Following a recent SpaceX Starship test launch in South Padre Island, Texas, spectators weighed in on Elon Musk's ambitious goal of sending a spacecraft to Mars by 2026. While the launch itself experienced a setback with the booster landing in the Gulf of Mexico, the event sparked a discussion about the future of space exploration.

Interviews conducted by Fox News Digital revealed a range of opinions on the feasibility of Musk's timeline, which aligns with the optimal two-year window for interplanetary travel. Some attendees expressed confidence in Musk's ability to achieve his goal, citing his track record and rapid progress. Others were more cautious, suggesting that while unmanned missions might be possible by 2026 or 2030, sending humans to Mars within that timeframe might be overly optimistic. A few individuals simply stated they didn't believe it was possible.

One attendee praised Musk's vision of 'Occupy Mars,' expressing hope for its success. Musk himself has outlined a plan involving multiple unmanned Starship launches to Mars within the next two years, followed by crewed missions if those are successful. He has emphasized his commitment to making space travel accessible to anyone with the dream of exploring Mars, potentially opening up opportunities for families and individuals alike.

President-elect Donald Trump was among those who observed the SpaceX Starship launch in Brownsville, Texas. This recent prediction echoes Musk's earlier estimates, including a 2020 statement where he projected humans landing on Mars within six years.