SpaceX prepares to host another Hyperloop Pod Competition

Elon Musk posted a few pictures of teams testing ahead of Sunday\'s competition.

SpaceX is hosting its annual Hyperloop Pod Competition this week, inviting students and other groups to face off with their best pod designs.

For 2018, the competition will be judged solely on maximum speed without crashing. All pods must be self-propelled, with no 'Pusher' sled that had been available in previous competitions.

The high-speed runs will all be completed on the company's 0.8-mile test track in Hawthorne, California. Elon Musk has posted a few pictures of preparations ahead of race day.

SpaceX will also allow up to three teams to take part in a "Levitation Sub-Competition." Pods must levitate and proceed at least 75 feet down an external subtrack before reversing and returning to the starting position.

"Fastest time without crashing wins!" the company says in its competition rulebook.

Teams are currently testing, with competitive runs scheduled for Sunday.

In Elon Musk's vision for Hyperloop transportation, pods will travel through a vacuum tunnel at speeds over 700 mph.

Student teams are arriving at @SpaceX for the 2018 Hyperloop Pod Competition! Testing is underway ahead of competition day this Sunday. pic.twitter.com/neEHPntbwG

— Hyperloop (@Hyperloop) July 17, 2018