Elon Musk Weekly News Update: Tesla, SpaceX, X, Neuralink, and More - podcast episode cover

Elon Musk Weekly News Update: Tesla, SpaceX, X, Neuralink, and More

Jan 05, 202545 min
--:--
--:--
Listen in podcast apps:
Metacast
Spotify
Youtube
RSS

Episode description

JOIN THE DISCORD >> ⁠https://discord.gg/kqW2RZVHcc⁠ ABOUT The Elon Musk Podcast The Elon Musk Podcast takes an in-depth look into the world of the visionary entrepreneur. From SpaceX's mission to colonize Mars, to the revolutionary underground transportation network of the Boring Company, to the cutting-edge technology of Neuralink, and the game-changing innovations of Tesla, we cover it all. Stay up to date with the latest news, events and highlights from the companies led by Elon Musk. ABOUT STAGE ZERO STAGE ZERO is the YouTube home for all things Elon Musk and the STAGE ZERO Podcast Network. STAGE ZERO features over 10 years of SpaceX, Tesla, Twitter news as well as exclusive videos from podcasts like The Elon Musk Podcast.

Transcript

Hey everybody. Welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads that shape SpaceX, Tesla X, The Boring Company, and Neurolink. I'm your host Will Walden. How do two of the most polarizing figures of the 21st century celebrate the dawn of the new year Now for Elon Musk and president-elect Donald Trump, the answer was a star-studded gala at Trump's Mar A Lago resort in Palm Beach, FL.

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO, known for his unpredictable public persona, was seen in a viral video dance with his son X perched on his shoulders near Trump. Now, Musk's festive appearance at Mar A Lago came amid reports that he had been residing in a $2000 a night cottage on the former president's estate since Election Day. Now, the property, located a short walk from the main house, is said to have hosted numerous prominent figures in the past.

Now, the New Year's Eve party was nothing short of glamorous, attracting a mix of celebrities, political figures and Trump's closest confidants. Among the notable attendees were Musk's mother May Musk, vice president-elect JD Vance and Texas senator Ted Cruz. Nerlink executive Siobhan Zillis, with whom Musk shares three children, also joined the celebration, adding a personal touch to the evening for the

billionaire tech mogul. Now other attendees included boxing promoter Don King and former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who posted a photo on social media posing with Trump and incoming first lady Melania Trump. Laura Trump, the former president's daughter-in-law, entertained the crowd with a re addition of Tom Petty's I Won't Back Down while guests enjoyed a dazzling fireworks display ahead of the countdown to midnight Now.

The event also doubled as a birthday celebration for Donald Trump junior, who was accompanied by his rumoured girlfriend Bettina Anderson. Now, as he arrived at the party, president-elect Trump briefly addressed reporters, offering a glimpse of his plans for his return to the White House. Just a great year. I think we're going to be fantastically well as a country. We're going to bring it back.

It has to be brought back, Trump said, reflecting his campaign rhetoric about restoring America's greatness. He also confirmed his intention to attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away last week at the age of 100. Now, while Musk's presence at Mar a Lago for New Year's Eve raised some eyebrows, his extended stay on the property adds another layer of intrigue.

According to the New York Times, Musk moved into the cottage around Election Day, sparking speculation about his relationship with the president-elect. The cottage, previously rented out to high profile guests for $2000 a night, offers Musk proximity to Trump during a period of significant political and economic shifts in the US.

Musk, who has publicly stated his views on free speech and regulation through his Platform X, has occasionally aligned with Trump on issues such as energy policy and criticism of the media. However, his presence at Mar a Lago also shows the complex dynamics between being a tech mogul and also politics. Now, did you know that Mar a Lago was often referred to as the Winter White House?

And it has a storied history. The estate was built in the 1920s by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and was later designated a National Historic Landmark. Trump purchased the property in 1985 and converted it into a private club, and the venue has since hosted numerous high profile events blending luxury politics and celebrity culture.

Now, with Trump poised to re enter the Oval Office and Musk continuing to dominate the tech and business landscape, their interaction at Mar a Lago could mark the beginning of a deeper alliance or simply a fleeting moment of shared celebration. As 2025 begins, both men face immense scrutiny and high expectations in their respective domains. Now, whether Musk's stay on Trump's estate is purely coincidental or indicative of a larger partnership remains to be

seen. What's clear, however, is that the convergence of these two powerful figures and Mar a Lago is a fitting snapshot of an increasingly intertwined political and cultural landscape. Now for more insights and behind the scenes stories, join our community at Supercast, connect with us on Discord and follow us for updates on our website elonmuskpodcast.com and let us know your thoughts. Is this an unlikely pairing or the start of a new era of collaboration?

How can a Signal account change photos and safety numbers? After someone's death, the cyber truck involved in a deadly explosion unlocked itself remotely at the scene of. These questions are at the heart of a growing mystery involving Matthew Livelsberger, an active duty U.S. Army soldier who reportedly died under suspicious circumstances during a December 29th incident in Las Vegas.

And how did the timeline of events unfold and why are so many details raising red flags Now Law enforcement officials, military insiders, and digital privacy advocates have all weighed in on this case. The key issues include a possible timeline of signal activity changes, the mechanics of the Tesla's truck, self driving capabilities, and the discovery of weapons and a gunshot wound at the scene.

Now, Matthew Libelsberger, also known as Matt Berg on Signal, was an active duty soldier stationed in Germany with the US Army. According to military sources, he was on personal leave in the United States at the time of his

death. On December 29th, Livolsberger was reportedly found dead near an explosion involving a Tesla cyber truck in Las Vegas. Law enforcement discovered multiple items in his name at the scene, including a military Ida Desert Eagle handgun, an SLRB 30 AR pattern rifle, an iPhone, and a smartwatch. Livolsberger had sustained a gunshot wound to the head, though the exact sequence of

events remains unclear now. Shortly after the explosion, members of Libelsberger's Signal group chat observed changes to his account. The account safety number, profile name and photo were all updated, sparking concerns about who had control of his account host. Humorously, Signal, known for its end to end encryption, uses safety numbers to verify secure communications.

A change in safety numbers typically signals a switch to a new device or a new SIM card, leading many to question how and why these updates occurred after Livolsberger's death. Adding another level of complexity, reports suggest the Tesla Cyber involved in the explosion was unlocked remotely by law enforcement. Tesla CEO Elon Musk later stated the trucks locking mechanisms disengaged due to the force of the blast, but this explanation has not satisfied skeptics.

Now, the signal activity surrounding Livolsburger's account is one of the most perplexing aspects of this case. According to screenshots shared by a member of a signals group, Livolsburger's safety number changed twice, once before the explosion and again afterwards. The name associated with the account also changed from Matt Berg to Just Matt, and a new

profile photo appeared. Forensic experts No Signal safety number changes are not uncommon for users who switch devices, install the app on a new phone, or use a different SIM card. This could explain the first change in Lowellsberger's travelled from Germany to the United States around December 29th, as international travellers often use local SIM cards for convenience. However, the post explosion changes are harder to explain, as signal changes typically require direct access to the

user's device. A military sources confirm that Libelsberger was on leave in Colorado prior to the Las Vegas incident. His wife reportedly lost contact with him several days before the explosion, raising questions about his movements and actions. That remains unclear whether Libelsberger's was the one operating the Tesla Cyber Truck or if he had been in capacity hesitated beforehand. Tesla's involvement has also raised eyebrows.

The Cyber Trucks remote capabilities, including self driving functionality and remote locking and unlocking, have become a focal point for speculation. Musk's statement that the truck's doors unlocked after the explosion aligns with the vehicle's advanced safety features, but critics argue that such systems can also be exploited for nefarious purposes.

Tesla has not provided additional technical details about the vehicle's role in this incident, the items recovered at the scene, and further complexity. The Desert Eagle, the SLRB 30, are high-powered firearms, suggesting the Libelsberger might have been armed at the time of the explosion. The discovery of his military ID and personal electronics tied to the presence of a gunshot wound in the head raises critical questions. Was the wound self-inflicted or was it the result of play?

Forensic analysis will be crucial in determining the sequence of events. Ballistic tests on the recovered firearms and autopsy results could clarify whether Libelsberger was shot before or after the explosion. Investigators have not yet released A cause of death, leaving open the possibility that Libelsberger may not have been in control of the situation. Experts in cybersecurity and automotive technology have weighed in on the implications of this case.

Doctor Sarah Lynn, a cybersecurity researcher specializing in encrypting messaging apps, explains Signals encryption protocols are robust, but the system is not immune to misuse. Now on the Tesla side, an engineer with expertise in self driving systems said that Tesla's remote capabilities are designed for safety, not exploitation. However, any connected system is vulnerable to hacking if not properly secured.

The fact that the vehicle unlocked remotely after the explosion should be investigated further. How signal security rotocols signals messages are readable only by the sender and the receiver. Changes in safety numbers are alerts meant to signal otential account breaches or device changes. Tesla Vehicles allowed owners to lock, unlock, and start their cars remotely via a smartphone app.

While convenient, these features rely on secure cloud infrastructure to keep them out of the hands of nefarious people. Active duty soldiers traveling international for personal leave must follow strict protocols. Travel records and communication logs could shed light on the Wilsburger's movements before his death. The case is far from over, though. Investigators must untangle a complex web of digital activity, physical evidence and potential foul play.

Key questions include the exact cause of the explosion, the role of the Tesla Cybertruck, and how signal security features may have been manipulated. Forensics, digital forensics and military cooperation will all play crucial roles. Calls for transparency have intensified. The family, military colleagues and Signal group members are seeking clarity on how his Signal account was altered in whether his death was connected to broader patterns of

suspicious activities. If you want to stay informed as this investigation develops, you should subscribe to our Supercast, where we explore the latest updates in real time with live videos. We're going to talk about tech, privacy, security, and also join the Discord community. If you want to keep the conversation going, there's a link in our description about that. If you want more insights, go to elonmuskpodcast.com. As always, everything's in the show notes or the description.

So what role is Elon Musk playing in shaping US foreign policy under Trump's incoming administration? And how is Musk's outspoken support for controversial political movements abroad affecting global relations? Could Musk's extensive business interests pose conflicts of interest as he moves closer to the center of power in the

United States? Elon sparked global controversy this week calling for the resignation of German Chancellor Olaf Shoals in the aftermath of a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany. Now Musk's statement, made on his Platform X, criticize goals as an incompetent fool and question the leadership of Europe's largest economy. The attack, which involved a car ramming into a crowd, left at least 2 dead and dozens injured, according to German officials.

Musk's remark immediately drew both condemnation and applause, underscoring his increasingly polarizing role now. Adding fuel to this fire, Musk also voiced support for Germany's far right Alternative for Germany Afd party. Only the Afd can save Germany. Musk set on X. The FDA nationalist party with anti immigration policies, has surged in German opinion polls but remains shunned by

mainstream parties. Germany is set to hold elections on February 23rd following the collapse, which calls coalition government and Musk's endorsement miss spark heated debate about foreign influence in domestic politics. It declined to offer any further comment. We reached out. We couldn't get a hold of them. They wouldn't comment. This is not Musk's first foray

into European politics. Last year, he harshly criticized Germany's handling of migration issues and more recently called for the dismissal of Italian judges over rulings that questions the legality of government measures against irregular immigration. These instances shows that Elon Musk has broader alignment with far right movements in Europe, further polarizing public opinion, but his involvement in

global political affairs. Back in the United States, Musk's proximity to president-elect Donald Trump and his apparent influence on the incoming administration have alarmed everybody on the left. Since November, Musk has been a regular fixture at Trump's Mar A Lago estate, attending meetings with foreign leaders and playing a prominent role in

international discussions. Notably, Musk accompanied Trump on his first post election foreign trip to Paris, where he met President Emmanuel Macron during the ceremonial reopening of Notre Dame. He has also praised Italy's Prime Minister Georgia Malani, calling her a precious genius in public remarks at a black tie event in New York. Now, perhaps most concerning to critics was Musk's participation in Trump's initial call with Ukrainian President Oladimir

Zelensky after the election. Now, such instances have raised question to most Musk's potential to shape US foreign policy, given his extensive global business interest, particularly in China. The Tesla, Musk's electric vehicle company, as we all know, operates a massive Gigafactory in Shanghai and relies heavily on the Chinese market, which accounts for a substantial portion of its production and

sales. Musk's ties to Chinese President Xi Jinping, with whom he reportedly dined during XI's 2023 US visit, have deepened suspicions of potential conflicts of interest. Concerns are particularly heightened by Musk's $15 billion in federal contracts, including with NASA and the Pentagon, which depend on SpaceX for rocket launches and Starling satellite services critical to

U.S. military operations. The Pentagon is reportedly investigating whether Musk has adhered to disclosure requirements related to his top secret security clearance, which mandates reporting meetings with foreign officials. Musk's defenders, though, however, argue that his close ties to Trump represent a bold opportunity to streamline government and improve efficiency.

Brian Hughes, a spokesman for Trump's transition team, dismissed concerns over Musk's potential conflicts of interest, describing him as a What's in a Generation Business leader whose ideas could benefit federal bureaucracy. Now, Musk's prospective role in recommending major cuts to government jobs has further fueled debate, with critics warning of the ethical risks tied to his dual role as a businessman and informal policy maker. Now on Capitol Hill, skepticism is mounting.

Outgoing Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin criticized Musk's involvement, stating his association with the president-elect has already profited him. A question whether Musk's private dealings in China and everywhere else could compromise his objectivity in advising Trump on foreign policy. They said I don't want a transactional person who's going into a country to see if he can make a deal.

Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, speaking cautiously on the matter, emphasized the importance of maintaining a smooth transition to power, though did not directly address Musk's role, but acknowledged it that communications between the outgoing and incoming administrations are essential

for ensuring stability. But Musk's presence in these high level interactions, coupled with his outspoken support for some far righter movements, sparked unease among both domestic and international observers. Now in the UK, Musk similarly made waves by criticizing Prime Minister Kier Starman, labeling Britain a tyrannical police state and endorsing calls for a new election. His comments came amid escalating tensions in the country following days of far right violence.

Musk further stoked controversy by promoting a video from a jailed far right activist and predicting that the country was on the brink of civil war. Musk's global reach, bolstered by his vast wealth and high profile business ventures, has allowed him to amplify his political opinions in ways that few private citizens have ever done. This influence was on full display in the United States earlier this month when Musk played a key role in derailing a

funding bill. Some Republicans, impressed by Musk's political maneuvering, have even suggested he should be made speaker of the House. However, critics worry that Musk is assuming an unofficial role akin to a shadow president, raising thorny questions about the concentration of power and integrity of democratic governance. But despite the controversy, Musk shows no signs of retreating from his political advocacy.

On Friday, Nigel Farage, the leader of Britain's right wing Reform UK party, revealed that he had met with Musk at Trump's Florida residents to discuss financial support for the party. The post, which included a photo of himself with Musk, fueled speculation about the billionaire's intentions to fund far right movements worldwide. But Musk influence will continue

to grow. His actions continued to blur the lines between business and politics, and his detractors argue that his dual role as a global entrepreneur and political advisor presents unprecedented ethical challenges, while supporters hail him as a disruptor capable of bringing fresh perspectives to governance. Whether Musk's moves will yield positive change or further Discord remains to be seen, but the scrutiny surrounding his every move weights on his growing impact on the global

stage. Speaking of Discord, I want to say thank you for everybody who's joined the Discord server so far. There's a link to our Discord in the show notes. Please take a look at that. Come join the conversation. Talk about Elon Musk, Tesla, SpaceX, Boring Company, Neuralink. Check out our Discord down below and join the fun.

Tesla could potentially be launching the robo taxi service in Austin, TX. Now, what's fascinating is they've always actually been in talks with city officials since May, and it makes you wonder what they're cooking up behind the scenes, doesn't it? Well, Tesla initiated preliminary discussions with Austin, TX officials regarding its autonomous vehicle technology program, marking a potential milestone in the company's ambitious robotaxi

development plans. Now, Tesla's representatives have engaged with the city's Autonomous Vehicle Task Force to establish safety protocols and operational parameters for their future self driving fleet. Now, these discussions with began way back in May demonstrate Tesla's strategic approach to implementing autonomous driving before anybody else actually knew about it.

And the automotive innovator unveiled its Cyber Cab prototype during a highly anticipated Robotaxi event in October, showcasing a vehicle designed without traditional driver controls such as pedals or steering wheels. Now, Elon Musk announced intentions to introduce an unsupervised version of the company's driver assistance technology in both California and Texas by 2025.

And this timeline positions Tesla to compete directly with established autonomous vehicle operators like Waymo, which currently operates robotaxi services in multiple states. And Tesla current Full Self Driving or SFDFSD package, despite its name, requires constant driver supervision and attention. The system utilizes a cabin facing camera to monitor driver engagement, distinguishing it from the company's Envision Robotaxi service, which aims to operate without any human intervention.

This is a leap forward. It represents a substantial advancement from Tesla's existing semi autonomous capabilities and the selection of Austin as a potential launch city lines. With Tesla's existing infrastructure investments in Texas, company relocated its headquarters from Palo Alto, CA to Texas in 2022 and operates its massive Gigafactory Texas facility just outside of Austin

city limits. These established operations provide Tesla with logistical advantages and local relationships that could facilitate the implementation of the robotaxi program. Now, Tesla's engagement with Austin authorities includes conducting training sessions for first responders, familiarizing emergency personnel with autonomous vehicle operations and safety protocols.

This proactive approach mirrors strategies employed by other autonomous vehicle companies and demonstrates Tesla's commitment to addressing public safety concerns associated with driverless technology. Now, the regulatory landscape in Texas presents unique advantages for Tesla's autonomous vehicle. Now, the state maintains minimal restrictions on autonomous vehicle testing and explicitly prohibits cities from implementing additional regulations and driverless

vehicles. The regulatory environment could accelerate Tesla's development and deployment timeline compared to states with more stringent oversight requirements like New York, California, and even cities like San Francisco. And Tesla has already been testing its ride handling technology in the Bay Area of San Francisco, utilizing an internal application and vehicles equipped with safety

drivers. This pilot program provides valuable operational data and real world experience as the company develop its fully autonomous system. Testing phase represents a crucial step in validating Tesla's technology before deploying it in a commercial service. Now. The company's stock failure responded positively to these developments, with shares rising approximately 3 whole percent in

pre market trading. Investor confidence appears bolstered by speculating about Elon Musk's potential influence over the Trump administration too, regarding regulatory approvals for autonomous vehicle technology. Now, unlike competitors such as Waymo, Tesla plans to operate its robot taxi fleet without Geo fencing restrictions that limit

vehicles to specific areas. However, industry analysts suggest the company might implement Tele operation capabilities during the initial deployment phase to maintain oversight over the new robotaxis. Now, the development of Tesla's autonomous technology coincides with increasing competition in the robotaxi sector.

Waymo currently operates autonomous ride hailing services across multiple jurisdictions, establishing operational precedence and safety standards for the industry, and Tesla's entry into this market segment represents a strategic expansion beyond its traditional electric vehicle business. Implementation of a robotaxi service requires extensive coordination with the local authorities regarding safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and operational

guidelines. Tesla's discussions with Austin officials encompass these critical aspects of autonomous vehicle deployment, though specific details about fleet size and operational parameters remained under negotiation. Now, the company's approach to autonomous vehicle development differs significantly from traditional automakers and

technology companies. Tesla's strategy relies heavily on real world data collected from its customer vehicle fleet, which informs the development of its self driving software through machine learning. Now, technical challenges remain in achieving fully autonomous operation without human

supervision. Tesla must demonstrate the reliability and safety of its system across various weather conditions, traffic scenarios, and urban environments before receiving regulatory approval for commercial robotaxi operations. The economic implications of successful robotaxi deployment could transform urban transportation systems. Autonomous ride hailing services promised reduced operation costs, increased vehicle utilization, and improved accessibility for transportation

disadvantaged populations. Now, these potential benefits drive Tesla's pursuit of autonomous technology commercialization. Now, public acceptance represents another crucial factor in the successful implementation of robo taxi services. Tesla's engagement with local authorities and 1st responders helps build Community Trust and understanding of autonomous vehicle capabilities and limitations. The educational component supports the broader adaptation

of driverless technology. Now. The timeline for commercial robotaxi deployment depends on multiple factors, though, including technological readiness, regulatory approval, and market conditions. And while Tesla targets a 2025 launch date, industry experts caution the government approval processes could extend this

timeline significantly. Safety verification and validation procedures for autonomous vehicles involve extensive testing across diverse operational conditions, and Tesla's current pilot program in the Bay Area generates valuable data for improving system performance and demonstrating safety compliance to regulatory authorities.

Now these preliminary discussions with Austin officials regarding their robotaxis and the deployment of them is an important first step towards implementing commercial robotaxi services in States and countries all over the world through significant technical, regulatory and operational challenges. TEST is going to beat them all and they're going to move forward with their robotaxi program. Now, I want to give you a second here and let you think about this.

Would you hail a taxi with no driver? If you've been to a theme park, especially a big theme park, they have autonomous driving technology in the theme park and they're all programmed something like Disney and they're all programmed for the roads and the pathways that are in that park. Now, would you trust a robo taxi in your area, in your town, in your city, driving around your schools, driving around where the kids play, driving around where old people are stationed?

You know, like maybe there's a assisted living facility nearby and old people kind of wander into the road sometimes. Would you be willing to, to, to do that? Or do you think people are more dangerous than robots when it comes to driving? Let me know the comments. If you're on Spotify, leave me a comment below. And if you're on YouTube, please leave a comment. Also, if you like the show, please give it a five star review on whatever podcast platform you're on right now.

I really appreciate your support. Now before we go, I want to let you know about our new cool Doge pack. Now this is our Discord server where you get behind the scenes and daily and minutely I guess would be a good way to say it, news whenever we get it and we can talk about Elon Musk, SpaceX X Tesla, anything Elon Musk is doing and you're in the community of like minded people. So please take a second. There's a link down below for

Discord for our Doge pack. So if Elon Musk's X Mail actually launches, what happens to all those Gmail users who might get targeted by AI scams now? Musk's statement about this being on the list really got me

thinking about this. Elon Musk confirmed plans for a new e-mail service called xmail through a December 15th statement on X in his response to a user suggesting an e-mail service to rival Gmail. Simply stated, yeah on the list of things to do. This marks his second public acknowledgement of e-mail service development plans in 2024. Now, the announcement arrives at a time when Gmail serves approximately 2.5 billion active users worldwide, representing 1/3 of the global population.

Now, X maintains an estimated user base of about 600 million people, according to current analysis of platform metrics and public reporting data. Now, these numbers established the context for understanding the potential reach and impact of a new e-mail service under Elon Musk's leadership and security. Researchers expressed particular concern about increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence powered phishing attacks.

The accessibility and decreasing cost of AI tools enable cyber criminals to create more convincing fraudulent messages targeting users through multiple communication channels. The evolution in attack methodology poses new challenges for e-mail security systems and user awareness programs. And stats from recent cybersecurity reports indicate a marked increase in multi channel phishing campaigns where attackers initiate contact through e-mail before moving conversations to other platforms.

And these attacks often leverage text messages, phone calls, or messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to manipulate victims more effectively than traditional single channel approaches. Now security experts note that this complexity makes attacks harder to detect and prevent. Now, the current speculation about X mail creates opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit public interest through various scam techniques.

Security professionals anticipate potential schemes involving fake early access invitations, fraudulent data mitigation tools, and deceptive account verification requests. These tactics typically aim to capture Gmail login credentials or financial information from users eager to participate in new platform launches. Now, multiple e-mail platforms already operate under similar names, complicating the trademark and branding landscape for potential X mail service.

Basic research revealed to me that several existing e-mail providers using variations of the X Mail name, suggesting potential legal and branding battles for X Corp in launching their service situation adds another layer of complexity to this process. And the relationship between e-mail security and user privacy features prominently in discussions about potential X Mail functionality.

X's current platform includes encryption features for both messages between verified users who meet specific criteria, such as following each other or accepting message requests. These existing security measures provide insights into possible approaches for X Mail e-mail service protection in the future. Now, X Mail might adopt A subscription based model similar to X's premium services, though potentially offering an ad free experience to paying users.

The approach could address privacy concerns associated with targeted advertising practices common in free e-mail platforms, and the business model choice carries implications for both user privacy and service sustainability. But current X platform messaging features hint, if possible, X mail interface designs. Musk's response to user suggestions indicates plans for plain text DM inbox without

complex threading or formatting. It's a simplified approach that contrasts with Gmail's feature risk environment, suggesting a focus on basic communication instead of an all together platform. And the elevation of phishing attacks comes back into play. It requires users to maintain increased vigilance against social engineering attempts.

Security experts emphasize the importance of verifying service announcements through official channels, not just an e-mail that you get, and avoiding unsolicited requests for account information. Never yet of anybody your username or e-mail for anything ever. And these basic security practices become particularly relevant during periods of speculation about new platform launches. So watch out in your inbox for things like X mail invites because they don't exist quite

yet. Now, the effectiveness of multi channel phishing campaigns is huge in comprising user accounts. Attackers often begin with legitimate looking emails before directing victims to secondary communication channels, increasing the complexity of detecting these. So they could go from X mail over to the Twitter platform, or from X mail to another platform, WhatsApp or any other platform, texting anything, and then send you a file where they can possibly get all of your

credentials. Or they could set up a fraudulent login page very easily. You could do that in about an hour all together with code. I've been a software engineer my whole life. I know how easy it is to make these things.

You set that up, you could get a, a spoof domain for X mail in some way and you could hide it from the user and have them log in with their current Google credentials, their Gmail credentials, And then you know, you have their e-mail and password and a username and that's it. You can't, you can't go back after they have access to all your records and the integration of AI in phishing attacks. Now it will begin a new era of fraudulent messages coming

through. Criminal organizations now access tools capable of generating convincing content at scale. It's not just a single e-mail at once. You can send out thousands of emails at the same time. This technological advancement requires updates to security awareness, training, and detection systems. Right now, a technical specifications for e-mail platform security continue evolving to address emerging threats.

Modern e-mail services implement various protection measures, including encryption to factor authentication and suspicious activity detection. Now, these security features represent minimum requirements for any new e-mail platform entering the market, including Elon Musk's X Mail, And the development of new e-mail services requires careful consideration of existing security standards and

protocols. Industry requirements for e-mail authentication, spam prevention, and data protection influence platform design and implementation decisions. The technical considerations affect both development timelines and service capabilities. Developing an e-mail app that could handle 600 million users would be ridiculous. You'd have to have a very talented team and also a lot of time on your hands to, to build

this thing out. From my experience, I've, I've done enterprise development before and one, you need a very technical team to build this out. And also you need a lot of time. You know, you can rush things, you can do sprints as much as you want, but at the end of the day, it's just going to take a lot of time to build this. So if you get any sort of things in your e-mail about X mail, do not open them. Do not even look at them.

They're not even a thing yet. We have to educate each other because we're all fans of Elon here, or at least we are. We we want to hear what's going on with Elon. You might not be a fan of the guy, but there could be an X mail invitation waiting in your inbox. So educate each other, educate ourselves, and don't be scammed, please. The announcement of X Mail development plans from Elon introduces both opportunities and security risks for everybody.

We have to pay careful attention to our own user protection while cybercriminals exploit public interest through increasingly sophisticated AI attacks on anybody that's interested in this new platform. SpaceX is preparing for the 7th flight test of its Starship vehicle, officially designated as Starship Flight Test 7, scheduled to launch no earlier than January 10th, 2025 at 4:00 PM CDT from Starbase, Texas.

Now the mission will aim to test critical upgrades while continuing to refine Starship's recovery and reuse systems. Now this flight will also feature the use of Block 2 hardware, which is a significant step that the Starship has developed over the course of many years. Now the upcoming mission will employ booster 14B14 and ship 33 or S33 marking in the first flight of a Block 2 Starship.

This test will follow a sub orbital flight profile similar to earlier tests with Booster 14 attempting a return to launch site catch by the launch towers, chopstick arms and Ship 33 expected to perform a soft splashdown in the Indian Ocean

now. If successful, this will be the second catch of a Super Heavy booster following progress made during earlier tests and The timeline for the mission was confirmed through an advisory released on December 27th of 2024, with a backup launch window extending until about January 15th, 2025, and Elon Musk reaffirmed the primary date via social media on December 30th. Here's some facts for you. November 6th, 2024, SpaceX confirmed the use of a Block 2 Starship in this test.

Enhancements include redesigned forward flaps, larger propellant tanks, and advanced thermal protection systems. November 19th, 2024 Elon Musk announced plans for an final ocean splashdown test after Flight 6. Based on results, future tests may attempt ship recovery via the launch tower. November 25th, 2024 NASA documentation filed with the FAA suggested a targeted launch window beginning January 11th, 2025, which has been shifted to January 10th and December 3rd of 2024.

The FCC approved communication systems for the mission. To supporting operations from December 14th, 2024 all the way through June 14th of 2025. December 27th, 2024, The advisory for Flight 7 confirmed the primary launch date of January 10th, 2025, with possible alternative launch times later on in the week. December 30th, 2024 Elon Musk confirmed the net no earlier than launch date via X Now. This mission will test a suite of critical upgrades to the

Starship system. Key improvements include Ship 33 will debut redesigned forward flaps to improve heat shield durability and re entry performance. A larger propellant capacity and advanced heat shield materials aim to enhance thermal protection. Engineers will evaluate modular heat shield tiles and metallic alternatives with active cooling features to address previous vulnerabilities. Now a secondary thermal protection layer will be tested as a backup mechanism.

Booster 14 and Ship 33 feature increased propellant capacity, vacuum insulated feed lines and upgraded Raptor engine systems in space. Relight demonstrations similar to those conducted during Flight 6 are also planned. There's new systems that provide increased redundance and real time telemetry capabilities for this flight. The avionics redesign also includes 30 plus cameras and smart batteries capable of managing 2.7 megawatts of power.

Now this is interesting. The mission will release 10 Starlink simulators into a suborbital trajectory. The Death Starships payload deployment capabilities. That's what I'm most excited about. The FAA emphasized that the mission will proceed only if all safety, environmental, and technical requirements are met.

In its statement, the agency highlighted that they said the FAA continues to increase efficiencies in licensing activities to meet the needs of the commercial space transportation industry while ensuring public safety. Elon Musk and SpaceX have reiterated their commitment to public safety as well, with the boosters return requiring strict health checks along the way before the catch attempt.

Now, if conditions are not favorable or not met, the booster will divert to a controlled landing and a splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. Sonic booms, also generated during the boosters and descent, are expected to have minimal impact on surrounding areas. Now, did you know that reusable spacecraft have a long history, beginning with NASA's SpaceX Shuttle program 1981 to 2011?

While partially reusable, the shuttle required extensive refurbishment between flights, limiting its cost effectiveness. Also, Spacex's Falcon 9 advanced the concept by enabling the first stage to land and be reused with minimal refurbishment. Now, since 2015, Falcon 9 has completed over 250 launches with more than 200 successful

landings. Starship aims to surpass these milestones by achieving complete and full reusability for both the booster and the upper stage, making it the most advanced reusable spacecraft system ever designed.

Now, following Flight 7, SpaceX will aim for further refinements during Flight Test 8, including a potential first attempt to catch the Starship upper stage with the launch tower, and the data collected from these missions will inform plans for orbital crew flights and lunar landings under NASA's Artemis program. Competition in the reusable rocket sector is intensifying, too.

Blue Origins New Glen in China's Long March 8th are being designed with reusability in mind, though both lag behind Starship and testing and operational capabilities and readiness. The 7th flight test of Starship marks another important step toward achieving a fully reusable space transportation system. By integrating hardware upgrades and addressing challenges from prior tests, this mission will play a key role in shaping the future of Spacex's Starship and Boca Chica star base Texas.

For ongoing updates, subscribe to our Supercast For exclusive insights, join the discussion on our Discord and visit our website elonmuskpodcast.com for additional resources. Hey, thank you so much for listening today. I really do appreciate your support. If you could take a second and hit the subscribe or the follow button on whatever podcast platform that you're listening on right now, I greatly appreciate it. It helps out the show tremendously and you'll never

miss an episode. And each episode is about 10 minutes or less to get you caught up quickly. And please, if you want to support the show even more, go to patreon.com/stagezero and please take care of yourselves and each other and I'll see you tomorrow.

Transcript source: Provided by creator in RSS feed: download file
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast