Speaking at the International Astronautical Congress, Musk said that SpaceX will eventually start stockpiling these vehicles and then focus all of its resources into developing the company's next monster vehicle: the Interplanetary Transport System, codenamed the BFR (for Big Fucking Rocket).

"we believe we can do this with the revenue we receive from launching satellites and servicing the space station."

"All our resources will turn toward building BFR," Musk said. "And we believe we can do this with the revenue we receive from launching satellites and servicing the space station."

Musk also announced he's planning to scale down the ITS, proposing 31 main engines this year. Last year at the same conference, Musk unveiled the combo rocket-and-spaceship's design, which included 42 main Raptor engines that could send up to 450 metric tons to Mars. Most of the rest of the major design elements, such as in-orbit fueling and propulsive landing, remained the same.