We Just Witnessed the First Public Hyperloop Test

On Wednesday, Motherboard reporter Jason Koebler was bussed out to the Nevada desert to watch the first public hyperloop demonstration. It was a success—witness:

The demonstration was held by Hyperloop One (formerly Hyperloop Technologies), largely considered the frontrunner in the hyperloop field. Hyperloop One executives called the event a “Kitty Hawk” moment, referring to the Wright brothers’ first successful airplane flight.

The concept of the hyperloop was originally put forward by Elon Musk, CEO of both Tesla Motors and SpaceX. Musk envisioned the hyperloop as an insanely high-speed transit system that would be “a cross between a Concorde and a railgun and an air hockey table,” tube-based and powered by propulsion.

The test only just concluded, but Hyperloop One promised spectators speeds of 400 miles per hour. Update: This first test maxed out at a little over 100 mph. The goal is to eventually get to 400 mph in two seconds for cargo hyperloops, which is pretty crazy.

Here’s a walking tour of the Hyperloop test grounds, shot by Koebler for Facebook Live.