This idea sounds like something from a science fiction movie, but Musk believes it can become a reality.
The significant power of Starship
SpaceX’s Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built, is the key to this fast travel.
While Starship is designed for space travel, Musk sees it as a tool for much more.
He envisions using it to transport passengers between cities on Earth quickly and efficiently.
According to Musk, this rocket can reach speeds up to 27,000 kilometers per hour (about 16,777 miles per hour).
In comparison, the fastest commercial airplanes travel at around 1,061 kilometers per hour (about 660 miles per hour).
This huge difference in speed means that long-distance trips could take only a fraction of the time they currently do.
The rocket is designed for up to 1,000 passengers and can reach any destination on Earth in under an hour.
Additionally, SpaceX claims that the majority of long-distance journeys will take less than 30 minutes.
How will it work?
Passengers would start their journey by taking a boat to a launch platform located in the sea, where the Starship will be ready to take off.
This setup is designed to avoid congestion at traditional airports, making the process smoother and more efficient.
Once on board, travelers would buckle in for a ride that Musk describes as similar to a roller coaster.
He has indicated that, during the flight, passengers may not be able to move around freely, as safety measures will be in place.
Musk has also shared a promotional video that explains how this travel system will work.
In it, he outlines the potential for passengers to fly from any major city to another in under an hour.
This means not just London to New York, but also trips from New York to Paris, Sydney to Singapore, and many other routes.
The SpaceX’s rocket is considered to be the future of travel
If Musk’s plans come to fruition, air travel will be transformed.
People will be able to travel across continents in the time it currently takes to drive across a city.
A trip from London to New York would take 29 minutes, while New York to Paris would take 30 minutes.
Imagine going from Tokyo to Delhi in the same amount of time it takes to watch a movie!
The implications of such rapid travel are enormous.
Business meetings could happen in a day instead of requiring long flights and overnight stays.
Families could visit relatives in different countries more easily.
This would not only change personal travel but also have a major impact on global business and tourism.
A Twitter user named @ajtourville posted the video.
They mentioned that SpaceX might get approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) while Donald Trump was president.
He wrote: “Under Trump’s FAA, @SpaceX could even get Starship Earth to Earth approved in a few years – Taking people from any city to any other city on Earth in under one hour.”
To which Musk replied: “This is now possible.”
Elon Musk added more information about his rocket
When questioned about whether passengers would be able to move around during the flight, he confirmed this situation.
“That would be unwise. Probably needs a restraint mechanism like Disney’s Space Mountain roller coaster.
Would feel similar to Space Mountain in a lot of ways, but you’d exit on another continent.”
Numerous challenges for the Starship rocket of Elon Musk
Despite the excitement surrounding this new technology, there are still challenges to overcome.
Regulatory approval is necessary before SpaceX can begin these operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will need to ensure that safety standards are met.
Additionally, the logistics of moving thousands of passengers safely and efficiently will require careful planning.
Another concern is the environmental impact.
Rockets can produce significant emissions, and it will be important for SpaceX to address these issues as they develop their plans.
Finding a way to make this form of travel sustainable will be essential if it is to be widely accepted.
Flight durations with Starship
London to New York: 29 minutes
New York to Paris: 30 minutes
Honolulu to Tokyo: 30 minutes
Tokyo to Delhi: 30 minutes
Sydney to Singapore: 31 minutes
Los Angeles to London: 32 minutes
London to Hong Kong: 34 minutes
London to Cape Town: 34 minutes
Sydney to Delhi: 36 minutes
New York to Sydney: 49 minutes
