SpaceX CEO Elon Musk Wants To Reach The Moon 'As Fast As Possible'

Elon Musk wants to go to the Moon as soon as possible. However, the CEO and founder of SpaceX also notes that for his company to pull off things, they need to be more "spartan" about their expenditure.

Musk released photos of the Raptor rocket engine via Twitter on Jan. 31. The executive also included some statements on how the company will proceed with the design of the vehicle that the rocket will power.

"Initially making one 200 metric ton thrust engine common across ship & booster to reach the Moon as fast as possible. Next versions will split to vacuum-optimized (380+ sec Isp) & sea-level thrust optimized (~250 ton)," Musk wrote.

This isn't the first time that Musk hinted at his desire to go to the Moon. Previously, during the “super blood wolf moon” eclipse, he shared some photos of the rare event and confirmed his plan to reach the Moon. At the time, a Twitter user asked him if SpaceX is also planning to explore the Moon. Musk replied to the commenter with a simple "Yes."

According to an analysis from Ars Technica, Musk's recent comment is notable because the company seems to be streamlining the Raptor engine into just one design and doing so would cost less money. The single design will allow the engine to power both the rocket during liftoff and the spaceship when it reaches the upper atmosphere and outer space.

The single design approach could also help SpaceX further as it is line with NASA's increasing interest in building infrastructure on and or near the Moon. If Musk flies Starship and does test flights to the Moon, then SpaceX could have better chances of winning government contracts.

Recently, Musk's SpaceX had to lay off people. According to the executive, the recent layoffs are due to SpaceX's "two absolutely insane projects." First, there is the Starlink that will comprise thousands of satellites in one network to provide global high-speed internet coverage. Second is the Starship, SpaceX's massive rocket intended to transport cargo and humans to Mars and back.

"And so, SpaceX has to be incredibly spartan with expenditures until those programs reach fruition," Musk said.