Elon Musk

Over the last four weeks, we have focused on heroes from the past. This week, we are going to focus on someone who is making great strides in our current times. Though he may be a bit controversial, he is doing some amazing things. 

Here is his top ten facts. 

1. He is the founder of PayPal, Space X, Solar City, and Tesla Motors. 

2. He became a multimillionaire in his late 20's. 

3. In 2012, his company Space X launched the first commercial flight into space. 

4. He bought his first computer at the age of 10 and taught himself to program. At 12, he created and sold a game called Blaster. 

5. His company, Tesla Motors, is dedicated to creating affordable fully electric cars.  In 2008, they revealed a sports car called the Roadster. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.7 seconds and travel almost 250 miles before it has to be recharged. 

6. Musk has released a concept for a new form of transportation in 2013 called the "Hyperloop." It would propel people at speeds of more than 700 mph and claims it will be safer than riding in a train or a plane. 

Here is a video of the Hyperloop. 

7.  He is an avid environmentalist. His company, Solar City provides solar panels to people to lease with a free installation. Saving them money and the planet. 

8. At the Paris talks this week, he has said that, "Only a carbon tax, not innovation, conservation, or renewable energy, will accelerate the transition from carbon-producing fossil fuels to sustainable energy. 

9. Inspiration for Tony Stark's character in Iron Man was largely due to Musk. Parts of Iron Man 2 were actually filmed outside of Space X and you can even see him briefly in the film. 

10. He named one of his sons, Xavier, after Professor X of the X-men. 

You can learn more about this inspiring man in the videos and the links provided below.