Elon Musk to Build a Hyperloop Test Track

When Elon Musk revealed his plans for the Hyperloop – an innovative air-rail system that would transport people from LA to San Francisco in 30 minutes at 800 MPH – it was met with great excitement, but also skepticism towards its real world feasibility. Much of that skepticism may recede now that Elon has officially announced development of the first Hyperloop test track.

Will be building a Hyperloop test track for companies and student teams to test out their pods. Most likely in Texas.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2015

While a specific location has not yet been designated, Elon’s comments indicating the track will be used as a testing lab suggests the Tesla founder may choose to leave the track open to any and all parties interested in developing for the Hyperloop.

Also thinking of having an annual student Hyperloop pod racer competition, like Formula SAE http://t.co/HV9BLCoMb8 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 15, 2015

Though the five-mile test track will not address some of the bigger issues facing the Hyperloop — like how to design a course straight enough to withstand the system’s immense speeds — it will give interested parties their first real chance to physically explore the track’s technology, thus becoming the first major step towards bringing Musk’s game-changing idea to life.