Breaking news

SpaceX’s Success Catapulted Musk To The Top Of The World’s Richest

New success for Elon Musk’s company SpaceX has once again shot the owner of Tesla to the top spot in the ranking of the richest people in the world. Musk returned to the top spot after his artificial intelligence startup xAI raised $6 billion in a funding round, but within hours he lost his crown to Bernard Arnault. 

KEY FACTS 

  • A little over $3 billion. That is the difference between Elon Musk and Bernard Arnault, who occupy the first two positions in the ranking of the richest people in the world. 
  • The Tesla owner briefly lost the crown he regained just about a week ago but has regained his position after his space company SpaceX scored a resounding success on its fourth consecutive Starship test. 
  • The goal was to bring the upper part of the rocket back into the atmosphere in a controlled manner and then detach it in the Indian Ocean.
  • For the first time, all elements of a new orbital transport system have returned to Earth after flight, after the rocket failed to survive the high temperatures of re-entry on its previous attempt just a few months ago.
  • The success of SpaceX has brought Musk enough income that, according to Forbes, his wealth is currently equal to 210.2 billion dollars. The owner of Louis Vuitton, Bernard Arnault, can boast of a fortune of 207.5 billion dollars.

KEY STORY 

The mission is a key step for future astronaut trips to Mars. Musk and his company SpaceX are working on a fast orbital rocket system that would be the first in the world.

The challenge is precisely the speed and altitude at which the Starship ascends, resulting in high temperatures when it re-enters the atmosphere. 

If SpaceX engineers succeed in perfecting the Starship, it will be revolutionary. The 33 engines at its core produce 74 meganewtons of thrust. For comparison, NASA’s Space Launch System produces 39 meganewtons when it takes off from the pad, and that’s over 20% higher.

This capability, along with the altitude that can launch more than a hundred tons into orbit at once, will radically reduce the cost of space activity and make new types of activities possible.

Airbnb Unveils Reserve Now, Pay Later Option For U.S. Guests

Introduction

Airbnb has introduced an innovative payment solution designed to enhance user flexibility for U.S. travellers. The new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature enables users to secure a booking without an upfront payment, offering a streamlined cancellation process should plans change.

Flexible Payment Terms

This new option applies to listings that feature either flexible or moderate cancellation policies. Under a flexible policy, guests can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before check-in, while a moderate policy offers no-fee cancellations until five days prior to arrival.

Payment Timing and Reminders

Regardless of the cancellation window, guests are obligated to complete the full payment before the expiration of the free cancellation period. Airbnb ensures a smooth experience by sending timely payment reminders to avoid any last-minute issues.

Evolution of Airbnb’s Payment Solutions

This initiative builds on Airbnb’s previous forays into flexible payment structures. In 2018, the company offered a partial upfront payment model, and more recently, a collaboration with Klarna enabled guests to pay in four installments over six weeks. Such strategic advancements demonstrate Airbnb’s commitment to adapting and refining its payment solutions to meet evolving consumer demands.

Consumer Insight Driving Innovation

Airbnb’s decision to launch the “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature reflects robust consumer demand, with recent surveys indicating that 55% of respondents prefer flexible payment options. Additionally, 42% noted missed opportunities due to payment complexities when coordinating with travel companions, underlining the need for simplified financial arrangements.

Conclusion

By enhancing payment flexibility, Airbnb not only broadens its appeal but also addresses critical customer pain points, reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving travel market. This initiative exemplifies how strategic innovation can drive customer satisfaction in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter