SpaceX delays Mars mission to focus on NASA lunar landing, WSJ reports

SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk, has decided to postpone a planned mission to Mars in order to concentrate its efforts on a NASA-contracted lunar landing program, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. The strategic pivot signals a reprioritization of the company's near-term space exploration goals.

Lunar Program Takes Precedence

Citing sources familiar with internal discussions, the Journal reported that SpaceX informed investors it would delay the Mars mission and give priority to the lunar voyage. The company is now targeting an uncrewed landing on the moon by March 2027. This mission is part of a contract SpaceX secured with NASA years ago to develop a Starship variant capable of ferrying astronauts from lunar orbit to the moon's surface.

Strategic Shift and AI Integration

The reported change in focus coincides with SpaceX's recent acquisition of Musk's artificial intelligence firm, xAI. According to the Journal, a company memo outlining the merger also detailed intentions to support a sustained lunar base and to develop orbiting data centers for AI operations. This suggests a broader corporate strategy intertwining space infrastructure with advanced computing.

Mars Ambitions Temporarily Sidelined

The decision marks a notable shift from Musk's previous statements, where he often characterized the moon as a distraction and emphasized a direct path to Mars. SpaceX had previously suggested a goal of sending five Starships to the red planet as early as late 2026. Musk has since tempered expectations, acknowledging that a Mars mission this year, while possible, is unlikely. The delay underscores the technical and logistical challenges inherent in interplanetary travel.