> I don’t know if they overlap in general but for SpaceX and Tesla specifically there seems to be significant overlap/sharing of technology. Like development of metal alloys and, if I remember correctly, using Tesla motors as actuators in Starship?
>>I’m guessing there’s also significant overlap in electronics development. I know the automotive sector has special requirements for chips and electronics, and I’m guessing SpaceX uses some of the same requirements/methodology for in-house electronics design.
This, but even companies like Nissan had an aerospace division (it was in Sunnyvale near the AMES NASA location) at one point (prior to the Renault partnership) which it sold to IHI in 2000 [0]. The engineering and tooling fabrication necessary in aerospace often overlaps with auto, obviously to much higher fault tolerances. And lastly companies like Nissan (brand I'm most aligned with despite not owning anything made since Ghosn took over) still dip their toes and make prototypes like these as a PR exercise [1] with partnerships with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency for example.
Lots of talent floats back and forth at Tesla/SpaceX between the two, the lady that did my interview at SpaceX (Browning) was the same one I met at Tesla in Fremont, and there were a few other heads I recognized that day from Model 3 hell/ramp, too.
I'm sure contractors and sub contractors for specific parts/assembly lines could also overlap, but the truth is I'm not privy to all those finer nuances that go into making a specific bolt or suspension piece but from conversation with people who do those things as suppliers/general contractors it is a common thing.
I lived with an elderly couple in Switzerland who owned a company that repaired assembly lines for bun machines for Burger King but also helped provide specific tasks for the development of the tools/machinery for the Euro-fighter program for example.
PS: Elon is cosplaying an aerospace engineer, the fact you cannot tell is why this narrative around him exists despite him showing how incompetent of a CEO he REALLY is with Twitter/X when he can't take credit for other more talented people's work.It's the leadership and dedication of Shotwell--an actual aerospace engineer with experience in both auto and aerospace--you should really be impressed by regarding SpaceX's success, Elon just funded/paid for it which is a vital but far less impactful part of the equation.
The man doubted Falcon Heavy until the day it launched for FFS!
0: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2000/02/14/national/nissan...
1: https://global.nissannews.com/en/releases/release-db8318528a...