SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has updated his predictions for Mars colonization, extending the estimated timeframe from 20 to 30 years.
The entrepreneur responded to a social media post stating that, in his opinion, a million people could live on Mars within 20 years. Musk clarified: “At best, 20 years, but probably closer to 30,” he wrote on X.
Previously, Musk had stated that the first launch of a spacecraft carrying the humanoid robot Optimus could take place at the end of 2026, with a manned mission following within 5–7 years.
In April 2024, Musk noted that successful colonization of the Red Planet would require at least one million people and millions of tons of cargo, which he believes could be delivered within 20 years. The project is set to be carried out using the Starship 3 rocket, the latest development by SpaceX.
