Space & Astronomy

SpaceX plans to send humans to Mars by 2022

By T.K. Randall
September 28, 2016

Image: Elon Musk at the SpaceX CRS-8 post-launch press conference
Credit: Kim Shiflett / (PD) NASA Speaking at the International Astronautical Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico this week, the SpaceX CEO suggested that a manned mission to Mars could happen within as little as six years.

"What I really want to try to achieve here is to make Mars seem possible - like it's something we can achieve in our lifetimes," he told the audience.

To this end, Musk outlined the design and development of a new multi-stage launch and transport system with a massive reusable rocket booster that would be as long as two Boeing 747 aircraft.

Capable of carrying up to 100 people, this gargantuan booster could be refuelled in orbit and may eventually even be able to travel beyond Mars to other worlds such as Jupiter and Saturn.Musk also suggested that the first ship should be named "Heart of Gold" as a tribute to Douglas Adams' science fiction novel The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

While questions still remain about the cost and technological feasibility of sending humans to Mars so soon, the plans have been generally well received elsewhere in the scientific community.

"NASA applauds all those who want to take the next giant leap - and advance the journey to Mars," NASA said in a statement. "We are very pleased that the global community is working to meet the challenges of a sustainable human presence on Mars."

"This journey will require the best and the brightest minds from government and industry, and the fact that Mars is a major topic of discussion is very encouraging."


Source: The Guardian

Tags: Elon Musk, SpaceX, Mars