Hi everybody and welcome back to the Elon Musk Podcast. This is a show where we discuss the remarkable world of spacexteslax.com, Boring Company, and Neuralink. I'm your host, Will Walden. Today's episode focuses on Yusaku Mazawa, the Japanese billionaire and founder of Zozo Inc, who is set to travel around the moon aboard Space XS Starship, selected in 2018 for this important mission. Mazawa it now faces a delay in the SpaceX prepares for another test flight of the Starship rocket.
We'll explore the current status of the SpaceX Starship rocket, Mozawa's other space related ventures, and the broader context of space exploration and commercial Space Flight. Now in our first segment here we look into Spacex's ongoing efforts to launch the Starship IFT 2. The company is seeking regulatory approval for a second test flight after a previous attempt in April ended in a
fieryre explosion. The set back has impacted Mozawa's lunar mission initially planned for 2023, and we'll examine the regulatory challenges that SpaceX faces and the implications for future SpaceX Starship missions. And SpaceX is actively working towards the 2nd test flight of the Starship rocket, an endeavor that has faced significant regulatory scrutiny following a failed attempt in April which resulted in an explosion and considerable damage.
The company is awaiting a launch license for the Federal Aviation Administration and Elon Musk. SpaceX CEO hinted at receiving approval soon, with a potential launch as early as Friday of this week. The FAA completed its safety review of the Starship license last month, focusing on public
and property safety. However, the environmental review involving the US Fish and Wildlife Service has just been passed forward and they passed with flying colors, and Musk's recent social media posts suggest imminent approval. But official confirmation from the FAA or SpaceX remains pending as of this recording, and we'll update you when we do get confirmation from the FAA or SpaceX from that, we'll drop
another episode for you. Now, the delay and regulatory approval underscores the challenges of launching such a huge, unprecedented rocket. It's about 400 feet tall. It's the most powerful and biggest rocket ever built. Now, Spacex's preparation for the upcoming Starship flight is crucial not just for the company's ambitions, but also for a Usaku Mazawa's lunar mission.
The delay has forced MZ to consider the timeline of his Dear Moon project, initially scheduled for 2023 as SpaceX navigates regulatory processes and the future of Starship and its potential lunar exploration for Artemis 3 too remains a topic of keen interest. And while waiting for this lunar trip, Mazawa or MZ, has diversified his space related
interests. In 2021, he journeyed to the International Space Station aboard a Russian rocket, and more recently he invested in Astroscale Holdings Inc, a Japanese startup focused on orbital debris removal, his $23 million investment as part of a larger funding effort to address the growing problem of space junk. Now Bazawa's commitment to space sustainability is evident in his support for Astroscale's mission.
This investment aligns with his broader vision of ensuring the future of space travel, and additionally, MZ has contributed to Space Data Co, a Tokyo based startup developing AI to recreate Earth in virtual space using satellite data. Now, these ventures reflect his interest in leveraging this technology for both practical money and innovative purposes in the realm of space exploration. And the delay in the Starship mission has not dampened M ZS enthusiasm for space, though.
Instead, it has provided him with an opportunity to explore and invest in other a specs of space technology, from debris cleanup to virtual reality. Now SpaceX is not alone in its quest to revolutionize space travel. M ZS investment in Astroscale underscores an increasing competition and collaboration within the commercial space industry. And Astroscale, which is partnering with Rocket Lab USAA key SpaceX rival, is preparing for the world's first debris inspection mission.
This collaboration is huge, as it involves one of Musk's tops competitors in the commercial space race. And Rocket Lab, known for its Electron rockets, is planning to resume launches following a set back in September. The company's ability to quickly recover and schedule upcoming flights is indicative of the robust nature of the commercial space sector, and this competition is driving innovation and providing more opportunities for missions like M, ZS, Lunar exploration and Astro Scales.
Debris removal And the commercial space industry is rapidly becoming a hotbed of activity, with companies like SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and others pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This competitive environment is fostering advances in technology, safety and mission capabilities. This company's vie for dominance in space. The applications for future exploration and commercialization are vast and
constantly changing. The journey to space is fraught with challenges though both technical regulatory Spacex's experience with Starship illuminates the complexities involved in launching new huge powerful rockets. In the April explosion highlighted the risks as under SCORE. The thorough safety and environmental reviewed need and navigating these challenges is critical for the success for future missions, including Mizawa's lunar trip. Innovation is also at the
forefront of space exploration. Companies like Astroscale are tackling the issue of space debris. A growing concern is more missions are launched. Mizawa's investment in such ventures demonstrates a forward thinking approach to space travel, addressing current problems while preparing for future opportunities. And the advancements in technology and safety protocols are reshaping the space exploration landscape.
And as companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab develop new rockets and explore novel missions, the possibilities for space travel continue to expand. These developments are not just about reaching new frontiers, but also ensuring sustainable and safe space exploration and a space economy for years to come. And space tourism is becoming an increasingly important aspect of space exploration. Azawa's planned lunar mission aboard Starship is a prime example of this new frontier.
The delay in his journey highlights and as companies like SpaceX work to overcome technical and regulatory challenges, the potential for commercial spaceflight grows. The idea of just mere civilians traveling to space, once a distant dream, is gradually becoming a reality. The shift opens up new possibilities for exploration, research, and even leisure. Imagine taking a vacation on the Starship as it orbits the moon. That would be incredible.
The future of space tourism is closely tied to the advancements in rocket technology and mission planning. Companies continue to innovate and improve safety measures. The dream of traveling beyond Earth becomes more accessible to a broader range of people. This evolution in space travel isn't just about reaching new heights, but also the democratization of the final frontier.
And the developments of space exploration highlighted by Starship and Mozawa's lunar mission have significant implications for science, technology, and just everyday people like you and me. Advancements in rocket technology and space missions contribute to our understanding of space and its potential for human exploration.
The involvement of private companies in space exploration is also changing the dynamics of Space Research and travel, and the shift from government LED missions to commercial ventures is encouraging more innovation and investment in space tech.
This change is not only accelerating the pace of exploration, but also opening up new opportunities for scientific research and technological development, and also job openings for people that can make the Rockets in the systems that make the Rockets go. The societal impact of these developments is absolutely profound. Space exploration captures the human imagination and inspires future generations of scientists, engineers and
explorers. And the challenges and successes of missions like Mazzawa's Lunar Trip and Spacex's Starship remind us of the potential for human achievement. I want to say thank you so much for listening to the show today. I hope you found today's discussion insightful or informative. And remember to hit the subscriber the follow button on your podcast platform to stay updated with our episodes. It's free, just takes a second,
and helps us out tremendously. You can join our crew here, our flight crew, and remember every episode's 10 minutes or under, helping you quickly get caught up with the latest in the world of Elon Musk and his ventures. And until next time, please take care of yourselves and each other and I'll see you tomorrow.