SpaceX pivots from Mars to a Moon-based city for faster off-world settlement

SpaceX has shifted its focus from pursuing Mars to building a self-sustaining city on the Moon, arguing a Moon settlement could be achieved in under a decade thanks to faster round trips (about 2 days to the Moon versus six months to Mars) and quicker iteration. Mars remains a parallel long‑term objective, but Musk says the Moon approach reduces risk from resupply disruptions and leverages Starship’s lunar capabilities and future manufacturing on the Moon, with Artemis‑era timelines and competition (e.g., Blue Origin) still influencing plans.