Elon Musk, the enigmatic billionaire and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is no stranger to making headlines with his bold ambitions and eccentric lifestyle. However, a recent revelation from his ex-wife, Justine Musk, has taken his obsession with space exploration to a whole new level.
According to Justine, the tech mogul is willing to sacrifice not only his immense fortune but also his luxurious lifestyle, even going as far as considering moving in with her parents, all in the name of his ultimate dream: colonizing Mars.
Justine Musk, an accomplished author and the mother of five of Elon’s children, spoke candidly in a rare interview about their past relationship and Elon’s unrelenting drive to push the boundaries of human existence.
While their marriage ended in 2008, the two have maintained a connection, primarily for the sake of co-parenting their children. But Justine’s latest comments shed light on the depths of Elon’s devotion to his interplanetary ambitions.
“Elon has always been driven by a vision far greater than himself,” Justine shared.
“When we were married, he talked endlessly about the future of humanity, the survival of our species, and why we need to become a multi-planetary civilization. It’s no surprise to me that he’s willing to risk everything—even his billions—to make that happen.”
What caught many off guard, however, was her claim that Elon would willingly downgrade his lifestyle to an extent unimaginable for someone of his stature.
“He once joked that he wouldn’t mind living in my parents’ basement if it meant having more resources to fund his Mars project,” Justine revealed with a laugh. “At first, I thought he was being his usual quirky self, but the more I think about it, the more I realize he was dead serious.”
This anecdote, though humorous, underscores the extreme lengths to which Elon Musk is willing to go to achieve his vision of colonizing Mars. The billionaire has often stated that his ultimate goal is to ensure humanity’s survival by establishing a self-sustaining colony on the Red Planet.
Musk has repeatedly warned about potential existential threats to Earth, including climate change, nuclear war, and even asteroid impacts. For him, Mars represents a “backup plan” for the human race—a chance to preserve civilization in the face of potential catastrophe.
Elon’s passion for space exploration is no secret. Since founding SpaceX in 2002, he has revolutionized the aerospace industry with groundbreaking advancements like reusable rockets and the development of the Starship spacecraft, designed specifically for missions to Mars.
Yet, despite his success, Musk has faced significant skepticism and criticism over the feasibility of his plans.
Critics argue that the technical and ethical challenges of colonizing another planet are insurmountable, while others question the morality of investing billions in space travel when pressing issues like poverty and inequality persist on Earth.
Nevertheless, Elon remains undeterred. He has even gone so far as to state that he is willing to die on Mars, though he prefers “not on impact.” His commitment to this vision has also influenced his financial decisions.
In 2021, Musk sold off nearly all of his real estate holdings, claiming that he wanted to simplify his life and focus his resources on his Mars mission. He now reportedly lives in a modest prefabricated home near SpaceX’s headquarters in Texas.
For Justine, Elon’s obsession with space is both admirable and bewildering. “He’s a man who thinks on a different scale,” she said.
“Most people are concerned with their day-to-day lives, but Elon is constantly thinking about the survival of humanity as a whole. It’s both his greatest strength and his biggest challenge.”
The notion of Elon Musk moving in with his ex-wife’s parents might seem far-fetched, but it highlights the sacrifices he’s willing to make for his dreams.
It also serves as a reminder of the complexities of his character—a man who is both a pragmatic businessman and an idealistic visionary.
Elon’s children, according to Justine, are aware of their father’s grand ambitions. While they may not fully grasp the magnitude of his plans, they have grown up in an environment where innovation and big ideas are the norm.
“Elon often tells them that they might be part of the first generation to live on Mars,” Justine said. “He wants them to dream big, just like he does.”
As the world watches Elon Musk continue to push the boundaries of science and technology, stories like this provide a glimpse into the personal sacrifices and relentless determination that drive him.
Whether or not his dream of colonizing Mars becomes a reality, one thing is certain: Elon Musk’s legacy as a pioneer and disruptor will endure. And if that means living in a basement—or even with his ex-wife’s parents—he seems more than ready to make it happen.
