When it comes to a timeline for putting humans on Mars, SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPCX) CEO Elon Musk and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman have a difference of opinion. That could be due to a huge financial incentive for Musk.
Elon Musk vs. NASA
Shares of SpaceX stock have fallen since the highly anticipated and record-breaking IPO. As investors look for future growth, Musk has Mars on his mind.
Isaacman, in a recent interview, highlighted that SpaceX’s biggest priority right now is the Moon, not Mars, saying that humans on Mars are likely 10 to 15 years out.
Musk, long known for his goal to send people to Mars, issued a reminder about his desire for the red planet.
"People on Mars in roughly 5 to 7 years. Mars lander a few years sooner," Musk tweeted.
SpaceX has bold ambitions to remain the key player in space transportation and infrastructure. The company has plans for both the Moon and Mars.
While NASA has its eyes set on the Moon, Musk may be leaning more towards Mars colonization, his ultimate goal.
Musk’s SpaceX compensation package includes one billion shares, contingent on achieving a $7.5 trillion market capitalization and establishing a permanent Martian colony with one million residents.
At today’s share price, that would mean $112.56 billion in SpaceX stock if he is able to hit both milestones.
Musk is likely balancing both keeping NASA happy and working on Moon ambitions, with eyes set on Mars flights sooner rather than later.
Musk’s Past Mars Promises
Of course, a timeline for sending humans to Mars from Musk should come with a warning that past expectations haven’t worked out.
As reported by Teslarati, Musk previously said in 2000 that humans could be on Mars as early as 2009. In 2020, Musk said humans would be on Mars by 2026, with 2025 a best-case scenario timeline.
In September 2025, Musk said having a self-sufficient colony on Mars could take 25 to 30 years.
As the world’s richest man, Musk doesn’t need another $112.56 billion in SpaceX stock, but he definitely has his eyes set on the bold goal of colonizing Mars.
A big part of SpaceX’s future total addressable market and growth could depend on Musk hitting the goal.
Image via Shutterstock
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