Billionaire Elon Musk’s ambition to redefine space travel is showcased in the documentary Return to Space, directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. The film captures Musk’s relentless pursuit of space exploration through SpaceX, detailing the entrepreneur’s ups and downs, particularly during periods of failure and financial exhaustion. Return to Space recounts how Musk’s enduring ambition eventually led to breakthroughs in reusable rocket technology and the achievement of sending NASA astronauts back to the International Space Station (ISS).
Pioneering Reusable Rockets
SpaceX’s recent milestone came on October 13, when the company successfully completed the fifth test flight of its Starship/Super Heavy rocket system. For the first time, they recovered the rocket booster, moving closer to Musk’s ultimate goal: a fully reusable rocket. This advancement promises to revolutionize space travel by making it more cost-effective and accessible.
For Musk, these accomplishments are the result of 22 years of continuous effort. The documentary chronicles SpaceX’s journey from its early years to its recent successes, highlighting Musk’s vision of transforming humanity into a “multi-planet species.” Initially disappointed by NASA’s lack of initiative to send humans to Mars, Musk founded SpaceX to make interplanetary travel feasible, with Mars as the ideal destination for a future scientific research hub.
Achieving Success Through Trial and Error
SpaceX’s method has always been rooted in a test-driven approach rather than purely theoretical models. Musk emphasizes that each launch—regardless of outcome—presents valuable learning opportunities, and he wasn’t discouraged by early setbacks. SpaceX’s Falcon 1 rocket failed three times, pushing the company to the brink of bankruptcy. The persistence, however, paid off in 2008 when SpaceX successfully launched Falcon 1, becoming the first privately developed rocket to reach orbit. Shortly after, NASA awarded SpaceX a $1.6 billion contract, marking a major turning point for the company.
The documentary explores how Musk’s tenacity drove him to continue despite financial strain and investor pressure. While he admitted to struggling with the weight of these challenges, he remained committed to pushing boundaries. According to Musk, SpaceX’s journey required the collaboration of thousands, balancing the urgency to advance with the responsibility of astronaut safety.
Musk’s Public Persona and Controversies
Return to Space also delves into Musk’s often eccentric and unpredictable public persona. The film recalls Musk’s live interview in 2018 where he used stimulants, leading to a temporary drop in Tesla’s stock. Additionally, his cryptic and sometimes controversial social media posts, like the assertion that “the Egyptian pyramids were built by aliens,” add to his complex image as both an innovator and provocateur. Musk’s high-profile actions on social media, combined with his unpredictable comments, have brought both fame and criticism to the billionaire.
Visuals and Critical Reception
The film is visually compelling, with intense footage of rocket launches, mission control rooms, and the focused faces of SpaceX engineers, underscoring the tension and risk involved in each mission. High-quality cinematography and visual effects bring audiences into the heart of space science and rocket technology, creating a firsthand viewing experience.
Critics largely praised Return to Space for its effective storytelling. Decider noted the film is “entirely worth the time,” while The Daily Beast highlighted it as a testament to “humanity’s need to continually develop and innovate,” celebrating those who dream and take action to make those dreams reality. However, some critics, including IndieWire and FilmWeek, argue the film leans heavily toward hero-worship, presenting Musk as a lone visionary without addressing his controversial aspects or broader team contributions.
About Elon Musk
Elon Musk, 53, is one of the world’s most influential and wealthiest figures, with a net worth of approximately $251.3 billion, according to Forbes. The South African-born entrepreneur is the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, co-founder of Neuralink, and chairman of SolarCity. His accomplishments span a range of industries, from aerospace and automotive to energy and AI.
Musk is a father of 11 children, with six from his first marriage to author Justine Musk, three with musician Grimes, and two with Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink executive.
A Complicated Legacy in Space Exploration
While Musk’s contributions to space exploration are groundbreaking, Return to Space leaves audiences to ponder the complexities behind the man himself. His determination has undeniably pushed SpaceX to achieve once unthinkable feats, but his larger-than-life personality and controversial public remarks continue to provoke mixed reactions. Return to Space ultimately provides a glimpse into Musk’s ambition and the potential future of humanity in space, encouraging viewers to consider both the possibilities and costs of venturing beyond Earth.
