commitment to addressing the climate crisis is evident in its deployment of
missions like PACE. Efforts are vital for providing the global community with a lot of data needed to make informed decisions about protecting our planet and all the inhabitants, not only humans but also the animals on our planet. Now the record-breaking temperatures of the past decade highlight the urgent need for missions like PACE.
By providing a better understanding of carbon exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere, NASA aims to enhance our ability to respond to climate change. Aerosols, while small, play significant role in Earth's climate by influencing weather, air quality and also the temperature. The PACE missions detailed study of aerosols will improve our understanding of their impact and help identify areas with poor air quality. Now the oceans of our planet, they cover about 70% of Earth's
surface. They remain one of the least understood parts of our planet. PACE aims to change this by offering unprecedented insights into ocean biography and the intricate web of life that they support now. Phytoplankton, despite their microscopic size, are crucial for marine ecosystems too, and also the global carbon cycle. Pace's advanced instruments will allow scientists to study these organisms in unparalleled detail, enhancing our understanding of their role in Earth's biosphere.
And the mission's innovative tech will enable researchers to differentiate among thousands of phytoplankton species, providing new insights into marine biodiversity and its implications for the food web, and also carbon sequestration. Now, the changing conditions of the world's oceans, including rising temperatures and alter nutrient distribution, pose
challenges for marine life. Pace's observations will contribute to our understanding of how these changes are affecting phytoplankton, communities, and by extension, the entire marine ecosystem. And the successful launch of PACE is a huge leap forward in our ability to monitor and understand Earth's climate system.
By providing a more detailed picture of the interactions between the atmosphere, oceans and also the land, this mission will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Tex has two options for the upcoming catch of the Starship booster at Starbase, Texas.
Now one of them is the current launch tower that they're using for IFT 1, IFT 2 and IFT 3. Now after this IFT 4, IFT 5, probably IFT 6, they're going to continue to build Tower Two at the launch site in the foreseeable future. So what does that mean? That means that one the launch area that they're using currently will be the launch and the catch tower, or #2. They're building the second tower as primarily a catch tower, as sort of a Pathfinder as a test, a beta and alpha if you will.
So they can learn how to catch before they destroy any sort of systems if they do it on the current tower. So they have a lot to lose if they do it on the current tower. If something goes wrong, shrapnel goes everywhere. The systems, the ground systems could get damaged and it could take them months to fix them, which would push them way behind schedule for the IFT 4, IFT 5 launch and then push them back even further for the Artemis 3, even though that's been pushed
back already. So what I believe is going to happen is they're going to continue building Tower Two at, I was going to say Boca Chica. It's not really Boca Chica anymore. They switched it to just Starbase. Now to Starbase. They're going to keep building Tower Two at Starbase. We're going to see something very similar to what they have
now. But I think what's going to happen is that tower two is going to be a catch tower and they're going to integrate some systems there so they can catch the booster, but then also lower it and then maybe use a crane to put it on a transport. And then, you know, move it to where they have to refurbish it, fix it up, clean it up and get it ready for the next flight. Now there is option two, though.
So everything that they've learned from the first tower, they're putting into the tower at Kennedy Space Center as well, because they're building one over at Kennedy Space Center at NASA. And whatever they learned from the first tower, they're making it better. They're making improvements to the Kennedy Space Center tower. And anything they learned at Kennedy Space Center, they're probably going to build a better tower at the STAR Base facility,
the launch facility. So if that were the case and they divert all the plumbing from what they have now, Tower One to Tower Two, and then they use Tower One to catch the booster from now on, that's not out of the realm of possibility, but it's going to be a long time before they get Tower Two built. It might actually be about a year or so. It's taking them a while to get Kennedy Space Center Tower even
sort of functional. So it could be about a year for Tower Two at Starbase. So expect maybe 2025 for the first catch attempt at Starbase, maybe first quarter, second quarter, may early second quarter 2025. But it's going to take them a lot of work to get that done and their primary goal right now isn't to get a new tower up like they're not going to get a ton of people down there at Starbase
to build the second tower. What they're doing is they're working on I FT3, IFT 4, IFT 5. They have to hit these benchmarks in order to get to the Artemis program. Artemis 3, they don't even have to land the booster for Artemis 3. You know, that's not part of the contract. All they have to do is get a ship up into orbit and then refuel the ship and then get
that ship to the moon. So if they can do that and they can expend some boosters along the way, they might just wait for a while to try to catch boosters. Because I guess that's option three at this point. Because if they if they don't catch any boosters, that's OK too. They're not wasting a lot of
money. They know that in the future they're going to make all this money back that they use on expendable boosters, sort of like what they did with Falcon One and Falcon Nine in the beginning. They didn't land a Falcon 9 for a while, so it took them, took the many flights for Falcon 9 before they actually landed 1 precisely. And even then they had mishaps here and there where the booster would land, the Falcon 9 booster would land and then tip over or would land and bounce.
And you know, we've all seen the videos like how not to land a a rocket booster or whatever it was, and they explode. So that could also happen at Starbase. And that's not good because the Super heavy is built with stainless steel. Stainless steel explodes. It becomes shrapnel, Shrapnel like throwing knives everywhere. I mean, they'll be ridiculous. The ground systems would get exploded everywhere. So I think they're going to play
it safe. They're going to land a bunch of these in the Gulf of Mexico. Get very precise with this. Very, very precise. Make sure it works absolutely perfect every time. Make sure they can guide it perfectly. I think what they're going to do is they're going to do three or four precision landings in the Gulf of Mexico, and then after that maybe think about landing them on a tower. They have to make sure this works perfectly though. They might even do a hover test.
I'm not sure. I'm not sure. It seems ridiculous if they would do a hover test. I don't think they would though. I don't think they would do a hover test. I think they're going to do full testing and then they're going to bring it back. They're going to do a kickback, they're going to do the flip and then they're going to bring it back. So I think that's what's going to happen 2025, early 2025,
maybe quarter 2/20/25. We're going to see the steps put in place where maybe we're going to see a catch of a booster. And another option could be that SpaceX builds a whole new infrastructure for test catch tower, whatever it is, #2 could they do all the infrastructure and they root it through one or two, or do they do it to both? I think they might do it for both. I think it looks like the
systems are in place for both. But could they do a substantial amount for the tower two and just use what they have now for tower one that's up in the air 2? Because they always change down there and everything always changes at Starbase. So like, we don't really know what's going on down there until SpaceX does something. It's all kind of speculation until SpaceX starts moving the
pieces and the parts around. And then we see what's actually happening at Starbase. Jack Sweeney, a University of Central Florida student who's made headlines by tracking the private jet movements of celebrities Elon Musk and also Taylor Swift. And he uses publicly available
flight data. Now with this practice has led to a legal confrontation with Swift's attorneys sending Sweeney A cease and desist letter alleging that his social media posts about her jet movements caused her direct and irreparable harm, as well as emotional and physical distress. And Sweeney's tracking activities spotlight the public's access to flight information through sources like the Federal Aviation Administration and aircraft
broadcast signals. The social media accounts don't just log takeoffs and landings, though. They also estimate the carbon footprint of these flights, echoing the broader environmental campaign against excessive private jet use known as flight Shame.
Now, this controversy gained momentum when a 2022 report branded Taylor Swift as a top carbon emitter due to her jets frequent flights, and Swift's team has encountered these claims by stating that her jet is often loaned out to other people, implying that not all flights should be attributed
directly to her. This defense, however, seems at odds with the recent legal threat against Sweeney, highlighting a potential inconsistency in Swift's camps responses to privacy and environmental concerns. Sweeney's predicament is not unique to him, though.
It reflects a larger debate over privacy, public information in the rights of individuals versus high profile public figures like Taylor Swift. His transition from Twitter to other platforms like Threads and Instagram after being banned by Elon Musk for alleged security risks shows that there's a complex terrain of digital information sharing and power dynamics at play at Swiss legal team argues that there's no legitimate public need for this flight information.
Framing Sweeney's actions as invasive and harmful, the stance raises questions about the balance between public interest in celebrity activities and the celebrity's own right to privacy, especially when the information in question is already publicly accessible. Now, the response from Sweeney and his legal representative, James Slater, challenges the claims made by Swift's attorneys.
They argue that the tracking is a form of protected speech utilizing public data without infringing on Swift's legal rights, and suggests that the legal threats or an attempt to suppress unfavorable publicity rather than a genuine concern for privacy and safety. And this incident coincides with increased scrutiny over Swift's environmental impact, particularly in light of her eras tour in the substantial carbon footprint associated with her travel.
Now the social media clamp down on Sweeney's accounts, especially those tracking swift contrast with the continued operation of his other celebrity jet tracking accounts, hinting at a targeted effort to silence criticism of Swift's carbon emissions. Now the legal confrontation with Sweeney is part of a broader narrative about celebrity
privacy. Public data in the Environmental Accountability Swiss legal team's actions, including the cease and desist letter and its allegations of stalking and harassment, spotlight the tension between celebrity status and public scrutiny. And the environmental aspect of the story is pivotal. With Sweeney's accounts leaking celebrity jets used to larger discussions about climate change
and individual responsibility. Now this ties back to the growing social movements against excessive private jet travel and its disproportionate impact on the environment. And the debate over Sweeney's jet tracking activities intersects with ongoing discussions about digital privacy, public information rights, and the ethical implications of tracking public figures movements.
The case underscores the evolving natures of privacy in the digital age, where publicly available data can be repurposed in ways that challenge traditional notions of personal space and security. And the legal threats against Sweeney also touch upon the use of cease and desist letters as a tool for managing public relations crises.
This approach, often seen in disputes involving high profile figures like Taylor Swift, raises questions about the power dynamics between celebrities and individuals like Jack Sweeney, and also the role of legal intimidation in controlling narrative and public perception. Swift's environmental record, particularly the use of her private jet, has become a flashpoint in the broader discussion about the environmental responsibility of public figures.
The public and media's focus on Swift's travel habits reflects growing concerns about the environmental impact of private jet travel and the role of celebrities in addressing climate change. The situation brings the light challenges faced by individuals like Jack Sweeney who navigate these murky waters of public information sharing in the face
of legal and social pressures. It highlights the precarious position of those who seek to promote transparency and accountability, particularly when their efforts cast a spotlight on the action of power figures like Taylor Swift.
So this saga between Sweeney versus Swift's legal team is emblematic of larger debates surrounding privacy, public interest, and the ethics of information sharing in the digital age, and encapsulates the tensions between individual rights and public scrutiny, especially in the context of celebrity culture in environmental activism.
And as this story develops, it'll undoubtedly continue to spark discussions about the boundaries of public information, the right to privacy in the role of social media, and shaping public discourse. It's a case study in the complexities of digital age privacy, public interest journalism, and the intersection of celebrity culture with environmental concerns. But there's legal implications here.
They extend beyond the immediate parties involved, touching on broader societal issues such as freedom of speech. The public's right to information in the environmental impact of the lives of the rich and famous raises important questions about where the line should be drawn in the pursuit of transparency and accountability. But ultimately, it shows that the evolving landscape of privacy, public information and environmental awareness in the social. Media age.
Well, it's an ongoing tension between the desire for transparency and the need for privacy, set against the backdrop of growing environmental awareness and
activism. Now this confrontation between Taylor Swift's legal team and Jack Sweeney over his jet tracking social media accounts brings to the fore critical issues surrounding privacy and public information, and the power dynamics of celebrity culture and celebrities like Elon Musk and Taylor Swift. It's a microcosm of the broader challenges and debates facing society and digital age, where the boundaries of privacy, public interest, and
environmental ethics are continually being renegotiated. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, has announced its plan to establish a second manufacturing facility in Japan, a move that shows a significant investment in the country's semiconductor industry, with major backing from Sony and also from Toyota. That's part of a larger strategy to strengthen Japan's semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in response to global demands and geopolitical
pressures. TSMC, the world's leading contract chip maker is extending its global footprint with this new plant though which combined with an earlier announced facility will push its total investment in Japan beyond $20
billion. Now this new plant which is to be operated by Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Inc or JASM ATSMC majority owned venture is set to commence construction within this year as plan aims for the facility to be operational by the end of 2027. And it's clear indication of TSM CS commitment to Japan itself leveraging the country's skilled workforce and supportive government policies to enhance its semiconductor production capacity.
Now TSM CS investment in Japan is significant exceeding $20 billion when considering both the new facility and the initial plant that is scheduled to start operations this year. This investment not only shows that the importance of Japan and TSM CS global strategy, it also highlights the collaborative nature of this venture with contributions from other partners including giants like Sony and also Toyota, which adds depth to the project's foundation.
Now the decision to expand in Japan aligns with the Japanese government's initiative to revitalize its semiconductor industry, which has been declined from its peak in the 1980s. Now, semiconductors are crucial for a wide array of applications, from consumer electronics to advanced computing. Automotive technology isn't also the military.
Japan aims to reassert its position in this critical sector with TSM CS new facilities focusing on producing chips for automotive, industrial and high performance computing applications rather than the most advanced chips.
Now TSM CS global presence not limited to Japan, though, the company is also making significant investments in the United States with a $40 billion project to build 2 manufacturing plants in Arizona. This move is part of a broader effort to localize semiconductor production in the US and reduce dependency on foreign chip supply chains.
TSM CS expansion reflects A strategic positioning to meet the growing demand for semiconductors across various sectors, including the rapidly expanding field of artificial intelligence. And the establishment of TSM. CS second plant in Japan is a strategic move that leverages the country's manufacturing strengths and supportive government policies. The venture is expected to enhance Japan semiconductor production capabilities and contribute to the global supply chain stability.
The construction of the second fab in Kumamoto shows that TSMC is confident in Japan, propelled by the successful progress of the first plant in the promising partnership dynamics with Japanese corporations and the government. Now TSMC is major stake in the Japan venture complemented by investments from Sony, Denso and also Toyota shows there's a collaborative approach to this. There's a lot of investors and the semiconductor manufacturing plan is a huge one.
This partnership structure designed to leverage unique strengths of each participant ensuring a robust foundation for the venture's success. The plan capabilities expansion with both facilities expected to produce over 100,012 inch wafers monthly, shows that TSM CS response to increased demand in key sectors such as automotive and high performance computing is absolutely real. They're working on this right now and there's tons of money being invested in this now.
Japan's semiconductor industry, once a global leader back in the 80s, has faced challenges over the past few decades, losing ground to competitors, particularly Taiwanese manufacturers. And TSM sees investment as a significant opportunity for Japan to rejuvenate its semiconductor sector, leveraging the expertise of technological prowess of the world's largest contract chip manufacturer.
This is also a part of a broader effort to secure a stable chip supply, especially amid heightened trade tensions between major global powers like China and the United States. Now TSM CS global expansion strategy, which includes significant investments in the United States and also Europe, shows that they're responsive to diverse customer demands and also geopolitical considerations.
They want to spread themselves out and the establishment of manufacturing facilities outside Taiwan, such as the major projects in Arizona and the upcoming factory in Germany is indicative of TSM CS commitment to serving global markets more effectively and strengthening the resilience of the
semiconductor supply chain. The announcement of TSM, CS Second Vavage Japan has been met with a lot of optimism too, as evidenced by the positive performance of its stock, which has outperformed broader market indices.
So this is showing that there's investor confidence in TSMC strategic investments and its ability to capitalize on the growing demand for semiconductors driven by advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence and AI. Now the company's decision to expand in Japan is a strategic move that aligns with global trends and the need for diversification of manufacturing
hubs. Now this plant in Japan is a response to demand from customers as well for more semiconductor production capabilities and capacity.
It's part of TSMC strategic plan to enhance its manufacturing capabilities globally worldwide and ensure it can meet the growing needs of industries reliant semiconductor technology like EVs and also AI. Now the decision to establish the second fab in Japan strengthens TSMC and they're supporting the technological advancements and supply chain requirements of their global clientele.
The construction of the second TSMC plant in Japan set to begin by the end of 2024 too with operational capabilities targeted by the end of 2027. This timeline reflects TSM CS urgency in responding to market demands and its commitment to supporting Japan superconductor industry resurgence. And the collaboration with JASIM and the backing of major Japanese companies like Toyota and also Sony shows that there's a strategic importance of this venture to all parties involved.
And it is also going to bring on 3400 skilled jobs through TSM CS expansion. And this employment boost is particularly timely as TSMC faces project delays in other regions such as Arizona. Now this Arizona project, initially set for an earlier start, has experienced delays pushing the operational timeline to 2027 or 2028.
And despite these setbacks, TSM, CS investments in the US and other regions, including the new facilities in Japan and the planned factory in Germany, demonstrate the company's strategic approach to expanding its manufacturing footprint all over the world. Hey, thank you so much for listening today. I really do appreciate your
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