Space X is heading to Mars.
Well at least that’s the plan.
Elon Musk’s company has agreed a deal with
NASA that will see it send its Dragon 2 capsule
to the red planet.
The mission is scheduled for 2018 - just two
years away.
This is being seen as a first step to colonizing
the red planet.
And the Dragon 2 isn’t just your typical
capsule … this is the same model that will
one day take up to 7 astronauts to Mars.
The Dragon 2 spacecraft will be launched by
the company’s new Falcon Heavy rocket - it
is the most powerful rocket ever made and
is currently undergoing testing.
If and when Dragon 2 makes it to Mars, it
will be providing crucial data on landing
techniques, pay load deliveries and even help
bring large equipment to lay the foundation
of a colony.
Elon Musk and his staff at Space X have been
on a winning streak of late.
Just last month the company was able to land
its Falcon 9 rocket on a barge at sea - the
first successful time after 4 failed attempts.
It also hopes to have the Falcon Heavy rocket
operational later this year.
So with SpaceX on a time table of just two
years to get to Mars, they might be banking
on that streak of good luck.
NASA isn’t planning a mission to Mars until
at least 2030.
Phil Han, CNBC, London.
