Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Sparks of creativity. Mass driver workers Gerard O’Neill (center), Henry Kolm (left), Kevin Fine (right).
Image credit: SSI

Earlier this month, SpaceX leader and his own catapult of vision, Elon Musk, advised newly acquired xAI workers that he sees need for a factory on the Moon to fabricate artificial intelligence (AI) satellites.

To churn out those spacecraft he called for a colossal catapult planted on the lunar surface to fling them into space.

Elon Musk showcases electromagnetic mass driver on the moon during xAI staff meeting.
Image credit: SpaceX/xAI

The Musk 21^st century revelation is not new, but nevertheless welcomed.

In 1974, Princeton professor and space visionary, the late Gerard O’Neill first proposed use of an electromagnetic rail gun to lob payloads from Earth’s Moon.

Go to my new Space.com story – “Elon Musk wants to put a satellite catapult on the Moon. It’s not a new idea” – at:

https://www.space.com/astronomy/moon/elon-musk-wants-to-put-a-satellite-catapult-on-the-moon-its-not-a-new-idea

Also, go to the Space Studies Institute for detailed information on Gerard K. O’Neill’s pioneering work at: https://ssi.org/