SpaceX is shooting for the moon — literally.
Elon Musk announced on X that SpaceX is shifting its sights to building a “self-growing city” on the moon within 10 years, marking a dramatic shift from his long-standing Mars focus. While Mars missions remain planned for five to seven years out, Musk said the moon takes priority for “securing the future of civilization.”
For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.
The mission of SpaceX remains the same: extend consciousness and life as we know it to…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 8, 2026
The move comes amid intense U.S.-China competition to return humans to the lunar surface, with no visits since Apollo 17 in 1972. SpaceX recently acquired Musk’s xAI for $250 billion and plans a potential $50 billion IPO this year.
The announcement follows a Wall Street Journal report that SpaceX told investors it would prioritize lunar missions, targeting an uncrewed landing in March 2027.
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SpaceX is shooting for the moon — literally.
Elon Musk announced on X that SpaceX is shifting its sights to building a “self-growing city” on the moon within 10 years, marking a dramatic shift from his long-standing Mars focus. While Mars missions remain planned for five to seven years out, Musk said the moon takes priority for “securing the future of civilization.”
For those unaware, SpaceX has already shifted focus to building a self-growing city on the Moon, as we can potentially achieve that in less than 10 years, whereas Mars would take 20+ years.
The mission of SpaceX remains the same: extend consciousness and life as we know it to…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 8, 2026
The move comes amid intense U.S.-China competition to return humans to the lunar surface, with no visits since Apollo 17 in 1972. SpaceX recently acquired Musk’s xAI for $250 billion and plans a potential $50 billion IPO this year.
The announcement follows a Wall Street Journal report that SpaceX told investors it would prioritize lunar missions, targeting an uncrewed landing in March 2027.
Sign up for How Success Happens and learn from well-known business leaders and celebrities, uncovering the shifts, strategies and lessons that powered their rise. Get it in your inbox.