Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed admiration for Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, likening him to Sergei Korolev, a key figure in the Soviet Union’s space program.
What Happened
Putin’s praise for Musk came during a discussion on Russia’s space policy with students. He drew an analogy between Musk and Korolev, who was instrumental in the Soviet Union’s first manned spaceflight in 1961. Putin described Musk as a person who is “absolutely crazy about Mars” and noted that such individuals are rare, but often bring about remarkable achievements.
Putin’s Comments
Putin stated, “You know, there’s a person who lives in the States, you could say that he’s absolutely crazy about Mars.” He added, “Such people rarely appear in the human population, charged with a certain idea. Even though it may seem incredible to me today, after a time such ideas are often realized.” This is not the first time Putin has expressed admiration for Musk, having previously referred to him as “an outstanding person.”
Why It Matters
The praise from Putin is notable, given the current geopolitical climate. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has expressed concern over reports of suspected conversations between Musk and Putin, stating that it would be “concerning” for NASA and other US agencies. SpaceX, which holds numerous high-value government contracts, is a key partner for both NASA and the Pentagon. Meanwhile, Musk has become more vocal in his criticism of Ukraine, which has been in conflict with Russia since 2022.
Key Points
- Putin praises Elon Musk, likening him to Soviet space pioneer Sergei Korolev
- Musk’s enthusiasm for Mars is seen as a driving force for innovation
- Putin’s comments come amid concerns over Musk’s suspected conversations with the Russian leader
- SpaceX’s partnerships with NASA and the Pentagon add to the significance of Putin’s praise
Related Topics
- International relations and diplomacy
- Space exploration and innovation
- Geopolitics and global conflict