SpaceX Starship Completes First Crewed Mars Orbital Rehearsal

Four astronauts completed a 72-hour rehearsal mission in high Earth orbit, running through all Mars approach and entry procedures.

In a landmark rehearsal for humanity's Mars mission, a crew of four astronauts aboard SpaceX Starship completed a 72-hour orbital simulation that included full Mars entry, descent, and landing procedures. The crew executed 47 distinct mission protocols, with only minor deviations. SpaceX confirmed the actual Mars transit mission remains on schedule for mid-2027.