Elon Musk announces date for Mars mission: Humanoid robot Optimus will also join the journey

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has provided a date for the first uncrewed Mars mission to be carried out with SpaceX's giant rocket, Starship. In his statement, Musk announced that Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, will also join this historic journey. According to his post, Starship will set off for Mars at the end of 2026, and Optimus will become the first humanoid robot to set foot on the Red Planet.

CREWED MARS MISSIONS COULD BEGIN IN 2029

Musk said that crewed Mars missions could take place as early as 2029, but that a more realistic estimate might push them to 2031. He had previously stated that uncrewed Mars missions would begin by 2026 and that, in addition to the Optimus robot, Tesla's electric vehicle, the Cybertruck, could also be used during this process.

SPACEX IS THE COMPANY THAT TRANSPORTS THE MOST PAYLOAD TO ORBIT

Musk announced that he expects SpaceX to carry 90% of the payload to be sent to Earth's orbit this year. He stated that China's share in this field would remain around 5%, while other countries would have a total share of 5%. According to Musk, with the increase in Starship launches, this rate could rise to 99%, and this will be a critical step toward establishing a self-sustaining colony on Mars.

STARSHIP TESTS CONTINUE

Elon Musk has been wrong in his previous target estimates. In 2018, he announced that they were planning a crewed Mars mission by 2024, but Starship testing could only begin in 2023.

Although tests have gained momentum recently, challenges remain. In October 2023, Starship's booster rocket, Super Heavy, was successfully launched and caught. However, in a test conducted in recent months, the upper stage of Starship exploded in mid-air, and rocket debris scattered into the surrounding area.

GOAL OF ESTABLISHING A COLONY ON MARS

Musk emphasizes that SpaceX's long-term goal is to establish a self-sustaining civilization on Mars. The success of Starship will bring humanity one step closer to the dream of settling on the Red Planet. However, there are still major technical hurdles to overcome.

News Source: 12punto