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Russia Eyes Mars Collaboration with Elon Musk and SpaceX

Kremlin envoy confirms plans for talks with Musk, raising geopolitical and security concerns.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk during a T-Mobile and SpaceX joint event on August 25, 2022 in Boca Chica Beach, Texas.
The head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund Kirill Dmitriev speaks to members of the delegation and journalists after the U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 18, 2025. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo
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Overview

  • Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's envoy for international cooperation, announced plans for discussions with Elon Musk about Mars exploration.
  • Russia views collaboration with SpaceX as a way to bolster its space program after the suspension of joint projects with the ESA in 2022.
  • NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has expressed concerns over reports of Musk's past communications with Vladimir Putin, which SpaceX has denied.
  • Musk, a major donor to Donald Trump's 2024 campaign and a close White House adviser, adds political complexity to the potential partnership.
  • The announcement coincides with a scheduled call between Putin and Trump to discuss Ukraine and other bilateral issues.