Musk on the path to a quadrillion: $998.9 trillion and factories on Mars
Elon Musk considers the status of a quadrillionaire "quite realistic," but in his opinion, this will require something more than just earthly assets. Social media calculated that the billionaire is short about $998.9 trillion to reach the coveted quadrillion dollars. Musk did not argue and supported the idea: according to his conviction, accumulating such sums will only be possible through production beyond Earth.
Mass and Energy Instead of Money
Musk's response drew attention: it became clear where the upper limit of wealth creation on a single planet now lies. In his estimation, it is impossible to accumulate such sums with "earthly" assets alone. "It's realistic, but it definitely requires factories on the Moon and Mars," the entrepreneur stated.
Musk also questioned what currency would even mean in the future. He did not name a replacement for it but suggested that the very concept of money could completely change. "By that time, I think dollars will no longer be the currency. Only mass and energy," he emphasized.
Musk's Volcanic Lair
Musk says all this against the backdrop of SpaceX's rapid growth. The company held a record IPO with a valuation of $2 trillion on the Nasdaq and briefly entered the top six most valuable companies in the U.S. Musk previously predicted that by 2030, SpaceX's revenue could reach $1 trillion, although in 2025 the company expects to earn $18.7 billion.
The same logic is evident in all of Musk's projects. Under a contract with SpaceX, he will receive 200 million shares with enhanced voting rights if a permanent colony of at least one million people emerges on Mars. SpaceX has already formed the first crew for a flight around Mars, which includes a crypto billionaire.
Musk did not miss the opportunity to joke that he would finally get that "volcanic lair" he has repeatedly mentioned publicly with a smile. Presenting the boldest ideas through references to science fiction is his signature style.
Analyst's comment: Musk's idea of shifting the economy to "mass and energy" is not just a futuristic fantasy but a logical continuation of his strategy for space colonization. In the long term, if humanity truly ventures beyond Earth, traditional fiat currencies, including the dollar, will inevitably lose their relevance. However, decades will pass before factories on the Moon become a reality rather than a PR stunt. For now, the market values SpaceX based on earthly realities, and $998.9 trillion is more a metaphor for boundless ambitions than a practical financial plan.