Elon Musk has announced that SpaceX will launch a mission to Mars next year. In a post to his X account, Musk confirmed that his company will begin unmanned missions to the planet within the year. He added that manned missions, which are much more logistically complicated, are planned for the early 2030s.
Musk has made several statements about his desire to send humans to Mars. The tech CEO is often seen sporting ‘Occupy Mars’ T-shirts. Social media users were fascinated by Musk’s optimistic plan, and many thanked Musk for pushing forward technology.
Elon Musk posted to X on March 15, 2025 announcing his aggressive schedule for interplanetary travel. He said, “Starship departs for Mars at the end of next year, carrying Optimus. If those landings go well, then human landings may start as soon as 2029, although 2031 is more likely.”
According to the website, the SpaceX Starship is a massive multistage rocket. Their description reads, “SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket – collectively referred to as Starship – represent a fully reusable transportation system designed to carry both crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars and beyond. Starship is the world’s most powerful launch vehicle ever developed, capable of carrying up to 150 metric tonnes fully reusable and 250 metric tonnes expendable.”
The same page explains this rocket’s massive transport capacity. SpaceX says, “As the most powerful launch system ever developed, Starship will be able to carry up to 100 people on long-duration, interplanetary flights. Starship will also help enable satellite delivery, the development of a Moon base, and point-to-point transport here on Earth.”
Commentators on X were quick to celebrate Musk’s plans. One user said, “The idea of human landings on Mars is no longer a distant dream, it’s becoming a reality. If Starship can successfully make these landings, we’re looking at a monumental leap in human exploration. Optimus leading the charge is a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, determination, and technology align.”
The same users continued, “2029 or 2031, it doesn’t matter, what matters is that we’re on the verge of redefining humanity’s future. Skeptics will always exist, but we’ve seen time and time again that nothing’s impossible when we push the boundaries. Get ready, the future is here.” One woman said, “Not everyone makes their dreams come true. Congratulations on all your success. I have no doubt you’ll get your ultimate dream to become reality too.”
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Another account replied, “(This is not a political post at all) I am a HUGE space nut and what Space X has been doing for the last two decades is incredible! I hope to see us on Mars in my lifetime. Very exciting times to live in.” One comment stated, “It’s really exciting that SpaceX’s Starship will depart for Mars at the end of next year carrying Optimus! If the landings go well, the moment when a new chapter of Mars exploration begins is getting closer and closer!” One reply read, “It’s hard to wrap my head around the fact that in my lifetime we went from rotary and corded house phones to landing people on Mars.”
Featured image from embedded video