Elon Musk’s Hyperloop one step closer towards reality
Hyperloop transport system passes its first public test: Technology firm Hyperloop One, owned by Elon Musk of SpaceX, has successfully tested its futuristic transport system for the first time, the Guardian reported on Thursday. The project includes as system of tubes and pods transporting passengers and cargo at very high speeds that would would be able to make the journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles in just 30 minutes. The test, which took place in Nevada, saw a prototype propulsion system accelerate to 187 km/h in 1.1 seconds, “representing a very early proof of concept.” The firm, which changed its name from Hyperloop Technologies on Wednesday, has already closed a USD 80 mn series B funding round and signed partnerships with Deutsche Bahn Engineering & Consulting and British engineering consultancy group Arup, who are currently working on London’s Crossrail. “If railway helped enable the first industrial revolution, Hyperloop has the potential to do the same for the information economy, overcoming distances and creating connections between people, places, ideas and opportunities,” Gregory Hodkinson, chairman of Arup Group. Watch a video of the test here.