We can't stand Musk but he astounded us all this week

I have a confession to make: for a brief moment this week, I became a fully paid-up Elon Musk fanboy.

- JAMES MOORE

Please, let me explain: I’m a science fiction nerd. I have been since I learnt to read. But the predictions of the sci-fi I read as a kid were often wildly optimistic with regard to things like moon bases and Martian colonisation – and I’ve always waited for something to come along and make them a reality.

Musk might bring the fictional futures that thrilled me closer. The photos released on Tuesday to celebrate the fifth test flight of SpaceX’s Starship mega-rocket, which included the catching of the first stage via launch tower “chopsticks” minutes after take-off, were stunning. They genuinely look like something out of Star Trek. It seems that SpaceX is, to borrow a phrase, “boldly going”.

Space programmes are expensive and, as a result, controversial. But if a private outfit wants to take the plunge – and if it can find investors to back it as SpaceX has – then why not? Yes, we need to fix Planet Earth. But people like the late Stephen Hawking eloquently made the case for exploring – and, yes, colonising – space as an insurance policy for the human race.

If only Musk were to focus his attention on providing one – and pushing SpaceX’s innovations, rather than playing scary demagogue, pushing conspiracy theories on X and fanning the flames of hatred. I’m sure many of his investors would agree.