Elon Musk’s ambition to settle Mars is currently overshadowed by a new focus on establishing a human presence on the Moon. In a statement on X, the billionaire announced that SpaceX plans to build “a self-growing city on the Moon,” suggesting that this goal could be achieved within a decade, contrasting with over 20 years projected for Mars, reports BritPanorama.
Musk emphasized that “the overriding priority is securing the future of civilization, and the Moon is faster.” He noted that lunar missions can be launched every ten days with a two-day travel time, while Mars missions depend on planetary alignment every 26 months, resulting in a journey of about six months.
The concept of a “self-growing city” on the Moon remains unclear, and it is uncertain how closely Musk’s plans align with NASA’s lunar objectives. SpaceX has not commented on this clarification request. Musk reassured that the company is still committed to developing a Mars city, aiming to begin that effort in five to seven years. Previously, he indicated that SpaceX might land its first uncrewed Starship on Mars as soon as late 2026.
This shift in priorities follows SpaceX’s recent acquisition of XAI, which combines Musk’s tech ventures into a significant private enterprise. Over the last decade, Musk has consistently articulated the importance of a Mars settlement, describing it as SpaceX’s founding goal since its inception in 2002.
NASA’s lunar ambitions have gained traction, especially during President Trump’s administration, with a target to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028, reminiscent of timelines from the Obama administration. This mission would mark the first human footprints on lunar soil since the Apollo program ended in 1972.
Musk has previously critiqued NASA’s Artemis program, labeling it a distraction from direct Mars exploration. He stated, “No, we’re going straight to Mars. The Moon is a distraction,” reflecting a notable pivot as his companies increasingly engage in political dialogue. His political contributions and associations have notably influenced his broader messaging, including backing Trump during election cycles.
Lunar controversy
While NASA has developed rockets and spacecraft necessary for lunar missions, SpaceX is contracted to build the lunar lander, essential for ferrying crews to the Moon’s surface. The company intends to utilize its Starship rocket for this purpose, a vehicle designed for both lunar and Martian missions.
Starship remains in development and has faced numerous testing challenges, including multiple failures during test flights. It has yet to achieve an orbital flight, with a new line of prototypes expected to debut in early March.
The role of Starship in NASA’s lunar objectives has sparked debate. Sean Duffy, former transportation secretary under Trump, has warned that SpaceX might not be on schedule to deliver the lunar lander by NASA’s deadline, as the agency races to outpace China’s burgeoning lunar exploration efforts.
Duffy even hinted that SpaceX could be sidelined from Artemis III, evaluating whether its competitor, Blue Origin, might achieve the task more promptly. Blue Origin is also pursuing a NASA contract for lunar lander development, recently pausing its suborbital tourism flights to concentrate on this endeavor.
As NASA prepares for its first crewed Artemis mission, Artemis II, slated to launch in March, the agency’s new administrator Jared Isaacman, known for his connections to Musk, faces scrutiny regarding the overall timeline and effectiveness of the lunar exploration program.
The unfolding developments in lunar exploration reflect the complex interplay of commercial aspirations and national interests as both private companies and government agencies navigate ambitious space agendas.
