Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, has revealed that the company’s massive Starship rocket will embark on a mission to Mars at the end of 2026. The spacecraft will carry Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, on its maiden voyage to the Red Planet.
Musk shared the update on his X social network, stating that if the initial landings are successful, human landings could follow as soon as 2029. However, he noted that 2031 is a more likely timeline for human missions to Mars.
The Starship rocket is a crucial component of Musk’s long-term vision to colonize Mars. The spacecraft is designed to be reusable and has the capability to carry both crew and cargo.
SpaceX is also working on a modified version of the Starship for NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon this decade. However, before the company can proceed with these missions, it must demonstrate the reliability and safety of the Starship.
You may also like:Kashim Imam Ramps Up Relief With Food Supply for Maiduguri Flood Victims
The recent test flight of the Starship prototype ended in a fiery explosion, although the booster was successfully caught in its orbital test. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has required SpaceX to conduct an investigation before it can fly again.
Despite the setback, Musk remains optimistic about the Starship’s prospects. The company is working to refine the spacecraft’s design and test its capabilities in preparation for the Mars mission.
