Space Milestones: Uncrewed Missions to Mars and Starliner Returns

Elon Musk announced that SpaceX plans to launch its first uncrewed missions to Mars within two years. Meanwhile, Boeing's Starliner completed its journey back to Earth without crew after a three-month test mission. NASA astronauts remain on the ISS due to technical concerns with the spacecraft.

Elon Musk has revealed ambitious plans for SpaceX to launch its first uncrewed Starships to Mars within the next two years. Announced on the social media platform X on Saturday, Musk indicated that these initial missions aim to test the reliability of landing on the Red Planet. If successful, the company plans to launch its first crewed flights to Mars in the subsequent four years.

Meanwhile, Boeing's Starliner spacecraft successfully completed its uncrewed return to Earth, landing in the New Mexico desert late on Friday. This mission ends a three-month test marred by technical issues. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who made history by being the first crew to pilot the Starliner in June, were scheduled to return but remained at the International Space Station. NASA deemed it too risky for the crew due to operational concerns with the spacecraft's maneuvering thrusters.

The developments mark significant milestones in space exploration for both SpaceX and Boeing, adding new chapters to their pursuit of advanced space travel and deeper interplanetary missions.

(With inputs from agencies.)