Elon Musk's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Elon Musk.

Elon Musk is a prominent businessman, best known for leading Tesla, SpaceX, and X. As of 2025, he serves as a senior advisor to President Donald Trump and effectively heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk has held the title of the world's wealthiest individual since 2021, with Forbes estimating his net worth at $345 billion as of March 2025. He was recognized as Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2021.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

February 1999: Compaq acquired Zip2

In February 1999, Compaq acquired Zip2 for $307 million in cash, and Elon Musk received $22 million for his 7-percent share.

2002: PayPal acquired by eBay

In 2002, PayPal was acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion in stock, with Elon Musk receiving $175.8 million as the largest shareholder.

2008: SpaceX launched the Falcon 1 into orbit

In 2008, SpaceX succeeded in launching the Falcon 1 into orbit and received a $1.6 billion NASA contract for Falcon 9-launched Dragon spacecraft flights to the International Space Station (ISS).

2008: Tesla Roadster Delivery

In 2008, Tesla began delivering the Roadster, an electric sports car, which became the first mass production all-electric car to use lithium-ion battery cells.

2010: Tesla Initial Public Offering

In 2010, Tesla had its initial public offering.

2011: Space Shuttle retired

In 2011, the Space Shuttle retired, and SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft flights to the ISS, launched by Falcon 9, were intended to replace it.

2012: Dragon vehicle docked with the ISS

In 2012, SpaceX's Dragon vehicle docked with the ISS, a first for a commercial spacecraft.

2012: Tesla Model S Launch

In 2012, Tesla launched the Model S, a four-door sedan, as part of its growing line of electric vehicles.

2013: SolarCity Second Largest Provider

By 2013, SolarCity had become the second-largest provider of solar power systems in the United States.

2015: SpaceX landed the first stage of a Falcon 9 on a land platform

In 2015, SpaceX successfully landed the first stage of a Falcon 9 on a land platform.

2015: Tesla Model X Launch

In 2015, Tesla launched the Model X, a crossover vehicle, adding to its range of electric cars.

2017: Tesla Model 3 Launch

In 2017, Tesla launched the Model 3, a mass-market sedan, marking a significant step in making electric vehicles more accessible.

2017: SolarCity Factory Completed

In 2017, the construction of the SolarCity factory in Buffalo, New York, was completed.

2018: SpaceX launched the Falcon Heavy

In 2018, SpaceX launched the Falcon Heavy, carrying Elon Musk's personal Tesla Roadster as a dummy payload.

2018: Los Angeles Tunnel Debuts

In 2018, the Los Angeles tunnel, less than two miles in length, debuted to journalists. It used Tesla Model Xs but was reported to be a rough ride.

May 2019: Deployed the first large Starlink constellation

In May 2019, the first large constellation of Starlink satellites was deployed.

2020: Estimated cost of Starlink project

In 2020, SpaceX estimated the total cost of the decade-long Starlink project to be $10 billion.

2020: SpaceX launched its first crewed flight

In 2020, SpaceX launched its first crewed flight, the Demo-2, becoming the first private company to place astronauts into orbit and dock a crewed spacecraft with the ISS.