NASA Chief Criticizes SpaceX: Elon Musk Responds with Bold Remarks and Sharp Words
In recent days, a new conflict has emerged within the space community involving NASA leadership and the leading innovator of private space projects — Elon Musk.
Acting NASA Administrator, Shawn Duffy, publicly voiced concerns about delays in the development of SpaceX’s new lunar landing module, which is a crucial component of the Artemis program.
In response, Musk, leveraging his popular platform X (formerly Twitter), sharply criticized Duffy, nicknaming him “Shon Dami” and questioning his intellectual capacity.
Musk posted a series of critical messages, casting doubt on Duffy’s competence with irony, hinting at his participation in lumberjack competitions — a possible allusion to recent events where Duffy competed to boost his physical stamina.
This fiery exchange happened just a day after Duffy stated in an interview that SpaceX is behind schedule in delivering the lunar module needed for NASA’s lunar missions.
NASA estimates that the company must complete the project by 2027, but the pace of development is causing increasing concern.
SpaceX responded by claiming it is moving faster than any other industry player, while Duffy tweeted that “big companies should not fear challenges.” Despite the tension, NASA and SpaceX continue to cooperate, with the agency relying heavily on SpaceX to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS).
Musk has often been at the center of scandals involving NASA, from in-show marijuana use on Joe Rogan’s podcast to threats of stopping Crew Dragon flights amid political disputes — but nonetheless, SpaceX has maintained contractual relations with NASA.
The lunar landing module based on SpaceX’s Starship system has been undergoing tests since 2023.
Though some technical milestones have been reached, full readiness remains distant, especially regarding safe orbital refueling.
NASA has ordered SpaceX to accelerate its plans and submit proposals by October 29, with similar demands placed on competitors like Blue Origin and Lockheed Martin, who are also developing lunar modules.
Despite these internal disputes, NASA and SpaceX’s collaboration remains vital for U.S.
lunar ambitions.
The ongoing rivalry, including Musk’s public disputes with high-ranking officials, underscores the highly competitive and politically entangled nature of the current space race.