What is SpaceX's new primary space exploration goal?

SpaceX's new primary goal is to establish a self-growing city on the Moon within the next decade.

When does Elon Musk plan to start building a city on Mars?

Elon Musk plans to begin building a city on Mars in approximately five to seven years.

What is NASA's current lunar exploration program?

NASA's current lunar exploration program is called Artemis, aiming to return astronauts to the Moon by 2028.

Home / Science / Moon City: Musk's New Lunar Ambition

Moon City: Musk's New Lunar Ambition

9 Feb

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Summary

SpaceX now prioritizes a self-growing lunar city, achievable within a decade.
Mars settlement remains a commitment, planned for five to seven years.
Starship system faces development challenges for lunar lander contract.

SpaceX has adjusted its long-term objectives, now prioritizing the establishment of a self-growing city on the Moon. Elon Musk announced on X this past Sunday that this ambitious lunar settlement could be realized in less than ten years. This new primary goal contrasts with previous timelines for a Mars city, which Musk estimated would take over twenty years.

Musk cited the Moon's accessibility as a key factor, with launches possible every ten days and a trip time of only two days, compared to Mars's 26-month orbital alignment and six-month journey. He reiterated SpaceX's commitment to a Mars city, still planned to commence construction in five to seven years. This strategic shift follows SpaceX's acquisition of XAI, merging two of Musk's major companies.

NASA, conversely, is focused on its Artemis program, aiming to return astronauts to the lunar surface by 2028, a goal that has seen delays from earlier projections. SpaceX holds a significant NASA contract to develop the lunar lander using its Starship system, though Starship is still in early development and has experienced test failures. Concerns have been raised about SpaceX meeting its contractual deadlines for the Artemis III mission, with rival Blue Origin also developing a lunar lander.