Elon Musk NASA controversy
Elon Musk NASA controversy: His claim that NASA flew two astronauts to the ISS for “political reasons” sparks backlash and debate.
The Argument Surfaces
Musk asserted that NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams stayed on the ISS for longer than required in a pre-recorded interview with President Donald Trump . Their intended return was postponed in June 2024 when their Boeing Starliner spaceship had technical difficulties on its maiden crewed test trip.
Elon Musk NASA controversy: Musk claimed, “They were left up there for political reasons,” sparking debate with astronauts and NASA.” Mogensen quickly replied to this comment on X (previously Twitter), denouncing Musk’s assertion as a “lie.” Musk retaliated by calling Mogensen a “idiot” and claiming that the Biden administration had turned down SpaceX’s offer to bring the astronauts back months earlier.
NASA’s Response and the Astronauts’ Position
NASA refuted Musk’s claims, claiming that the astronauts’ return was always scheduled as part of Crew-9’s rotation timetable. NASA has been planning for Wilmore and Williams to return aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft since September 2024.
Chris Hadfield, a retired astronaut, said that Wilmore and Williams were never “stranded” and were actively involved in research and spacewalks.
During an interview, Wilmore clarified the claims, saying, “We don’t feel abandoned, we don’t feel stuck, we don’t feel stranded.”
The Broader Perspective
Musk’s remarks align with his increasing political involvement and close ties to Trump. His accusations heightened concerns about misinformation. In addition, Musk suggested deorbiting the ISS by 2027, which is not in line with NASA’s 2030 timeline.
As disputes between SpaceX, NASA, and political leaders escalate, this problem highlights the connection between politics and space research. The ISS, the role of private spaceflight in government missions, and the safety of astronauts remain controversial topics.
Source: NBC News
