“There is very little incremental utility. Let’s go to Mars.”…

Summary

Elon Musk has called for the International Space Station (ISS) to be deorbited “as soon as possible,” suggesting a two-year timeline instead of NASA’s planned 2030 retirement.

His statement has sparked political backlash, particularly from Sen. Ted Cruz, who supports the ISS. NASA and international partners prefer keeping the ISS operational.

Musk’s push appears tied to redirecting NASA funding toward Mars exploration, potentially challenging plans for private space stations.

This move could further centralize US space efforts around SpaceX, impacting commercial space competition.

  • modifier
    37·
    1 day ago

    Countercounterproposal: put them in orbit ASAP and keep them there.

    • werefreeatlast@lemmy.world
      41·
      19 hours ago

      Counterpoint, fly them both to the ISS, get the two stranded astronauts back, then space them out of orbit but leave the station there.

      • MuskyMelon@lemmy.world
        3·
        3 hours ago

        Counterpoint proposal, stuff the ISS with as many traitorous fascist Project 2025 bastards along with President Musk, his plus-one Trump and their buttboy Vance.

        • werefreeatlast@lemmy.world
          1·
          2 hours ago

          This sounds interesting. Imagine all of them trying to figure out how to “rule” the ISS as it gets just a bit warmer…“no! The rule says we must wear clothes at all times!..well, because he’s the president, that’s why he gets to go naked”

        • werefreeatlast@lemmy.world
          1·
          10 hours ago

          Ah yes, I forgot. They can probably just ride the safety exit door on a Boeing soda can craft that may be attached to the iss.

          • insufferableninja@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
            2·
            3 hours ago

            there is a dragon capsule docked that is their ride home. they have a ride home assigned to them, but their return has been delayed. they are not stranded.

    • Lemminary@lemmy.world
      8·
      1 day ago

      Oopsies the station is decompressing quickly. Oh no what a terrible tragedy for the history books. One can dream.

      • modifier
        4·
        24 hours ago

        Oh, yeah, right. Space Station. I suppose you could put them inside of something for their orbit. I had something more straightforward in mind though. Just strap em to a rocket and let fly. Make them explorers of the solar system