7am Why Elon Musk doesn’t want NASA to go to the moon
Apr 10, 2025
In this episode, Wall Street Journal reporter Emily Glazer explores Elon Musk's audacious challenge to NASA's moon missions. With Musk pushing for Mars instead, tensions rise as insiders criticize his disruptive influence. Glazer examines the ripple effects on major contractors like SpaceX and Blue Origin while highlighting Congress's struggle to regulate the evolving space industry. The conversation also touches on Musk's vision for colonizing Mars and the implications for social equity and environmental challenges on Earth.
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Musk's Mars Focus Conflicts with Artemis
- Elon Musk wants NASA to abandon its moon missions and focus on Mars.
- This has caused conflict with NASA insiders and politicians invested in the Artemis program.
Artemis Program Goals
- NASA's Artemis program aims to establish a sustained human presence on the moon.
- SpaceX's lunar lander is part of the plan, but Musk wants to prioritize Mars.
Blue Origin's Potential Gain
- If SpaceX abandons its moon contracts, Blue Origin may benefit.
- Blue Origin currently has a contract to develop a lander for a future Artemis mission.