In an exciting development for the space exploration community, SpaceX has released a captivating video showcasing a remarkable achievement by the Starship Super Heavy booster during its 11th flight test. The booster, which stands nearly 400 feet tall, executed a maneuver that was so flawless it appeared almost AI-generated.
The video shared by SpaceX highlights the Super Heavy booster smoothly returning to Earth and performing a perfect hover above the Gulf of America. This brief but stunning display of balance and stability lasted for a few seconds before the booster gently splashed down into the water. The precision of this maneuver capped what was a near-flawless mission for the entire Starship program, which is now set to enter its V3 era with Flight 12.
Such a remarkable display of control has led some users on the social media platform X to quip that the maneuver resembled something produced by artificial intelligence. This impressive performance is not only a testament to SpaceX's engineering prowess but also underscores the company's commitment to maintaining its dominant position in the spaceflight sector.
According to a report from Space.com, Flight Test 11 successfully achieved all major objectives set by SpaceX, including the deployment of Starlink mass simulators, relighting the Raptor engines in space, and executing a stable reentry for both the Starship Upper Stage and the Super Heavy booster. Notably, this flight marked the second time a Super Heavy booster has been reflown, signifying a significant milestone in SpaceX's mission to create a fully reusable Starship system.
As the Starship V2 vehicle transitions out, the upgraded Starship V3 will pave the way for faster turnaround times and increased payload capacity. Elon Musk has indicated that SpaceX is planning to pursue even more ambitious targets in the near future, including a potential tower catch for the Starship Upper Stage, which could occur as early as spring 2026.
Recent developments also highlight Elon Musk's ventures beyond space exploration. Reports indicate that Neuralink, Musk's brain-implant startup, has leased a substantial five-story, 144,000-square-foot building in South San Francisco. This move comes despite Musk's other major companies, such as Tesla and SpaceX, relocating to Texas.
According to the San Francisco Business Times, the newly leased property at 499 Forbes Boulevard was previously occupied by cancer test developer InterVenn Biosciences but has been vacant since 2023. Neuralink's expansion in the Bay Area marks a symbolic return of Musk-led innovation to Silicon Valley, especially as his companies continue to grow.
Additionally, Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI is reportedly in search of an even larger office space in the Bay Area, with combined efforts from both Neuralink and xAI potentially securing nearly 400,000 square feet of workspace.
Founded in 2016, Neuralink is focused on developing brain-computer interfaces that allow paralyzed patients to control digital devices through thought. The company received U.S. regulatory approval in 2023 to initiate human trials, marking a significant step in its mission. One of its first patients, quadriplegic Noland Arbaugh, has gained the remarkable ability to control a computer cursor and play video games using only his mind, highlighting the transformative potential of Neuralink's technology.
Elon Musk has hinted at future advancements, stating that Neuralink is preparing for the launch of its next product, Blindsight, which aims to restore limited sight to completely blind individuals next year. This ambitious target showcases the company's commitment to developing life-changing devices.
The automotive industry is also experiencing significant shifts, particularly regarding the recent loss of the $7,500 Electric Vehicle Tax Credit. This change has prompted car manufacturers that previously relied on the credit for sales to modify their strategies as they transition to electrification. Notably, General Motors has announced a $1.6 billion charge in its upcoming quarterly earnings to account for its EV investments, while Ford anticipates a halving of demand for its electric vehicles.
With the elimination of EV subsidies, some industry experts believe that Tesla could emerge stronger. The tax credits have often masked the true demand for electric vehicles from legacy companies, allowing them to compete more effectively with Tesla. As these companies reassess their strategies in light of the subsidy changes, Tesla continues to dominate the market, holding nearly half of all U.S. EV sales.
Tesla's market share has fluctuated over recent years but remains robust. Despite a decrease from 79% in 2020 to 49% in 2024, Tesla has reported its strongest quarter yet, with nearly half a million deliveries, indicating that the company is well-positioned to thrive even without the EV tax credit.
In a separate development, Elon Musk has acknowledged that the creator payout system on X is falling short of expectations. Amid ongoing complaints about inconsistent and low payments, Musk admitted that X has been “underpaying” creators and not allocating payments accurately enough. This revelation has reignited discussions about X's monetization strategy.
Since launching its ad revenue-sharing program in 2023, X has promised rewards for Premium subscribers generating high engagement. However, many creators have reported significant inconsistencies in their earnings, even when their view counts remain stable. In contrast, YouTube's Partner Program, which takes a 45% cut of ad revenue, is known for its transparent and predictable payment structure.
Elon Musk's critique of X's current monetization approach suggests potential changes may be on the horizon, as the platform seeks to enhance its creator experience and address ongoing payout issues.