1. Home
  2. / Science and Technology
  3. / In a bath of reality, Elon Musk declared that, at the current rate, he and many of us will not see humanity set foot on Mars
reading time 4 min read Comments 177 comments

In a bath of reality, Elon Musk declared that, at the current rate, he and many of us will not see humanity set foot on Mars

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 20/08/2024 às 00:35
Updated 22/08/2024 às 14:14
In a bath of reality, Elon Musk declared that, at the current rate, he and many of us will not see humanity set foot on Mars
Elon Musk said he will “definitely be dead” before humans reach Mars — and you probably will be too (Image: Reproduction)

Elon Musk throws cold water on hopes of colonizing Mars by stating that, at the current rate, he and most of us will not live to see humanity set foot on the Red Planet.

In a comment that made many people stop and think, Elon Musk recently stated that he will “definitely be dead” before humans reach Mars — and, according to him, most of us do too. The statement was made during the Satellite 2020 conference in Washington, DC, and raises questions about the future of space exploration and the feasibility of turning the dream of colonizing Mars into a reality within our lifetime.

When it comes to space exploration, the name Elon Musk is almost inevitable. Since the founding of SpaceX in 2002, the entrepreneur has led missions that previously seemed like science fiction. With more than 370 Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket launches, SpaceX has established itself as a key player in the modern space race game.. But despite advances, Elon Musk appears less optimistic about the timeline for reaching Mars.

”…I will definitely be dead before we go to Mars” reports Elon Musk

TO KNOW MORE: NASA and Boeing face a new challenge related to rescuing astronauts in space

During the Satellite 2020 conference, Elon Musk was direct: “If it takes us 18 years just to prepare to put the first people into orbit, we need to improve our rate of innovation or, based on past trends, I will definitely be dead before we get to Mars“. Musk's reflection is a sobering reminder that despite the enthusiasm, the technological and financial reality of space exploration may fall far short of our expectations.

Costs involved in getting people and materials to the Red Planet are, in fact, astronomical

Musk is not alone in his skepticism. Although the colonization ambitions of Mars are enormous, the challenges are equally enormous. The costs involved in getting people and materials to the Red Planet are astronomical. To give you an idea, Musk estimated that, in 2017, the cost per ton of material sent to Mars was around US$140.000. — which, adjusted for inflation, amounts to about $200.000 per ton in 2023. The total cost of establishing a functional settlement on Mars could easily exceed $200 billion, which requires a global economy prepared for investments of this magnitude.

It does not stop there. Elon Musk has grandiose visions of mass colonization of Mars, even estimating that the cost of moving there could be below US$500.000 — or even less than US$100.000. However, even these more “accessible” numbers still represent a major challenge for the majority of citizens. With an average annual income of $56.940 in the United States, the dream of Mars seems distant to most.

Elon Musk mentioned that at best we could see a settlement in Mars already in 2050

In addition to costs, there is also the issue of time. Elon Musk mentioned that, in the best case scenario, we could see a settlement on Mars as early as 2050. However, the numerous delays to NASA's Artemis missions and SpaceX's Starship development show that this timeline may be too optimistic. Geopolitical complexity, technical difficulties and the need to develop self-sustainable technologies for survival on Mars These are challenges that can easily push this dream forward for a few more decades.

It's a marathon not a sprint

Despite all these challenges, Elon Musk continues to be one of the greatest defenders of exploration space and the colonization of Mars. However, he is also realistic about current limitations. He knows that without a revolution in our rate of innovation and the way we approach space exploration, he, and possibly many of us, will not be around to witness the realization of this dream.

The reality is that the journey to Mars is still a marathon, not a sprint. And while Musk continues to push the limits of what's possible, he also reminds us that time is relentless. If we don't accelerate, the dream of colonizing Mars can remain just that—a dream.

TO KNOW MORE: Training Optimus: Working with the Tesla robot requires at least seven hours a day and pays more than R$250 per hour

It seems that the dream of setting foot on the Red Planet is still a long way off. Comment what you think: will we live to see this happen or is Musk right and only the next generations will enjoy this adventure?

Be the first to react!
React to article
Register
Notify
guest
177 Comments
Older
Last Most voted
Feedbacks
View all comments
Lena Rodrigues
Lena Rodrigues
20/08/2024 09:19

They should use this money; to save the beloved planet Earth!!!

Matheus
Matheus
In reply to  Lena Rodrigues
20/08/2024 13:37

who should?

Jose Luiz DeOliveira
Jose Luiz DeOliveira
In reply to  Matheus
21/08/2024 18:38

Elon Musk and others, well!!!

Antonio Galvao
Antonio Galvao
In reply to  Lena Rodrigues
20/08/2024 14:49

As if contributing to the destruction of our planet Earth wasn't enough, they also want to destroy Mars...

ALVINO PINHEIRO
ALVINO PINHEIRO
In reply to  Antonio Galvao
20/08/2024 17:22

Stop being petty and ILLITERATE...our planet can't stand another century...WE NEED NEW HOMES

ALVINO PINHEIRO
ALVINO PINHEIRO
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
20/08/2024 17:24

WE NEED NEW HOMES OPEN YOUR MINDS

Conception Lopes
Conception Lopes
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
21/08/2024 19:50

Hahaha, are you already saving? You'll have a few million there to take your family, if one day that happens only rich pastors, **** politicians, and big businessmen will go to Mars, our planet is condemned because of this desperation to find another planet to live in, but in Revelation it says that no one will be able to escape the great wrath that will fall upon the earth, so let them spend their millions on this endeavor.

France
France
In reply to  Conception Lopes
21/08/2024 22:43

I believe that the Universe will be populated by the Lord's servants!
Maranatha!!!!

Adagir Saggin
Adagir Saggin
In reply to  France
22/08/2024 21:27

Only believers and **** will be saved, because they are God, Country and Family.

My ass
My ass
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
21/08/2024 19:51

Go to hell, stop giving your opinion on where you don't know, you ****

Clear
Clear
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
22/08/2024 05:19

The same people who damaged the Earth 🌎 are the same people who want to damage other planets… “Come on”… What if they stopped emitting carbon dioxide for a year? Stopped destroying the Earth with explosives, missiles, etc., and stopped wars? What if? Our planet would be very grateful… Those who accumulate wealth that is of little use to the owner who will die one day or another…

Cecilia
Cecilia
In reply to  Clear
22/08/2024 13:19

I have the same opinion!

Adailton Pereira Santos
Adailton Pereira Santos
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
20/08/2024 19:37

Go live there then, smart...ultra-intelligent lol

Rosario Gonzalez Takahashi
Rosario Gonzalez Takahashi
In reply to  Adailton Pereira Santos
21/08/2024 06:05

Hahaha I liked it, but we need to think about it. Our beloved planet is exhausted, but we can recover it if everyone does their part. Governments and countries. Yes, it is possible. And think about exploring Mars. Yes, but it will take many years and a lot of money. And most mortals don't even think about it, because our needs are more important. Kisses, see you on Mars, kisses.

Ana Santy
Ana Santy
In reply to  Adailton Pereira Santos
21/08/2024 11:36

In the meantime, we will continue to destroy our planet... right, intellect? It's more viable.

Conception Lopes
Conception Lopes
In reply to  Adailton Pereira Santos
21/08/2024 19:52

Overtake smart and overtake rich, right?

Tony
Tony
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
21/08/2024 00:03

And do you want to live underground on a planet without a magnetic field, without a breathable atmosphere, with lower gravity and eating who knows what?….lol.

Ana Santy
Ana Santy
In reply to  Tony
21/08/2024 11:37

Elon Musk stuff, always sticking his spoon where it doesn't belong... lol

Edilson
Edilson
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
21/08/2024 09:07

There are so many places on earth that man has not yet managed to set foot on…
Dreaming doesn’t hurt anyone…

Ana Santy
Ana Santy
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
21/08/2024 11:34

If humans reach Mars with all the ignorance and foolishness we have, we will destroy Mars much faster than we did to our planet.

Antonio Orlando Minari
Antonio Orlando Minari
In reply to  Ana Santy
21/08/2024 17:50

Mars is going to destroy us lol!

Ramon Damaceno
Ramon Damaceno
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
21/08/2024 21:16

And who guarantees that it will last at least 1 year?

Robson Gypsy
Robson Gypsy
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
21/08/2024 22:28

Wrong, my friend… we need conscious people who want to contribute to improving what has always been good instead of destroying it! Changes in habits, attitudes, feelings… and that’s how it has to be.

Peace and Light!

Horacio Doctor
Horacio Doctor
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
22/08/2024 19:20

Who needs pale face?

Adagir Saggin
Adagir Saggin
In reply to  ALVINO PINHEIRO
22/08/2024 21:25

ALVINO, how ignorant to give this answer. You probably believe in Santa Claus.

Abgail B Baptist
Abgail B Baptist
In reply to  Antonio Galvao
21/08/2024 06:58

Tell me what you are doing in defense of our planet Earth.

Pablo
Pablo
In reply to  Antonio Galvao
22/08/2024 00:56

He told **** that he doesn't do anything good and that criticizing someone who always brings new innovations to the world!

Dalva
Dalva
In reply to  Lena Rodrigues
20/08/2024 19:35

I completely agree with you Lena, and what's more, if they ever reach Mars, the poor planet will already be full of junk (material) that they've been sending for so many years!

Ana Santy
Ana Santy
In reply to  Lena Rodrigues
21/08/2024 11:32

I agree

Pablo
Pablo
In reply to  Lena Rodrigues
22/08/2024 00:54

Stop being slow, the resources here are finite, there is no salvation, the only way to save humanity is to be able to travel in space efficiently and quickly!

"Delete"
"Delete"
In reply to  Lena Rodrigues
22/08/2024 19:28

We need to plant 1 trillion trees in the world. This money would be very welcome!!!!

Mark
Mark
In reply to  Lena Rodrigues
26/08/2024 08:03

If you used 100x that amount, you still wouldn't be able to change the destructive habits of human beings.
Mars could be a new beginning for humans to learn how to develop a civilization with little/no natural resources.

Alex ctba
Alex ctba
In reply to  Lena Rodrigues
26/08/2024 08:38

We don't need money, we need awareness... if each of us drove less, separated our trash correctly, recycled more, taught our children, preserved biomass, etc., and a change in mentality, not in financial resources.

Alex ctba
Alex ctba
In reply to  Alex ctba
26/08/2024 08:39

Biome*

Renato Stradiotto
Renato Stradiotto
20/08/2024 10:34

The little minister at the Supreme Court is going to sue Musk again because it seems that the South African doesn't want to take any **** to Mars...

Death
Death
In reply to  Renato Stradiotto
21/08/2024 06:05

Much less a fu…. like you

Antonio Orlando Minari
Antonio Orlando Minari
In reply to  Renato Stradiotto
21/08/2024 17:54

You are a nobody!
Don't you have anything better to write about!
Go pray for a tire, man!

Conception Lopes
Conception Lopes
In reply to  Renato Stradiotto
21/08/2024 19:55

That means you're not going either, right?

Luciana
Luciana
20/08/2024 11:12

A man so rich and so intelligent could use that money to change and improve our planet Earth! So much hunger, so many people with nothing and no opportunities, so much trash, but his selfishness of being the first to explore a planet, reduces him to the size of a rat! Such a miserable man!

Maria Angela Vieira da Cunha
Maria Angela Vieira da Cunha
In reply to  Luciana
21/08/2024 23:14

He wanted our species not to become extinct, he doesn't realize that if he wants to explore Mars it's because our planet has no future, we are heading towards the sixth extinction, wake up.

Luis Tarciso Gianiaki
Luis Tarciso Gianiaki
In reply to  Luciana
22/08/2024 01:48

Soon Musk will be reaching the speed of light with his little rockets. LOL. Poor Earthlings.

delcino
delcino
20/08/2024 11:42

He must think it's a Superman movie where aliens arrive with huge machines and start modifying a process that took millions or billions of years in just a few hours to terraform the planet. Mars doesn't even have soil similar to ours, and plants evolved in that soil to use its resources, among other things. Money can buy scientists, but not knowledge.

Telma
Telma
In reply to  delcino
20/08/2024 15:25

Any man who does not seek first the Kingdom of GOD, described in the Bible, will never be wise.

Joe Nobody
Joe Nobody
In reply to  Telma
20/08/2024 15:39

Fantasy book.

ALVINO PINHEIRO
ALVINO PINHEIRO
In reply to  Telma
20/08/2024 17:25

Attention the Bible was 1 percent WRITTEN BY MEN AND MEN ARE FALLIBLE OPEN YOUR MINDS

delcino
delcino
In reply to  Telma
20/08/2024 18:55

No ****, right?

Jorge Israel
Jorge Israel
In reply to  delcino
20/08/2024 18:49

**** **** if this man had no knowledge do you really think he would be who he is?
Or would he be a bum like you?
Check out the technology that uses water as fuel ****!!!

delcino
delcino
In reply to  Jorge Israel
20/08/2024 19:11

So much love!! He filled your inner emptiness with strength, didn't he? Tell me, was it in your mouth or on your face? And you, dear nobody, are you the one who, besides being a sucker for someone who would use you as **** food, because, in fact, you're not good for anything else?

Adailton Pereira Santos
Adailton Pereira Santos
In reply to  delcino
20/08/2024 19:39

Truth

Authorless
Authorless
20/08/2024 12:41

If no one has ever set foot on the moon, imagine if someone will ever go to Mars.

Joaquim Paulino
Joaquim Paulino
In reply to  Authorless
20/08/2024 13:49

Intern! The hospital awaits you

Rogério
Rogério
In reply to  Joaquim Paulino
20/08/2024 14:15

We are already in the madhouse called Brazil. Because a bunch of retards elected a **** 9 fingers as president.

Marcio
Marcio
In reply to  Joaquim Paulino
20/08/2024 18:47

Hahaha, true, the guy stopped in time… That’s why he’s Anonymous!!!…

ALVINO PINHEIRO
ALVINO PINHEIRO
In reply to  Authorless
20/08/2024 17:27

And there are many saying that they are going to heaven, that they are just illusions, delusions, NON-EXISTENT.

Tags
Rafaela Fabris

It discusses innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. With over 1.200 articles published in CPG, it provides daily updates on opportunities in the Brazilian job market.

Share across apps
0
We would love your opinion on this subject, comment!x