ISLAMABAD: SpaceX founder Elon Musk has set his sights on launching the first uncrewed mission of the Starship spacecraft to Mars by the end of 2026, despite recent test setbacks.
The announcement came just two days after a Starship test flight ended in failure, with the vehicle disintegrating mid-flight. However, Musk remains undeterred and has presented a clear timeline outlining his vision to make life multiplanetary.
In a newly released video, Musk detailed the steps SpaceX plans to take in order to reach Mars. This includes mastering orbital refueling and achieving a successful series of test flights leading up to the 2026 Mars launch window, a period when Earth and Mars are closest in orbit.
This rare alignment, which occurs every two years, significantly reduces the travel time between the two planets — an opportunity Musk intends to seize.
Humanoid Robots to Simulate First Mars Landing
The initial mission will not carry humans but will instead involve Tesla-built humanoid robots, called Optimus, to simulate crewed landings.
Musk believes this will serve as a critical rehearsal before launching human explorers in later missions.
According to him, the second or third missions could carry astronauts, paving the way for a permanent settlement.
Over time, Musk envisions a fleet of 1,000 to 2,000 Starships launching every two years to build a self-sustaining human presence on Mars. This long-term vision aligns with SpaceX’s goal to expand humanity beyond Earth, securing its future against planetary catastrophes.
Starship Also Set for NASA’s Moon Mission
In parallel with SpaceX’s Mars ambitions, NASA has tapped Starship to land astronauts on the Moon under its Artemis program by 2027.
The collaboration marks a significant endorsement of the Starship system, which is still undergoing rigorous testing.
Despite multiple failures in early 2025, Musk believes each setback brings valuable data, pushing the development process forward.
With optimism and relentless innovation, Elon Musk continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, turning science fiction into reality.
