Musk says SpaceX to launch first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years

SUMMARY

Elon Musk announced that SpaceX plans to launch its first uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, aligning with the next Earth-Mars transfer window. The goal of these missions is to test the reliability of landing on the Red Planet. Musk also stated that if these initial landings are successful, SpaceX could launch its first crewed missions to Mars in about four years. He envisions an exponential increase in flight frequency, ultimately aiming to establish a self-sustaining city on Mars within the next 20 years. In April, Musk had mentioned the possibility of landing uncrewed Starships on Mars within five years and sending the first humans within seven. SpaceX's Starship program recently achieved a significant milestone in June when a rocket completed a successful hypersonic return and landing, marking a major step toward interplanetary travel. Musk's long-term vision centers on utilizing Starship to transport people and cargo to both the moon and Mars in the near future.