Elon Musk now turns attention to satellites to provide the world with the internet
Venture capitalist Elon Musk would now also focus on the development of cheap satellites. With this he wants to provide the world with internet access. That’s what sources say to The Wall Street Journal on Friday evening.
Musk is known for PayPal and the car brand Tesla. He also works on the space transport program SpaceX. The businessman would now like to expand his empire with cheap satellites. With this he wants to provide the world with internet access.
Musk is now discussing the plan with Greg Wyler, who worked on a similar project as a former Google employee, according to The Wall Street Journal. The idea also shows similarities with Google’s plan. Wyler only left Google because he reportedly had doubts about the American company’s will to continue the satellite program.
Musk and Wyler would eventually like to send about 700 satellites into orbit. This requires an investment of one billion. According to the sources, the talks are still at an early stage. It is said that discussions have already taken place about a possible factory for the satellites in Florida or Colorado. In addition, Musk is reportedly considering sending the satellites into space with his SpaceX rockets, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Musk and Wyler’s plan is somewhat reminiscent of Project Loon, in which Google deploys balloons to provide wireless connections in areas where there is currently little or no internet. The fleet of Google balloons to provide internet access in remote areas will be big enough to serve the southern hemisphere next year.