Elon Musk Targets 2029 for First Human Landing on Mars Amid Starship Development Challenges

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has set a target of 2029 for the first human landing on Mars, acknowledging 2031 as a more probable date. This ambitious goal faces challenges, including recent test flight failures of the Starship rocket, a key component for Mars colonization. The 123-meter Starship has experienced technical setbacks, with the latest launch ending in an explosion shortly after liftoff. The FAA has mandated an investigation before further test flights can proceed. Musk's predictions for a Mars landing have evolved over the years, with previous estimates ranging from 2018 to 2026. The upcoming Mars mission may include Optimus, Tesla's humanoid robot, designed for basic tasks in harsh environments, priced between €20,000 and €30,000. Despite setbacks, SpaceX remains a key player in space exploration, with NASA selecting a modified Starship for its Artemis missions to the Moon.