Elon Musk has another one of his crazy ideas - but this time it could be truly groundbreaking. The well-known entrepreneur and inventor has set his sights on building a tunnel under the Atlantic that will connect New York and London in just 54 minutes. It sounds like science fiction, but it could revolutionize the future of travel. But how exactly will this "hypersonic tunnel" work? We take a look at Musk's mega project and the hurdles that need to be overcome.

The idea: Faster than by plane

With a speed of around 5,000 km/h, Elon Musk wants to use the Hyperloop, a technology he presented back in 2013, in an underground tunnel between the USA and the UK. The Hyperloop works in a similar way to a high-speed train, but instead of running on rails, it travels in a vacuum tube in which there is no air resistance. This allows the train to accelerate to almost the speed of light - at least almost.

Thanks to the magnets that allow the capsules to float in the airless tube, they can travel at breathtaking speeds. Today, the flight between the two cities still takes around seven hours. In the future, however, the tunnel could bridge the distance in less than an hour. Insane, isn't it?

The technology: Hyperloop as the key

Musk is known for turning his innovative ideas into reality - be it with Tesla, SpaceX or "The Boring Company". The Hyperloop could revolutionize the way we get around. The basic principle of this technology is based on the creation of a vacuum in a tunnel, which eliminates air resistance. This makes it possible to move vehicles at enormous speeds.

This technology is already being tested in countries such as India and China, and the Netherlands is also working on a similar system. Musk's vision of using this technology for a transatlantic tunnel could change the transport sector forever - if he succeeds in overcoming the many challenges.

The challenges: A tunnel under the Atlantic?

However, the implementation of such a project is associated with enormous challenges. Building a tunnel under the ocean is by no means easy - not even for Musk. According to estimates, the construction of a transatlantic tunnel would cost around 19 trillion euros. A huge amount that can only be justified if the tunnel is fast enough to cover the travel costs.

But what exactly should the tunnel look like? There are many different designs: a route under the seabed could be considered, as could stilts or a floating tube. The question remains as to how such a mega-project can be realized technically and financially. Even though Musk is known for his innovative strength, this task seems almost impossible at first glance.

Realistic or utopian?

The question of whether we will ever see this hypersonic tunnel remains exciting. The construction of such a project would not only take years, but probably decades. Experience from the construction of the Channel Tunnel between the UK and France shows how lengthy such projects can be. And Musk does not exactly have a reputation for patience with his ambitious plans. Time will tell whether he is actually able to push the science and technology to the point where a tunnel from New York to London becomes a reality.