SpaceX will send a craft to Mars in 2018, according to founder Elon Musk.
Its rocket-powered Red Dragon craft will be able to make the mission in only a couple of years, a company statement said.
Planning to send Dragon to Mars as soon as 2018. Red Dragons will inform overall Mars architecture, details to come pic.twitter.com/u4nbVUNCpA
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 27, 2016
The eight-month journey would be unmanned, which Musk noted on Twitter would be essential as the craft is only the size of an SUV.
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SpaceX sources told the Guardian that the missions would let them test the ground for later manned expeditions.
The exploration company, founded by Tesla entrepreneur Musk, has a checkered record with other space projects, including reusable rockets.
Recently tested Dragon 2’s SuperDraco propulsive landing system at our McGregor, TX facility. Key for Mars landing pic.twitter.com/dV1nhKDMhr
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 27, 2016
In January a rocket fell over and exploded after a rocky re-entry, but more recently the company managed a successful return.
