Elon Musk updates Mars mission timeline: Starship crewed by Optimus possible in 2026; real target now 2028–2030

Elon Musk has adjusted SpaceX's Mars mission timeline, pushing back the potential Starship launch to 2028 for an uncrewed flight and 2030 for a crewed mission. Technical challenges, including Starship failures and delays in mastering in-space propellant refuelling, have contributed to this shift.