Elon Musk has addressed questions about his qualifications as SpaceX’s Chief Technology Officer, admitting he never felt fully qualified for the role. Writing on X, Musk explained there was simply no one else willing to serve as chief engineer at a rocket startup widely expected to fail. He also noted that no university degree exists to teach orbital rocket development, as professors themselves lack that knowledge. His remarks come as SpaceX targets a $75 billion IPO, selling 555.6 million shares at $135 each, driving space-related ETFs past $5 billion in assets for the first time.

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Elon Musk has clarified speculation regarding his qualifications to be SpaceX’s Chief Technology Officer, explaining why he had to take up the role.

Musk Says He Didn’t Think He Was Qualified

Musk stated that he did not believe he was qualified for the role but had no alternative.

He explained that no one suitable was willing to join a rocket startup as chief engineer, especially one perceived as likely to fail.

“I didn’t ‘believe I was qualified’. There was no other choice. No one good would join a rocket startup as chief engineer that they considered was destined for failure,” he stated in a post on X.

Musk Says No Degree Could Prepare Anyone

Musk emphasized the absence of a university degree that could prepare someone to build an orbital rocket, noting that professors themselves lack this specific expertise.

“There is obviously no ‘degree’ you can receive from a university that actually teaches you how to create an orbital rocket, as none of the professors know how to do it!” he stated in another post.

Musk’s comments highlight the challenges faced by SpaceX in its early days, as the company sought to establish itself in the aerospace industest. It also highlights Musk’s hands-on approach in leading SpaceX to success despite initial skepticism.