The New York Times reported in July 2024 that Elon Musk had offered his sperm to help seed a Mars colony, citing two people familiar with his comments. Musk denied volunteering his sperm in a response quoted by the San Antonio Express-News. The available accounts establish that the allegation was reported and denied—not that it was independently verified.
What did the New York Times report?
A July 2024 New York Times report described early SpaceX discussions about a Martian city, including dome habitats, spacesuits and research into whether humans could have children on Mars. It said Musk had volunteered his sperm to help seed the colony, attributing that claim to two people familiar with his comments. The available excerpt does not identify those sources by name.
The report also said Musk told SpaceX employees in April 2024 that he wanted one million people living on Mars in about 20 years. That is an ambition attributed to Musk, not a verified forecast or proof of a settled SpaceX plan.
How did Musk respond?
According to the San Antonio Express-News, Musk responded on X on the day the New York Times story appeared. He wrote: “Best to hear it in the words I have used in many interviews over the years. I have not fwiw (for what it’s worth) ‘volunteered my sperm.’”
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
In the same response, Musk said: “No one at SpaceX has been directed to work on a Mars city. When people have asked to do so, I’ve said we need to focus on getting there first.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Manufacturer: Mars Figures (Ukraine)
- Scale: 1/32
- Material: Plastic
- Kit description: Unpainted, Unassembled
- Condition: New in Box
Rank #4
- FOR BASIC TEACHING TO ADVANCED SCIENCE: 444 pieces molecular model kit, including 136 atoms, 158 bonds and 150 parts for Carbon-60(Fullerene), provides to students from Grade 7 to Graduate level.
- TWO CHEMICAL STRUCTURE MODELS: The ball-and-stick models use spheres to represent atoms and sticks to represent chemical bonds. In the space-filling model, the spheres are drawn to scale and are next to one another as atoms are in real molecules.
- CHEMISTRY EDUCATIONAL MOLECULE MODEL IN 3D: It can display chemical structure, molecular bond, and bond angle in all directions. Demonstrate fundamental molecular geometry, chemical molecular structure, stereochemistry with 3D modeling studies.
- EASY TO LEARN: The universal standard adopted for each atom's color makes it easier for you to use and learn. Atoms and chemical bonds combine tightly and firmly and can be easily disassembled by disconnecting tools.
- If you’re not in love with it for whatever reason, we’ll give you a full replacement or refund—no questions asked. If you have any doubt, please tell us. With nothing to worry about, or even to share with your friends, try it now.
Rank #3
- Model Kit
- May Require Paints and Glues to Assemble
- Accurate Scale Model
- Detailed Instructions Provided
- Decals/Transfers Included
Rank #2
- Gift Envelope Includes - Unassembled Model Easy to Follow Instructions
- From Steel Sheets to Museum Quality 3D Model
- Assembled Size 3.65x3.35x2.35 inches
- No Glue or Solder Needed
- Ages 14+
What is established—and what remains unverified?
- Established in the cited accounts: The New York Times published the allegation in July 2024 and attributed it to two people familiar with Musk’s comments; the Express-News reported Musk’s public denial.
- Not independently established by those accounts: Whether Musk made the alleged offer. The anonymous-source claim and Musk’s denial are competing accounts; the cited material does not resolve them.
- Not demonstrated by the reported target: A Mars settlement of one million people, or a validated timetable for one. The figure was reported as Musk’s ambition, not a scientific result.
- Not established by these sources: Any scientific finding about human reproduction on Mars.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
