Visionary and tech powerhouse Elon Musk has a full plate with Tesla and Space X. A while back, he mentioned he was turning over the idea of a hyperloop between LA and San Francisco that would be cheaper and faster than the proposed high speed rail that has already been approved for construction. However, he recently declared that a test track in Austin, Texas, would soon begin the beginning phases of construction. Join Todd Kleperis and check out some cool stats and features about the proposed Hyperloop, and how this magnificent piece of tech would actually work!

1. Text
Hyperloop Rising
Recognizing the Future of Rail Transit

2. I. Beginnings
Visions from Elon

3. In 2013, Musk expressed desire for hyperloop travel
The idea was born out of a need to improve the (not
yet built) California High Speed Rail
While in the physical realm of probability, he asserted
he was to busy for the project
At the very least, Musk wanted to design a working
prototype and have someone else develop it.

4. Current Developments
There is a high speed
rail going into production
Costs a whopping $70
billion USD
If it were to be
completed, it would rank
as one of the slowest
bullet trains in the world

5. How to Improve
!
According to his blog, a new mode of transportation should provide huge returns
by being…
Safer
Faster
More cost effective
Immune to weather
Sustainable
Not disruptive to those around it

7. II. The
Physics
How will this work?

8. Trains will be a pod shape, and tracks will consist of a
series of low-pressure tubes
The bottom of the pods would be fitted with skis
Air cushion would be created via openings in the skis

9. Initial thrust comes from magnets on the skis
motors on the track provide boost as needed.
Importantly, the atmosphere in the tubes would prevent
the train form breaking the sound barrier

10. The tech that Musk cites
already exists
Scientifically possible;
he’s not waiting on a
major breakthrough

11. The Future
In the Realm of
Possibility

12. Just over a year ago, Musk said he had no plans to go
through with the project– it was but an idea
But he recently announced that construction of a test
track will begin!

13. Conceptual Stats
He wants to get students involved, and host racing
competitions
A fully operational track from SF to LA would cost
about $6 billion (a fraction of the High Speed Rail)
The trip would take about 35 minutes at a rate of 760
mph
Can operate both above and below ground

14. Source info from Businessweek (http://www.businessweek.com/articles/
2013-08-12/revealed-elon-musk-explains-the-hyperloop#p1) and Wired
(http://techcrunch.com/2013/08/12/elon-musks-hyperloop-explained-a-
technically-possible-sci-fi-dream-hes-to-busy-to-work-on-right-now/)
Here’s to the future!