Elon Musk:

Mars colonization is a topic that I find deeply fascinating and important. The goal is to make Mars a viable destination for large quantities of people and cargo. For this to be feasible, it is crucial to reach an economic threshold that makes the cost per person for a trip to Mars manageable. If the cost is around $1 million or $500,000 per person, it is highly likely that a self-sustaining Martian colony can be established. This initiative is not about tourism, but rather about creating a new society, akin to the migration to the New World​​.

At SpaceX’s headquarters, there are two giant posters of Mars that symbolize this ambition. One shows Mars as it is now – a cold, barren red orb – and the other depicts a transformed Mars, with a green landmass and oceans, suitable for human habitation. This vision of turning humans into space colonizers is a central part of my life’s purpose​​.

While the concept of terraforming Mars to make it Earth-like is intriguing, it’s a long-term prospect that might take between a century and a millennium. The chances of Mars being terraformed within my lifetime are extremely slim, almost negligible. Despite this, the idea of becoming the first person to set foot on Mars has been a subject of contemplation, though my decision to be part of the first trip would depend on the assurance that SpaceX would remain stable in my absence. The primary focus, however, is not on personal achievement but on enabling a large number of people to migrate to Mars​​.