In a development that could spell major changes for NASA missions, Elon Musk has threatened to end flights to the International Space Station by decommissioning SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft.
See the tweet below!
This move follows President Donald Trump’s suggestion to cut government ties with Musk’s businesses to curb spending.
The world watches as this clash plays out, with profound consequences for U.S. space exploration.
Elon Musk announced SpaceX will decommission its Dragon spacecraft immediately.
This action follows a statement by Trump hinting at ending Musk’s government contracts to save money.
The Dragon ships are essential for NASA’s missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
A Dragon capsule recently returned NASA astronauts from the ISS and delivered supplies, making it the only U.S. option for these crucial missions.
SpaceX holds billions in contracts with NASA, which help maintain a continuous presence at the station until its planned retirement in 2030.
Musk shared a screenshot of Trump’s post on Truth Social, where Trump mentioned saving “Billions and Billions of Dollars” by terminating Musk’s contracts.
Meanwhile, NASA’s press secretary, Bethany Stevens, stated, “NASA will continue to execute upon the President’s vision for the future of space. We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the President’s objectives in space are met.”
The escalating social media feud between Musk and Trump further complicates the situation.
Both figures have exchanged insults, intensifying public interest and concern.
SpaceX is a major federal contractor, having received over $20 billion in contracts from NASA, the Air Force, and other agencies since 2008.
SpaceX is developing a replacement for Dragon with plans to use the current model for six to eight more years.
However, decommissioning the Dragon now could leave a gap in U.S. space missions.
The spacecraft can carry up to 7 passengers and is the only one capable of bringing significant cargo back to Earth, CNBC reports.
The White House has remained silent on the issue. The potential impact on NASA’s plans to maintain a presence at the ISS is concerning, especially given SpaceX’s role in transporting astronauts.
Musk’s decision could force NASA to reconsider its options and partnerships in the face of political pressures.
Despite Musk’s assertions, NASA appears committed to meeting the President’s space agenda, emphasizing continued cooperation with industry partners.
The tension between Musk’s ambitions and Trump’s fiscal goals represents a broader national conversation on the value of space exploration amid budget concerns.
In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately pic.twitter.com/NG9sijjkgW
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 5, 2025
