SpaceX is preparing to launch its first uncrewed Starships to Mars within two years, coinciding with the next Earth-Mars transfer window, according to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Elon Musk.
Musk revealed the timeline on social media platform X, stating that these initial missions will be uncrewed and designed to test the reliability of landing intact on the Martian surface. Should these landings prove successful, SpaceX plans to initiate crewed flights to Mars within four years.
The first Starships to Mars will launch in 2 years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens.
These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact on Mars. If those landings go well, then the first crewed flights to Mars will be in 4 years.
Flight rate will… https://t.co/ZuiM00dpe9
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 7, 2024
Musk outlined an ambitious vision for the future, highlighting that the flight rate will increase exponentially, with the ultimate goal of establishing a self-sustaining city on Mars within approximately 20 years. He emphasized that becoming a multiplanetary species would significantly extend the potential lifespan of human consciousness, mitigating the risks associated with relying solely on Earth.
Previously, in April, Musk had projected that the first uncrewed Starship would reach Mars within five years, with the initial crewed missions occurring within seven years. This timeline has now been adjusted to reflect the latest projections.
In June, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone when a Starship rocket completed a successful test mission, surviving a fiery, hypersonic re-entry and landing in the Indian Ocean on its fourth attempt.
Musk remains focused on Starship as a key element in his vision for a next-generation spacecraft. This spacecraft is intended to facilitate not only moon missions later in this decade but also to pave the way for future missions to Mars.
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