The next space race is not just rockets and flags. It is navigation, Earth observation, climate data, communications, resilience and geopolitical influence.
SpaceX accomplishments have been impressive, but I have read other analysts' reporting that Musk's penchant for over-promissing has heavily oversold Starship, and filled NASA. Those analysts alledge that the project will never reach is stated goal of 100 tons to low earth orbit--and probably considerably less. This would mean far more launches to accomplish original proposals for Moon or Mars bases, for example.
SpaceX accomplishments have been impressive, but I have read other analysts' reporting that Musk's penchant for over-promissing has heavily oversold Starship, and filled NASA. Those analysts alledge that the project will never reach is stated goal of 100 tons to low earth orbit--and probably considerably less. This would mean far more launches to accomplish original proposals for Moon or Mars bases, for example.
Yeah, I put that in Musk's vast overpromises and under delivery pile.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/04/02/from-solar-tiles-to-starship-the-decade-musk-failed-to-deliver-puts-semi-at-risk/