SpaceX changes course: first the Moon, then Mars

Elon Musk announced that SpaceX has changed its priorities and will first focus on building a base on the Moon. Colonization of Mars will remain in the plans, but will be implemented at the next stage.

What's known

In a post on X, Musk stated that the company plans to build a "self-developing city" on the Moon in less than ten years. According to him, the implementation of a similar project on Mars will take more than two decades.

The reason for the changes in plans is the logistical advantages of the Moon. Its proximity to Earth and more frequent launch windows make the project much simpler. At the same time, Musk clarified that work on Mars will also begin within five or six years, but the first focus will be on the Moon. He also suggested that a manned flight to Mars could take place in 2031.

As early as the beginning of 2025, Musk assured that the company would not be distracted by the Moon and would go directly to Mars. However, after comments from analyst Peter Hague regarding the potential of lunar regolith, which consists of 45% oxygen, the position changed. In 2023, NASA demonstrated that oxygen can be extracted from regolith, which would significantly save on the delivery of liquid oxygen between Earth and Mars.

As part of the Artemis program, which also involves SpaceX, NASA plans to return humans to the Moon in 2028. The nearest Artemis II mission involves a crew flyby of the Moon and return to Earth. The launch is scheduled for March.

Source: Elon Musk