SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has declared plans to launch the first uncrewed Starships to Mars in the next two years, aligning with the upcoming Earth-Mars transfer window. These missions aim to test the reliability of landing spacecraft safely on the Martian surface.

“The first Starships to Mars will launch in two years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens,” Musk stated. “These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact on Mars.”

If these initial missions prove successful, Musk anticipates that the first crewed flights to Mars could commence in four years. The ultimate objective is to establish a self-sustaining city on Mars within the next 20 years. Source: SpaceX Mars Plans

“Being multiplanetary will vastly increase the probable lifespan of consciousness, as we will no longer have all our eggs, literally and metabolically, on one planet,” Musk added. Source: Elon Musk’s Statements

The flight rate is expected to grow exponentially, contributing to the development of sustainable human presence on Mars. SpaceX continues to develop the Starship spacecraft, designed for long-duration interplanetary flights.