SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has announced that the company will focus on sending humans to live on the Moon before trying to settle on Mars. This new plan makes the Moon the first step in SpaceX’s goal of human space colonization.
Musk calls the Moon a “practice ground” to test the technology and systems humans will need to live on another planet. “We want to learn how humans can live safely and sustainably on another world,” he said. “The Moon comes first, and Mars will come later.”
The plan involves using SpaceX’s Starship rockets to carry people and supplies to the Moon. The missions could help with scientific research, future mining, and other commercial opportunities.
Experts say starting with the Moon is smart. “Living on the Moon lets SpaceX test habitats, life-support systems, and other key technology in a place that is easier to reach than Mars,” said Dr. Karen Liu, a planetary scientist. “It will make Mars missions safer in the future.”
Musk’s dream of reaching Mars hasn’t changed, but by focusing on the Moon first, SpaceX hopes to show real progress in space colonization while learning important lessons for future missions to Mars.
The announcement has excited space fans and scientists, as the Moon could become a hub for research, business, and international collaboration. As Musk said, “The Moon is our next stop on the journey to expand human life beyond Earth.”
