In continuation with Elon Musk’s love for fanfare, the Tesla CEO stated that his other company, SpaceX will be sending people to Mars by 2024. Musk didn’t release many details regarding their plans, but it’s possible NASA may get involved in some way.
SPACEX TO MARS BY 2024
At a Code Conference in California on Wednesday, Musk, who’s no stranger to bold claims, made yet another bold claim. If all goes according to plan for the company, SpaceX will start sending astronauts to Mars by the year 2024. Not only is that a highly ambitious goal for SpaceX, but it’s more ambitious than any other nation or private space company. What exactly Musk wants to do on Mars is uncertain, but there are rumors of colonization, among other goals. However, judging by Tesla’s history, many are doubting the ability to pull off such a feat.
THE GREAT SPACE DEULISION
According to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, the possibility of SpaceX leading the way to Mars or anywhere in the space frontier is delusional. Some say that SpaceX will be able to pull off a mission to Mars without any NASA support. That very well may be true, but if they hope to make it by the deadline, they will be hard pressed. Add the-the history of broken promises Musk is notorious for and it’s understandable why many have their doubts. Perhaps Musk would be better off asking for help if he plans to get anywhere.
NASA AND MUSK TOGETHER
A mission to the red planet could cost $150 billion dollars. For Musk, money doesn’t seem to be the issue like it is for NASA. However, the largest sources of expertise in the world regarding planetary landing resides at NASA. If Musk is serious about his goals, he’d be smart to tap into these resources. On their own, neither NASA or Musk will make it to the red planet by their proposed dates, however if they joined forces, perhaps they could succeed. Sure, they’ll have to sacrifice a bit of fame and fortune for the sake of space travel but it might just be the key to breaking through the space frontier.
