NASA scientist concedes 'SpaceX will land on Mars first', before planned 2020 rover launch

Accepting X as front-runner in race to Mars, NASA's Dr. Robert Zubrin has recently mitted that Elon Musk-led company will beat NASA to red planet due to Musk's determination alone, in an interview with Polish publication WP Magazyn. Moreover, Zubrin - a mamatician and aero engineer has stated that first humans to land on Mars will also be from X. Musk is reportedly planning to launch his mission to establish an outpost on Mars by 2023.

NASA scientist accepts 'X will reach Mars first'

“I have doubt about it. Even if one of his projects has a two or three-year delay, it will eventually be realized. His determination is ermous,” said Dr. Zubrin to WP Magazyn.

Elon Musk blames NASA's bureaucracy as new US bill threatens to delay 2024 moon mission

X's Mars plans

X has alrey anunced its aspiration to send its first cargo mission to Mars in 2022. While X's first mission with its aircraft 'Starship' is aimed at confirming resources, identifying hazards and to place initial power, mining and life support infrastructure, second mission will carry both cargo and crew and is scheduled for 2024. second mission is aimed at building a propellant depot for future crew flights beginning foundation of first Mars Base - which Musk hopes to evolve into a self-sustaining civilization.

NASA asks people to name next Mars rover, netizens hijack poll with hilarious suggestions

NASA's Mars 2020 rover

As explained by NASA,  Mars 2020 rover is based on its predecessor 'Curiosity' which was launched in 2011. car-sized rover which is about 10 feet long,  9 feet wide, and 7 feet tall weighs 1050 kgs, which is less than a compact car. official launch window of mission is July 17- August 5, 2020, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. rover is expected to land on February 18, 2021, at Jezero Crater, Mars. mission is expected to last for about 687 Earth days which is one Mars year.

NASA director anunces that first human on Mars may be a woman

NASA-Musk feud

Recently, Musk blamed NASA's bureaucracy for t yet returning astronauts to moon, as he replied to a tweet. Musk was talking about progress of mankind from train to rocket, expressing his disappointment at t being to return to moon after its first flight 50 years ago. This comment comes amidst US Congress proposing a bill urging NASA to push back its moon landing mission to 2028 inste of 2024 and focus on Mars.

NASA - X feud?: Elon Musk reminded of 'Commercial crew' contract