Space will be the new AI by 2027, says 'Elon Musk' author Walter Isaacson

Summary

Walter Isaacson discusses the space race, SpaceX's potential IPO, and the possibility of space becoming the next big investment theme akin to AI by 2027. He highlights the collaboration between SpaceX, Blue Origin, and NASA to build a permanent moon base, and the emerging market for data centers in space.

• Isaacson predicts space will be the new AI by 2027 with a permanent moon base.
• The race involves SpaceX, Blue Origin, and NASA, with China also targeting a base by 2029-2030.
• SpaceX's IPO could value the company at $1-1.5 trillion, potentially making Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire.
• Starlink already generates $11.4 billion in revenue, with direct-to-cell phone service expanding.
• Data centers in low-Earth orbit or on the moon are a realistic but early-stage market.
• Isaacson emphasizes Elon Musk's ability to make the impossible happen, albeit often late.
• The interview touches on the fantastical elements of SpaceX's addressable market, including solar mirrors and data centers.
• Host Andrew Ross Sorkin notes the excitement around the IPO but questions the speed of revenue realization.