[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Speaking at the 2017 International Astronautical Congress in Australia, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said he hopes to put people on Mars by 2022. To achieve that goal, he said SpaceX will shelf its entire fleet of vehicles to focus on a new Interplanetary Transport System, codenamed the BFR (for Big Fucking Rocket).
Musk unveiled last year a combo rocket-and-spaceship design, which included 42 main Raptor engines that could send up to 450 metric tons to Mars.The new design has 31 main engines, but retains design features such as in-orbit docking and propulsive landing. SpaceX is essentially combining the upper stage of the rocket and Dragon in one craft. The Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and Dragon would all be replaced, as the new rocket would be capable of servicing the International Space Station and SpaceX’s satellite customers, as well as missions to Mars and the moon.
The BFR in fully reusable configuration would have a payload capacity of 150 tons compared to 30 tons for Falcon Heavy in only partially reusable configuration. The fully reusable design is obviously a huge development in terms of cost.
“All our resources will turn toward building BFR,” Musk said. “And we believe we can do this with the revenue we receive from launching satellites and servicing the space station.”
Musk noted that SpaceX has been perfecting propulsive landing with Falcon 9 – 16 successful landings in a row. The Falcon 9 lands on a single engine, while the BFR can rely on two engines and achieve landing reliability on par with most commercial airlines. The streak of successful landings is giving SpaceX the confidence that it could stick the landing on Mars.
SpaceX will finish its build plans for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy vehicles, giving SpaceX customers the option of a vehicle with a successful track record. But, soon the BFR will receive all of the focus.
Last year, Musk claimed the first crews to pursue Mars would take off in 2024. This year, he said the first two cargo ITS ships will launch to Mars in 2022.
The company will start building the first BFR ship in the next 6 to 9 months, and Musk “feels confident” they can do the first mission in about five years.
You can watch Musk’s full presentation below.
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