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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced on March 15, 2025, that the company plans to launch a mission to Mars by the end of 2026, featuring Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus, onboard. Musk indicated that if the initial landings are successful, human missions may begin as early as 2029 but noted that a more likely target year is 2031. This revelation coincided with the 23rd anniversary of SpaceX's founding.
Musk's announcement comes on the heels of eight unsuccessful Starship test launches, the latest resulting in an explosion shortly after takeoff on March 7. Following this incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) briefly halted flights at several Florida airports due to safety concerns and has initiated an investigation.
The Starship, a 123-meter fully reusable rocket, is crucial for future deep-space exploration missions, including those to Mars. However, SpaceX must secure FAA approval for future launches and address multiple technical requirements to ensure reliability for crewed missions, particularly for in-orbit refueling capabilities essential for long-distance travel.