XPost: alt.space, alt.fan.rush-limbaugh
https://www.dw.com/en/spacexs-starship-to-leave-for-mars-end-of-2026-musk-says/a-71929774
SpaceX founder Elon Musk said Friday that his company's massive
Starship rocket would leave for Mars at the end of 2026, carrying
with it Tesla's humanoid robot Optimus.
In a post on X, Musk also suggested that human landings on
Mars could begin as early as 2029 if the initial landings go
well, though 2031 was more likely.
The update follows several recent disappointments for the
world's first private space firm and Musk's long-term
vision of colonizing Mars.
. . .
So, Optimus Prime will plant the flag ...
SpaceX does seem to have ironed-out the problems
with their super-booster. The 'StarShip' worked
OK once. ALMOST worked this last time except a
few engines cut out about 30 seconds early and
spun the thing. Perhaps Musk's message suggests
they figured out why.
IMHO, StarShip should first be used to ferry large
parts of a new space station - the capacity of the
thing is considerable and the ISS is wearing out.
In any case, a landing, and escape, from MARS is a
whole other thing.
Also, Mars is BARELY useful for colonies - even
the dirt is poisonous.
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