Elon Musk: SpaceX Aims to Be the Union Pacific to Mars

Elon Musk: SpaceX wants to establish a link with Mars just like the Union Pacific established a link with California.

“Assuming SpaceX can transport large numbers of people and goods to Mars, it will greatly enable entrepreneurial activity there. There's so much to do—everything from building the first iron ore refinery to opening the first pizza joint, or even creating something entirely new that doesn't exist on Earth.

It's similar to when the Union Pacific railroad was built, and people thought it was a foolish idea because nobody lived in California. Well, now California has a large population. The key is the transport link. SpaceX is working to establish that link and create a fertile environment for entrepreneurs to thrive on Mars.”

Interview at Code Conference, June 1, 2016