AI illustration: Hyperloop design published in about four weeks (2012)
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Elon Musk's Hyperloop paper: 'about four weeks,' delivered late

Elon Musk promised The Hyperloop design published in about four weeks by Aug 12, 2012. It happened, but 1.0 years late.

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“Will publish something on the Hyperloop in about four weeks. Will forgo patents on the idea and just open source it. Not a vac tunnel btw.”
— Elon Musk · Jul 15, 2012 · @elonmusk, 2012-07-15 ↗
See his original post on XLoads Elon's actual tweet, right here.
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What actually happened

Musk said in July 2012 he would publish the Hyperloop design in about four weeks. The Hyperloop Alpha paper came out on August 12 2013, about a year late. Hyperloop Alpha paper, Aug 12 2013 (Internet Archive) ↗

The Progression

Jul 15, 2012
The promise: “Will publish something on the Hyperloop in about four weeks. Will forgo patents on the idea and just open source it. Not a vac tunnel btw.” · @elonmusk, 2012-07-15 ↗
Aug 12, 2013
Delivered · Late — 1.0 years late. Musk said in July 2012 he would publish the Hyperloop design in about four weeks. The Hyperloop Alpha paper came out on August 12 2013, about a year late. Hyperloop Alpha paper, Aug 12 2013 (Internet Archive) ↗
Today · Oct 12, 2026
Status: Delivered · Late · 1.0 years late. It happened — eventually.

In July 2012 Elon Musk tweeted that he would publish the Hyperloop concept in about four weeks and open source it. The Hyperloop Alpha white paper appeared 13 months later.

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SpaceX’s record

Delivered
23
62% of resolved claims delivered.
Missed
14
Deadline passed, still no-show.
Still open
36
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