SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a crew to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a mission to bring two astronauts back home. This event marks a significant step in SpaceX’s ongoing endeavors to support space exploration and human spaceflight.

Musk—who has a history of setting unrealized goals for his companies—says he wants to send humans to Mars by 2029, though he says 2031 may be more likely.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk said Saturday its massive Starship rocket would leave for Mars at the end of 2026 with Tesla humanoid robot Optimus onboard, adding that human landings could follow "as soon as 2029.