Musk is in a unique position of responsibility. If he fails, and particularly if he does so in a spectacular fashion, public sentiment may turn and go in the ot

Musk is in a unique position of responsibility. If he fails, and particularly if he does so in a spectacular fashion, public sentiment may turn and go in the other direction, saying that such big projects really should be done by governments, because they are the only entities powerful enough to make grand goals happen. I am not against him or SpaceX or settling Mars, but it is quite irresponsible for him to say that he will put 10,000 people on Mars in only 10 to 20 years. Anyone with two neurons to rub together should be alarmed at such a statement, and should think twice about getting into a rocket built by him. Put 10 people on the moon, and have them survive for a year. Then, and only then, make some cautious, speculative statements about Mars. A space entrepreneur grounded in reality is more likely to succeed, but if he fails, said grounding will give those who follow a greater likelihood of success, rather than having their opportunity snatched away by a government riding on a new-found wave of public fear.