SpaceX Makes a Huge Pivot, Wants to Build on the Moon Instead

SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk in 2002, has announced a significant shift in its space exploration goals, moving its focus from Mars to the Moon. In a recent statement on X, Musk indicated that the company will prioritize establishing a human settlement on the Moon, which he refers to as a “self-growing city,” over plans for a Mars colony. This pivot marks a departure from Musk's previous ambitions of creating a self-sustaining city on Mars, which he had previously estimated could be ready for its first settlers as early as 2024. Musk's announcement highlights the logistical advantages of targeting the Moon first, citing factors such as launch windows and proximity to Earth. He claims that establishing a lunar city could be completed in less than 10 years, while a Mars settlement would take over 20 years. This change in strategy reflects a more immediate approach to human space exploration, as Musk has acknowledged that previous timelines for Mars missions have been overly optimistic. Despite the shift in focus, Musk has stated that Mars missions are not entirely off the table. He mentioned that Mars plans could begin in 5 or 6 years and could proceed in parallel with lunar projects, although the Moon will be the initial priority. Additionally, he suggested that a manned flight to Mars might occur in 2031, indicating that while the Moon is the current focus, Mars remains a long-term goal for SpaceX.