Elon Musk, the visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, has laid out an ambitious roadmap for the year 2026, detailing key milestones for his pioneering companies. In a recent conversation on X Spaces, Musk provided a clear glimpse into what the world can expect, focusing on autonomous vehicles, spaceflight, and even lunar manufacturing.
Big Bets for 2026: Robotaxis and Reusable Rockets
Musk identified two primary goals for Tesla in 2026. The first is the long-anticipated commercial deployment of a widespread robotaxi fleet, a move that could revolutionise personal transport. The second is the launch of Optimus V3, the next generation of Tesla's humanoid robot.
"Tesla, we should have widespread robotaxi. That will be a big thing for Tesla in 2026. Optimus V3 will launch," Musk stated. For SpaceX, the flagship objective is achieving full reusability with the Starship vehicle, a breakthrough that would dramatically lower the cost of space access. Musk confirmed that 2026 will also see major shipments via Starship, primarily carrying the next-generation constellation of Starlink satellites.
Lunar Logistics: What Can Be Made on the Moon?
With SpaceX partnering with NASA for upcoming lunar missions, Musk also shared his thoughts on extraterrestrial manufacturing. He explained that while the Moon presents unique opportunities, not everything can be produced there.
"Well, I think the biggest option on the moon is to actually make solar cells and radiators," Musk said. He noted that manufacturing heavy items on the lunar surface makes sense due to lower gravity and the high cost of launching mass from Earth. However, lightweight, complex components like computer chips would likely still be sourced from Earth.
A "Banger" Year Ahead
Musk enthusiastically wished his followers a "Happy New Year," declaring that 2026 will be a "banger." He also took a moment to celebrate Tesla's existing achievements, announcing that the company has now manufactured 9 million cars. He highlighted that the Tesla Model Y is officially the world's best-selling car for the third consecutive year, cementing its dominance in the global automotive market.
The outlined plans for 2026 represent a critical juncture for Musk's enterprises, pushing the boundaries of technology both on Earth and in space. If successful, these milestones could redefine transportation and humanity's capabilities beyond our planet.
