SpaceX will transport one million people and millions of tons of cargo using thousands of Starship launches

To establish a self-sustaining city on Mars, SpaceX’s plan involves transporting one million people and millions of tons of cargo through thousands of Starship launches.

SpaceX has stated that this would include over 10 launches per day during the Earth-Mars transfer windows, which occur every 26 months.

Each flight will carry 100–150 tons of cargo, including habitats, life support systems, and ISRU facilities to produce oxygen, methane, and water from Mars’ atmosphere and ice.

This ambitious plan requires 1,000 reusable Starships, with fuel production enabled by the Sabatier reaction.

However, challenges such as radiation, low gravity, and economic viability pose significant obstacles.