Elon Musk says SpaceX focuses on building a self-sufficient city on the Moon within ten years, while Martian development continues with work starting in 5-7 years.
© RusPhotoBank
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has clarified the company's shifting priorities regarding its lunar program. He stated that Martian development will continue, and the revised plans won't delay the creation of autonomous settlements on Mars by more than five years. In fact, some scenarios might even accelerate the program.
Musk explained on social media that SpaceX is now focusing on building a self-sufficient city on the Moon because this goal could be achieved in under ten years, compared to over twenty years for Mars. This move prioritizes securing civilization's future more quickly on the lunar surface.
However, SpaceX will maintain its efforts toward building a Martian city, with work expected to begin in roughly five to seven years.
Earlier reports indicated SpaceX postponed a Mars mission planned for this year to concentrate on collaborating with NASA for the human return-to-the-Moon program. The company is currently targeting an uncrewed lunar landing in March 2027.
Despite this resource reallocation, SpaceX emphasizes that the strategic goal of Mars exploration remains unchanged and is viewed as the next phase following the lunar program.