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SpaceX is shifting its long-term goal from sending humans to Mars to establishing a settlement on the Moon, founder Elon Musk announced on February 8.
The South African-born entrepreneur’s space company has achieved significant success as a NASA contractor. However, Musk’s Mars colonization plans have faced criticism over the years for being overly ambitious.
This strategic shift aligns SpaceX with the U.S. government’s updated space priorities. President Donald Trump’s recent space policy emphasizes returning Americans to the Moon rather than Mars.
Musk explained the decision on X, stating, “SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20 or more years.”
He noted the practical challenges of Mars travel, including planetary alignment, which occurs every 26 months. By contrast, launches to the Moon can occur as frequently as every 10 days.
Previously, Musk set ambitious timelines for Mars missions. In 2016, he predicted that passengers could reach Mars as early as 2024, contingent on funding and rocket development progress.
The U.S. government’s Artemis program now aims to land Americans on the Moon by 2028, with SpaceX serving as a key contractor. The first planned mission, Artemis 3, is scheduled for mid-2027, though delays are expected due to the ongoing development of SpaceX’s lunar lander.
Industry experts suggest additional delays may occur before SpaceX can complete its lunar settlement plans, but Musk remains confident that a Moon city is achievable within the next decade.
