SpaceX delays Mars mission for Moon landing – What Elon Musk’s rocket company told investors

SpaceX has delayed its plans to send a spacecraft to Mars and will instead focus on an uncrewed moon landing targeted for 2027, according to a Reuters report citing people familiar with the matter.

The Elon Musk-led aerospace company had previously outlined ambitions to attempt an uncrewed Mars landing as early as 2026, taking advantage of a favourable Earth–Mars launch window. However, Reuters reported that SpaceX has now decided to redirect its near-term efforts toward a lunar mission using its next-generation Starship rocket.

According to Reuters, SpaceX told investors that it is aiming for an uncrewed moon landing in March 2027. The move reflects the company’s strategy to demonstrate Starship’s capabilities in deep space before attempting the more challenging and distant Mars mission.

Starship, a fully reusable rocket system, is central to SpaceX’s long-term plans for space exploration. The vehicle is designed to carry large payloads and eventually transport humans to destinations beyond Earth orbit, including the moon and Mars. Reuters noted that SpaceX continues to conduct test flights and design iterations as it works to bring Starship to operational readiness.

The decision to prioritise the moon represents a shift from earlier timelines outlined by Musk, who has frequently spoken about making humanity a multi-planetary species by establishing a presence on Mars. Reuters reported that while Mars remains a core goal, the company believes further testing closer to Earth is necessary to reduce technical and operational risks.

SpaceX’s lunar focus also aligns with its involvement in NASA’s Artemis programme, which aims to return astronauts to the moon later this decade. Under the programme, SpaceX is developing a modified version of Starship to serve as the Human Landing System for crewed lunar missions. Reuters said progress on Starship is critical to the overall Artemis timeline.

Industry analysts cited by Reuters say the shift highlights the complexity of developing fully reusable heavy-lift rockets and the challenges involved in scaling new technologies for deep-space missions. The moon, they note, provides a nearer and more manageable testing ground for systems that will eventually be required for Mars.

SpaceX has not issued a public statement on the revised schedule, Reuters added. The company is expected to reassess its Mars timeline after achieving key milestones with Starship, including the planned lunar landing.

Despite the delay, SpaceX’s long-term vision remains unchanged. As Reuters reported, the company continues to view Mars as a central objective, but is now taking a more measured approach by focusing first on proving Starship’s performance through lunar missions.