Elon Musk has ignited a feud with a former commander of the International Space Station over the fate of the two NASA astronauts currently stationed there. The quarrel between Musk and the astronaut escalated to Musk calling for the decommissioning of the ISS, citing that it has fulfilled its purpose after over two decades in orbit.
The Political Ramifications
Musk’s proposal to deorbit the ISS could potentially escalate political tensions within NASA, a historically bipartisan space agency. This is particularly significant as Musk’s SpaceX plays a crucial role as a major contractor for the agency.
Since arriving at the ISS last June, American astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have faced extended stays due to technical issues with their spacecraft. Former ISS commander Andreas Mogensen criticized Musk’s comments during an interview, where Musk alleged that the astronauts were left in the ISS for political reasons.
Clash of Statements
The exchange of words between Mogensen and Musk intensified as Mogensen accused Musk of dishonesty, prompting Musk to retaliate by labeling Mogensen an “idiot”. Musk defended his position by stating that SpaceX had offered to rescue the astronauts earlier but was rebuffed.
This isn’t the first instance where Musk has raised concerns over the situation. Former President Donald Trump had tasked SpaceX with retrieving the American astronauts, alleging that the Biden administration had neglected them.
Resolution in Sight
Despite the controversy, the astronauts themselves have refuted claims of being abandoned in space. They are scheduled to return in March via a SpaceX vehicle, with plans set before the change in administration.
Mogensen, while critical of Musk’s remarks, acknowledged Musk’s accomplishments with SpaceX and Tesla. He highlighted the existing plan for the astronauts’ return and criticized the lack of a rescue mission by SpaceX.
