SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has alleged that the Biden administration deliberately delayed the return of Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station (ISS), despite his company offering a rescue mission months ago.
Musk claimed on X that the astronauts, who were previously scheduled for an eight-day quest, have been stranded in orbit for more than eight months as a result of White House intervention. SpaceX could have sent them home six months ago, but the Biden White House ( not Nasa ) forbade it, Musk wrote.
He added that Donald Trump came in and demanded their immediate gain.
On June 6, 2024, Williams and Wilmore traveled to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner, but Nasa determined the aircraft was unsafe for parole, causing an endless delay. They will then travel back on a SpaceX Crew Dragon, taking the votes that the Crew-9 pilots have left open.
Trump raises health problems.
Musk previously made a warning about the risks of persistent flight, particularly its effects on astronauts ‘ health. He emphasized the dangers of microgravity, including bone loss, in a recent interview with Joe Rogan. There is no one else to do it, they say. NASA is unable to obtain them. The only aircraft other than the SpaceX Dragon is deemed safe enough to bring them back, he said.
He even criticized Boeing’s Starliner, citing Nasa’s decision to keep it grounded. NASA came to the conclusion that the Boeing aircraft was unsafe. So that’s why they’re stuck it, Musk said.
Wilmore downplays social meddling.
In spite of Musk’s complaints, Wilmore refuted the idea that political factors contributed to their sluggish profit.
Politics, he said at a press conference prior to the departure from the ISS, “is no playing into this at all.” He explained that missions often make plans for emergency situations as extended remains are a regular part of human flight.
When asked about Musk’s say that SpaceX might have brought them home before, Wilmore cautiously responded. ” I can just say that Mr. Musk’s statements are completely accurate,” he said. He continued, adding that they had no idea of any save offers or debate between SpaceX and the White House.
Transfer mission scheduled for March
Williams and Wilmore are then expected to return to Earth on March 12 following the launch of Crew 10 from the Kennedy Space Center. Crew-9, which includes Williams, Wilmore, and their coworkers, will board a SpaceX Crew Dragon and make an off-the-coast getting.
Wilmore praised the opportunity to train on various spacecraft as “fascinating” and “amazing” during their extended stay. Williams said she is willing to finally go home, echoing his sentiments.
” We’re excited about it,” she said,” and coming home in the aircraft will be a new section.”
Their profit will mark the conclusion of a prolonged vision that has sparked controversy over Nasa’s rely on business partners, the security of Boeing’s Starliner, and the role of politics in spaceflight decisions.
