The BFR: SpaceX's Mars-Colonization Architecture in Images

By Mike Wall, Space.com Senior Writer | September 29, 2017 05:07am ET

BFR Spaceships on Mars

On Sept. 29, 2017, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk unveiled the company’s latest Mars-colonization architecture, which centers on a rocket-spaceship combo dubbed the BFR (Big F***ing Rocket). See how it works in images. Read our full story.

This image: Artist's illustration of SpaceX "BFR" spaceships on the surface of Mars.

SpaceX's Vision for a Mars City

SpaceX aims to launch its first Mars cargo missions in 2022 and the first crews in 2024. If all goes according to plan, these first flights will plant the seeds of a permanent, sustainable city on the Red Planet.

SpaceX Mars Transportation Architecture

Diagram showing SpaceX's basic plan for launching cargo and people to Mars at an affordable price.

The BFR Is Indeed Big

SpaceX’s envisioned BFR will be bigger and far more powerful than the company’s other rockets.

BFR from the Side

The BFR will be capable of lofting 150 tons of payload to low Earth orbit, SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk said.

BFR Spaceship: Top View

The BFR spaceship will feature 40 cabins, each of which will likely house two to three people on a typical Mars trip.

BFR Spaceship: Rear View

The BFR spaceship’s six Raptor engines will allow it to reach Mars after a journey of three to six months.

BFR Spaceships on the Moon

The BFR architecture isn’t Mars-specific; the system could help establish a base on the moon, Musk said.

From Earth to the Moon

The BFR spaceship could make it from Earth orbit to the lunar surface and back again without needing to refuel, Musk said.

BFR Spaceship at the ISS

Artist’s illustration of the BFR spaceship docked at the International Space Station.

BFR Spaceship Deploying a Satellite

The BFR system will be able to launch very large satellites, Musk said.

SpaceX BFR Earth Travel Launch

A giant SpaceX rocket launches from a floating platform near New York City carrying passengers bound for Shanghai in this still from a video animation depicting the potential for point-to-point travel on Earth with the massive spaceship.

SpaceX Mars Rocket for Earth Travel

This SpaceX still from a video animation shows potential point-to-point routes for Earth travel using the company's planned Mars rocket. Read our full story on SpaceX's point-to-point travel vision.

Author Bio

Mike Wall, Space.com Senior Writer: Michael was a science writer for the Idaho National Laboratory and has been an intern at Wired.com, The Salinas Californian newspaper, and the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. He has also worked as a herpetologist and wildlife biologist. He has a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from the University of Sydney, Australia, a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona, and a graduate certificate in science writing from the University of California, Santa Cruz. To find out what his latest project is, you can follow Mike on Google+.; Mike Wall, Space.com Senior Writer on

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BFR Spaceships on Mars

Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX's Vision for a Mars City

Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX Mars Transportation Architecture

Credit: SpaceX

The BFR Is Indeed Big

Credit: SpaceX

BFR from the Side

Credit: SpaceX

BFR Spaceship: Top View

Credit: SpaceX

BFR Spaceship: Rear View

Credit: SpaceX

BFR Spaceships on the Moon

Credit: SpaceX

From Earth to the Moon

Credit: SpaceX

BFR Spaceship at the ISS

Credit: SpaceX

BFR Spaceship Deploying a Satellite

Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX BFR Earth Travel Launch

Credit: SpaceX

SpaceX Mars Rocket for Earth Travel

Credit: SpaceX

The BFR: SpaceX's Mars-Colonization Architecture in Images

BFR Spaceships on Mars

SpaceX's Vision for a Mars City

SpaceX Mars Transportation Architecture

The BFR Is Indeed Big

BFR from the Side

BFR Spaceship: Top View

BFR Spaceship: Rear View

BFR Spaceships on the Moon

From Earth to the Moon

BFR Spaceship at the ISS

BFR Spaceship Deploying a Satellite

SpaceX BFR Earth Travel Launch

SpaceX Mars Rocket for Earth Travel

BFR Spaceships on Mars

SpaceX's Vision for a Mars City

SpaceX Mars Transportation Architecture

The BFR Is Indeed Big

BFR from the Side

BFR Spaceship: Top View

BFR Spaceship: Rear View

BFR Spaceships on the Moon

From Earth to the Moon

BFR Spaceship at the ISS

BFR Spaceship Deploying a Satellite

SpaceX BFR Earth Travel Launch

SpaceX Mars Rocket for Earth Travel

More Image Galleries

Most Popular

The BFR: SpaceX's Mars-Colonization Architecture in Images

BFR Spaceships on Mars

SpaceX's Vision for a Mars City

SpaceX Mars Transportation Architecture

The BFR Is Indeed Big

BFR from the Side

BFR Spaceship: Top View

BFR Spaceship: Rear View

BFR Spaceships on the Moon

From Earth to the Moon

BFR Spaceship at the ISS

BFR Spaceship Deploying a Satellite

SpaceX BFR Earth Travel Launch

SpaceX Mars Rocket for Earth Travel

BFR Spaceships on Mars

SpaceX's Vision for a Mars City

SpaceX Mars Transportation Architecture

The BFR Is Indeed Big

BFR from the Side

BFR Spaceship: Top View

BFR Spaceship: Rear View

BFR Spaceships on the Moon

From Earth to the Moon

BFR Spaceship at the ISS

BFR Spaceship Deploying a Satellite

SpaceX BFR Earth Travel Launch

SpaceX Mars Rocket for Earth Travel

More Image Galleries

Most Popular

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