SpaceX Plans Mars Colonization Start in 5-7 Years

Elon Musk has expressed an ambitious timeline for human settlement on Mars, predicting that humanity could begin inhabiting the planet within the next 5 to 7 years, contingent on technological readiness for autonomous existence. He plans for the Starship spacecraft to launch by 2026, which will carry the humanoid robot Optimus to assist with tasks on Mars. In contrast, former NASA astronaut José Hernández argues that human travel to Mars is at least 15 years away, citing significant technological challenges and the need for a lunar base to develop necessary technologies. Hernández emphasizes the importance of addressing these hurdles before considering Mars missions, suggesting that current resources should be redirected from the International Space Station to lunar development. The divergent views highlight the ongoing debate over the feasibility and timeline for Mars exploration, with Musk's plans being seen as overly optimistic by some experts. Both perspectives underscore the complexity of space travel and the technological advancements required to make interplanetary colonization a reality.