In a post on social media platform X, Musk confirmed the timeline, saying that these missions will coincide with the next Earth-Mars transfer window, set to open in two years.
“No matter what happens with landing success, SpaceX will increase the number of spaceships travelling to Mars exponentially with every transit opportunity.We want to enable anyone who wants to be a space traveler to go to Mars! That means you or your family or friends – anyone who dreams of great adventure,” SpaceX CEO added in his tweet.
The success of these uncrewed flights will determine the timeline for SpaceX’s first crewed mission to Mars. Musk indicated that if the uncrewed missions land safely, crewed missions could begin in four years. However, any major challenges could push the crewed timeline back by another two years.
Musk, known for adjusting timelines on Starship’s readiness, had previously stated that the first uncrewed mission to Mars could take place within five years, with humans landing on the planet in seven years.
In June, SpaceX achieved a key milestone when a Starship rocket survived a fiery reentry and completed a full test mission, landing successfully in the Indian Ocean after its fourth attempt.
Musk envisions Starship as a next-generation spacecraft designed to transport people and cargo to the moon and, eventually, Mars.
Meanwhile, Nasa delayed its Artemis 3 mission, the first crewed moon landing in over 50 years, to September 2026, which will use SpaceX’s Starship. Originally scheduled for late 2025, the delay is due to development uncertainties.
In June, Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa cancelled a private mission around the moon aboard Starship, also citing delays in the rocket’s development.