SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed missions to Mars, CEO Elon Musk announced in a post on the social media X.
Earlier this month, Musk had said the first Starship spacecraft to Mars would be launched in two years, "when the next Earth-to-Mars transfer window opens."
Musk said the timing of the first crew mission would depend on the success of uncrewed flights. If the uncrewed missions land safely, the crewed missions will be launched in four years. In the event of challenges, however, the crewed missions would be delayed by another two years, Musk said.
Musk, who is known for providing changing timelines for Starship's readiness, said earlier this year that the first uncrewed Starship will land on Mars within five years and the first humans will land on Mars within seven years.
In June, the Starship rocket experienced a fiery, hypersonic re-entry from space and achieved a breakthrough landing demonstration in the Indian Ocean, completing a full test mission around the globe on the fourth launch attempt. | BGNES
