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Elon Musk’s SpaceX is stepping up to assist NASA in rescuing astronauts stranded at the International Space Station (ISS), despite ongoing federal investigations into Musk and his ventures.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been at the ISS since June, after being transported by Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for what was initially planned as a one-week mission. However, Starliner encountered helium leaks and thruster problems, leading to delays and a decision for an uncrewed return of the spacecraft. NASA has now planned for the astronauts to return early next year on a SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon mission, with the launch scheduled no earlier than September 24.
This announcement comes amidst a backdrop of legal and regulatory challenges for Musk and his companies. SpaceX is currently under investigation by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for allegedly pressuring employees into signing unlawful severance agreements. This investigation has been paused due to SpaceX’s legal challenge to the NLRB’s structure, which a Texas federal judge recently allowed to proceed.
Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has sued SpaceX for alleged hiring discrimination against asylum seekers and refugees. SpaceX disputes these claims and has challenged the constitutionality of the DOJ’s administrative judges, resulting in the DOJ’s case being put on hold.
Boeing was paid billions more than SpaceX to be seven years late on a mission it could not complete . . . And will now be rescued from total disaster by SpaceX
Never forget, many bureaucrats wanted to sole source all of this to Boeing. pic.twitter.com/QEJ0ERuDq8
— Ashlee Vance (@ashleevance) August 25, 2024
Boeing employees ‘humiliated’ that upstart rival SpaceX will rescue astronauts stuck in space: ‘It’s shameful’ https://t.co/trjLNKj5Xu pic.twitter.com/6F353MjtsB
— New York Post (@nypost) August 25, 2024
Tesla, another of Musk’s ventures, is also under scrutiny. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is investigating whether Tesla misled consumers and investors regarding the capabilities of its self-driving technology.
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