Elon Musk's 2007 Interview with PBS Wired Science (Transcript)

Elon Musk's 2007 interview with PBS Wired Science, recorded for WIRED Science, is a rare full-length interview that captures a 35-year-old Musk laying out his early vision for both Tesla Motors and SpaceX. Speaking with host Brian Unger, Musk explains why he left academia for startups, how electric cars and reusable rockets could reshape energy and space travel, and why making life multi-planetary matters for the future of humanity.

Musk, who had already made his fortune with PayPal, which eBay bought for $1.5 billion in 2002, created Tesla Motors and SpaceX in the virtual world. He emphasized the importance of electric cars and reusable rockets in reshaping energy and space travel. Musk also discussed the potential for humans to become a multi-planetary species, citing the risks of global catastrophes and the need for a backup plan.

The interview showcases Musk's early vision for a sustainable future, which has become a hallmark of his career. It also highlights his passion for space exploration and his commitment to making humanity a multi-planetary species.

Elon Musk has been the wealthiest person in the world since 2025, with a net worth of over $834 billion, according to Forbes.

WIRED Science is a PBS television series that explores the latest scientific discoveries and innovations.

PayPal is an online payment system that was acquired by eBay in 2002.

Tesla Motors is an electric vehicle and clean energy company founded by Elon Musk in 2003.

SpaceX is a private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk in 2002.

Elon Musk's 2007 interview with PBS Wired Science has become a significant cultural artifact, showcasing his early vision for a sustainable future and his commitment to making humanity a multi-planetary species. The interview has been widely referenced and cited in the media and academic circles, highlighting the importance of electric cars and reusable rockets in reshaping energy and space travel.

Musk's vision for a multi-planetary species has become a central theme in his career, with SpaceX's Starship program aiming to establish a human settlement on Mars. The interview also highlights the risks of global catastrophes and the need for a backup plan, which has become a pressing concern in the face of climate change and other global challenges.

The interview has been praised for its insight into Musk's thought process and his passion for space exploration. It has also been criticized for its lack of depth and nuance, with some arguing that Musk's vision for a sustainable future is overly simplistic.

WIRED Science has been praised for its coverage of scientific discoveries and innovations, and its ability to make complex topics accessible to a broad audience.

Elon Musk has been a dominant figure in the tech industry, with his companies Tesla Motors and SpaceX revolutionizing the electric vehicle and space transport industries.