The Crew Dragon, crucial to NASA’s ISS operations, may be retired, prompting concerns over US spaceflight readiness.
SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced Thursday that his company will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft, following threats by President Donald Trump to terminate SpaceX’s government contracts, AFP reported.
“In light of the President’s statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately,” Musk posted on X.
The decision follows a public rift between Musk and Trump, ending a nearly year-long political alliance.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon, certified in 2020, remains the only US spacecraft currently capable of ferrying astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). It operates under a $4.9 billion contract with NASA. A cargo version supports ISS resupply missions.
NASA spokeswoman Bethany Stevens responded, saying, “We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the President’s objectives in space are met.”
Boeing’s Starliner, a potential Crew Dragon alternative, has suffered delays, including a failed test flight last year that ended with SpaceX rescuing its astronauts.
The Axiom-4 Crew Dragon mission remains scheduled for Tuesday.