I find it interesting that is not mentioned in the article. The idea at least is quite similar with Airlander, about which I know they are quite advanced with tests and should be on production "relatively" soon. ( https://www.hybridairvehicles.... ). Or maybe are related projects and I/we don't know ?

Exactly what he said: “Not for the faint of heart. Good chance you’ll die. And it’s going to be tough, tough going, but it’ll be pretty glorious if it works out.” It is a misleading, sensationalist title here on slashdot, WOW, people will die, on the way or on Mars too. Inducing the idea that Musk said something new. The risks will be enormous. But was the same for all explorers.