NASA had been lagging because of personnell, the same readon Space X succeeded. The people that were around during apollo are just now retiring. It was not because of JFK they accomplished so much and it was not because musk overworked or challenged his people they accomplished so much. Blue origin and others are also doing ok, they just were not contract winners or with the best people. DARPA still has the best minds possibly and best inventions as well. Risk taking by leadership is the big difference here.

That said, no way musk gives up his desire to rule over mars or control asteroid mining industry over a few billion dollars.

Frankly, he seems trumpish by the day. I don't think he has anyone close to him who cares for him and isn't afraid of upsetting him. Surround yourself with yes men and never apologize for anything, the true way of insecure and isolated powerful men.