Microsoft AI CEO Recalls 2015 DeepMind Ethics Meeting and Larry Page's Interstellar Vision

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman recently shared details from a 2015 lunch conversation with Google co-founder Larry Page, where Page envisioned using advanced self-propelling probes for deep-space exploration by the end of the century. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk later responded to the account, stating that Page might be right in his prediction.

According to reported statements, the discussion occurred during the first meeting of DeepMind's AI Ethics and Safety Board at the SpaceX headquarters.

DeepMind's Ethics Board and the SpaceX Meeting

When Google acquired DeepMind in 2014, the acquisition included a condition requiring the establishment of an AI Ethics and Safety Board with independent oversight. The board structure involved mutual agreement between Google executives and DeepMind co-founders.

• Google Executives: Larry Page, Sergey Brin, and David Drummond
• DeepMind Co-founders: Mustafa Suleyman, Demis Hassabis, and Shane Legg
• Jointly Selected Independent Member: Elon Musk

Suleyman recounted these details during an appearance on the podcast *The Builders* with Walter Isaacson and Kaleidoscope. He noted that he remains uncertain whether holding these early safety discussions at SpaceX headquarters influenced Elon Musk's subsequent founding of OpenAI.

Larry Page's Sci-Fi Vision for Interstellar Probes

During the lunch following the board's morning session, Suleyman sat next to Larry Page. According to Suleyman, Page outlined a long-term vision regarding space exploration.

• The Prediction: Page suggested exploring distant galaxies by the end of the century using advanced technology.
• The Technology: Page referenced a von Neumann probe, which is a theoretical, self-propelling robotic spacecraft designed to travel across light-years while harvesting energy and resources autonomously from space.

Elon Musk's Reaction

Revisiting the 2015 exchange, Elon Musk expressed support for the ambitious timeline, pointing to Page's past technological foresight.

• Musk remarked that civilization would benefit greatly if such exploration is achieved by 2100.
• Musk stated that Page "might be right," noting his history of accurate predictions.

Practical Implications and Verification

Readers interested in verifying these claims can listen to the original podcast episode of *The Builders* featuring Mustafa Suleyman. As with historical accounts from podcast interviews, details rely on the speaker's recollection of past events. To separate confirmed organizational structures from reported conversational claims, listeners should consult primary source recordings and official corporate histories.