Trump and Musk Dispute Escalates as NASA and Pentagon Consider SpaceX Alternatives

The Washington Post, citing informed sources, reported that after a dispute between Trump and Musk, representatives from NASA and the Pentagon called on Space X's competitors to expedite the development of alternative rockets and spacecraft. The report stated, "Government officials contacted at least three commercial space companies: Rocket Lab, Stoke Space, and Blue Origin, to inquire about the status of their rockets and when they could be used for government missions." Musk had previously indicated that he might stop the flights of the "Dragon" spacecraft. This would leave NASA unable to transport astronauts to and from the International Space Station. Musk later retracted the threat. However, his statement raised concerns among NASA officials who entrust astronaut safety to Space X, and the Pentagon, which also heavily relies on the company to launch its critical satellites.