Elon Musk has announced plans to launch Tesla's Optimus robot to Mars aboard the Starship rocket by late 2026. If initial robotic landings succeed, human missions could start as early as 2029. Starship, the largest rocket ever built, aims to facilitate interplanetary exploration and reduce costs for future missions. However, SpaceX faces regulatory scrutiny after a recent failed test flight of its prototype. NASA also plans to use a modified Starship for lunar missions. Musk envisions a future where humanity thrives on Mars and beyond.