Elon Musk has again found himself in the spotlight of the world press — and this time we are not talking about Tesla or the social network X. The SpaceX company has prepared a compensation package for the billionaire, which is already called the largest in the history of business. If all conditions are met, the entrepreneur will be able to receive shares with a total value of about $760 billion.
But there is a nuance: for this, humanity must actually begin the full exploration of Mars.
The most expensive bonus in business history
Information about the unusual remuneration system appeared after the publication of data related to SpaceX’s preparation for the IPO, explains xrust. According to the documents, Musk could receive more than 1.3 billion shares of the company if SpaceX fulfills a number of financial and technological goals.
The system is divided into two large reward packages. The first is associated with the growth of the company's capitalization to fantastic values - up to 7.5 trillion dollars. The second depends on the development of space infrastructure and artificial intelligence projects.
According to Bloomberg analysts, the total value of these packages in the maximum scenario could reach approximately $760 billion. For comparison: this is more than the GDP of many large countries.
Experts are already calling this compensation system unprecedented. Even Musk’s famous bonus package at Tesla, which was previously valued at more than $50 billion, looks much more modest against this background.
The main goal is a colony on Mars
The most unusual condition does not concern money or the market value of the company.
To receive the largest portion of the reward, Musk must help create a permanent human colony on Mars of at least one million people.
This is the condition that is most often discussed now. In fact, we are no longer just talking about the company’s commercial success, but about the implementation of a science-fiction scenario that Musk himself has been promoting for many years.
The founder of SpaceX has repeatedly stated that he considers the transformation of humanity into a “multi-planetary species” the main goal of his life. According to him, the colonization of Mars is necessary for the long-term survival of civilization.
At the same time, the company does not name any specific deadlines for achieving the goal.
Why SpaceX is betting on Mars
SpaceX today is no longer just a rocket manufacturer. The company has grown into a huge technology ecosystem, including Starlink satellite Internet, space transportation systems and AI projects.
The main element of the Mars program remains Starship — a giant reusable rocket that Musk calls the key to the future colonization of the Red Planet.
It is Starship that must deliver cargo, equipment and people to Mars. SpaceX hopes to make flights so cheap that mass relocation becomes economically possible.
However, the program is still facing numerous difficulties. Starship tests are regularly plagued by accidents, and the timing of the first manned missions is constantly being pushed back.
Nevertheless, investors continue to believe in the project. According to Western analysts, SpaceX could already be worth about $1.5–1.7 trillion, making it one of the most valuable private companies in the world.
Space data centers and artificial intelligence
class=»notranslate»>__GTAG5__ The second part of Musk’s bonus program looks no less futuristic.
The company plans to develop enormous computing power beyond the Earth. We are talking about space data centers that must ensure the operation of artificial intelligence systems.
The documents mention computing capacities of up to 100 terawatts — indicators that today look almost fantastic.
Some analysts believe that in this way SpaceX is preparing to combine space technologies, satellite communications and AI into a single infrastructure of the future.
It is possible that xAI, Musk’s company working on artificial intelligence, will also play an important role in this system.
Why are investors willing to support such risky ideas
At first glance, the plans look like the plot of an expensive science fiction film. However, Musk has an important advantage — his reputation as a man who has repeatedly turned incredible ideas into real businesses.
Just ten years ago, many did not believe in either Tesla’s success or the possibility of returnable rockets. Today, Tesla electric cars are sold all over the world, and SpaceX rockets regularly carry cargo and astronauts into orbit.
This is why investors are ready to invest even in such risky projects.
In addition, SpaceX has actually become a strategic company for the United States. NASA actively uses the company's technology, and Starlink plays an important role in global satellite communications.
Will Musk really get this money
Most experts believe that the probability of meeting all conditions remains extremely low.
Creating a million-strong colony on Mars will require colossal resources, decades of work and technological solutions that do not yet exist.
But even partial completion of the tasks could make Musk the first person in history with a fortune well above one trillion dollars.
At the same time, many analysts are sure: the amount itself is no longer the main goal of the entrepreneur.
For Musk, such bonus packages look more like a way to secure long-term control over SpaceX and at the same time motivate investors to support extremely ambitious projects.
And if at least part of these plans ever become a reality, the modern space industry will change forever.
Based on materials from Bloomberg, Reuters, Business Insider.
Xrust Musk can receive $760 billion from SpaceX: the money will be given only after the colonization of Mars
