logo
Trump-Musk showdown threatens US space plans

Trump-Musk showdown threatens US space plans

IOL Newsa day ago

Elon Musk says his time as a Special Government Employee comes to an end.
Image: Brandon Bell / Getty Images via AFP
SpaceX's rockets ferry US astronauts to the International Space Station. Its Starlink satellite constellation blankets the globe with broadband, and the company is embedded in some of the Pentagon's most sensitive projects, including tracking hypersonic missiles.
So when President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to cancel Elon Musk's federal contracts, space watchers snapped to attention.
Musk, the world's richest person, shot back that he would mothball Dragon -- the capsule NASA relies on for crew flights -- before retracting the threat a few hours later.
For now, experts say mutual dependence should keep a full-blown rupture at bay, but the episode exposes just how disruptive any break could be.
Founded in 2002, SpaceX leapfrogged legacy contractors to become the world's dominant launch provider.
Driven by Musk's ambition to make humanity multiplanetary, it is now NASA's sole means of sending astronauts to the ISS -- a symbol of post–Cold War cooperation and a testbed for deeper space missions.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
Space monopoly?
The company has completed 10 regular crew rotations to the orbiting lab and is contracted for four more, under a deal worth nearly $5 billion.
That's just part of a broader portfolio that includes $4 billion from NASA for developing Starship, the next-generation megarocket; nearly $6 billion from the Space Force for launch services; and a reported $1.8 billion for Starshield, a classified spy satellite network.
Were Dragon grounded, the United States would again be forced to rely on Russian Soyuz rockets for ISS access -- as it did between 2011 and 2020, following the Space Shuttle's retirement and before Crew Dragon entered service.
"Under the current geopolitical climate, that would not be optimal," space analyst Laura Forczyk told AFP.
NASA had hoped Boeing's Starliner would provide redundancy, but persistent delays -- and a failed crewed test last year -- have kept it grounded.
Even Northrop Grumman's cargo missions now rely on SpaceX's Falcon 9, the workhorse of its rocket fleet.
The situation also casts a shadow over NASA's Artemis program.
A lunar lander variant of Starship is slated for Artemis III and IV, the next US crewed Moon missions. If Starship were sidelined, rival Blue Origin could benefit -- but the timeline would almost certainly slip, giving China, which aims to land humans by 2030, a chance to get there first, Forczyk warned.
"There are very few launch vehicles as capable as Falcon 9 -- it isn't feasible to walk away as easily as President Trump might assume," she said.
NASA meanwhile appeared eager to show that it had options.
"NASA is assessing the earliest potential for a Starliner flight to the International Space Station in early 2026, pending system certification and resolution of Starliner's technical issues," the agency said in a statement Friday to AFP.
Still, the feud could sour Trump on space altogether, Forczyk cautioned, complicating NASA's long-term plans.
SpaceX isn't entirely dependent on the US government. Starlink subscriptions and commercial launches account for a significant share of its revenue, and the company also flies private missions.
The next, with partner Axiom Space, will carry astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, funded by their respective governments.
Private power, public risk
But losing US government contracts would still be a major blow.
"It's such a doomsday scenario for both parties that it's hard to envision how US space efforts would fill the gap," Clayton Swope, deputy director of the Aerospace Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP.
"Both sides have every reason to bridge the disagreement and get back to business."
Signs of a rift emerged last weekend, when the White House abruptly withdrew its nomination of e-payments billionaire Jared Isaacman -- a close Musk ally who has twice flown to space with SpaceX -- as NASA administrator.
On a recent podcast, Isaacman said he believed he was dropped because "some people had some axes to grind, and I was a good, visible target."
The broader episode could also reignite debate over Washington's reliance on commercial partners, particularly when one company holds such a dominant position.
Swope noted that while the US government has long favored buying services from industry, military leaders tend to prefer owning the systems they depend on.
"This is just another data point that might bolster the case for why it can be risky," he said. "I think that seed has been planted in a lot of people's minds -- that it might not be worth the trust."

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Shooter kills nine people at Austrian school
Shooter kills nine people at Austrian school

eNCA

timean hour ago

  • eNCA

Shooter kills nine people at Austrian school

An attack on a school in southeastern Austria by a former student has left nine people dead, authorities said Tuesday, in a rare case of deadly gun violence in the Alpine country. Heavily armed police, a helicopter and paramedics descended upon the school in Graz, where 10 people including the alleged lone shooter were killed, regional police said. Six of the victims were female and three male, authorities later confirmed without specifying their ages. Twelve people suffered severe injuries. Police said the situation was "secure" and support was being provided to witnesses and those affected. The suspect acted alone and took his own life in the school toilet, police said, adding his motive remained unknown. Later on Tuesday, Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker declared three days of national mourning to remember the victims, saying the country had witnessed "an act of unimaginable violence". According to the police, the alleged perpetrator is a 21-year-old Austrian from the wider Graz region. The perpetrator used two weapons he had owned legally to carry out the attack. The suspected shooter was a former student at the school, but had not finished his studies, Interior Minister Gerhard Karnert told reporters. "It's a disaster, simply terrible. After all, it's about children," Hasan Darsel, a restaurant owner in the area, told the newspaper Kronen Zeitung. - 'Deeply shocked' - After arriving in Graz, Stocker described the shooting as "a national tragedy", adding that it was "a dark day" for Austria. AFP | Alex HALADA Condolences poured in from across Europe. The European Union's top diplomat Kaja Kallas said she was "deeply shocked" when she heard about the shooting. "Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn free from fear and violence," Kallas posted on X. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said "our thoughts are with our Austrian friends and neighbours and we mourn with them" after the school shooting he called "horrific". Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban offered his "deepest condolences to Chancellor @_CStocker and the people of Austria" via social media. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said "the news from Graz touches my heart" while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her sympathies to the families of the victims following the "tragic news". Attacks in public are rare in Austria, which is home to almost 9.2 million people and ranks among the 10 safest countries in the world, according to the Global Peace Index. School shootings are also much more uncommon in Europe than in the United States but in recent years Europe has been shaken by attacks at schools and universities, that were not connected to terrorism. In France on Tuesday, a teaching assistant was killed at a school in Nogent in the east following a knife attack. In January 2025, an 18-year-old man fatally stabbed a high school student and a teacher at a school in northeastern Slovakia. In December 2024, a 19-year-old man stabbed a seven-year-old student to death and injured several others at a primary school in Zagreb, Croatia. In December 2023, an attack by a student at a university in central Prague left 14 people dead and 25 injured. A few months earlier that year, a 13-year-old gunned down nine fellow classmates and a security guard at an elementary school in downtown Belgrade. By Julia Zappei With Kiyoko Metzler In Vienna

India surpasses Japan to become the world's 4th largest economy
India surpasses Japan to become the world's 4th largest economy

IOL News

timean hour ago

  • IOL News

India surpasses Japan to become the world's 4th largest economy

This pivotal moment led by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores India's commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South and fostering deeper ties with Africa. Image: EPA-EFE/HEIN HTET IN a defining moment within our Epoch, India has officially overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world. As confirmed by leading assessments from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and other key institutions. This milestone is not just a reflection of economic growth; it is a powerful statement about the rising potential of the Global South, particularly for countries within the BRICS+ nations. Projections also indicate that India is on course to overtake Germany by 2027, further cementing its position on the global stage. For our Centre, focused on exploring alternative pathways for the Global South and the BRICS+ framework. India's rise provides profound insights and tangible lessons as we collectively navigate the challenges of colonial legacies, pervasive poverty, and stark inequality. India's journey also aligns with our research focus on the developments centred around the African Union (AU), with particular interest in its recent role as chair of the 2023 G20, during which the AU was granted permanent membership after India's proposal for the AU's full membership into the G20. This pivotal moment, led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores India's commitment to amplifying the voice of the Global South and fostering deeper ties with Africa. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ For many pundits, India's rise to this unprecedented economic status was not a product of chance. This pivotal development signifies India's commitment to elevating the voice of the Global South and fostering deeper economic ties with Africa. For our Centre, focused on exploring alternative pathways for the Global South, India's journey serves as both a profound inspiration and a valuable guide as we collectively address the enduring challenges of colonial legacies, pervasive poverty, and stark inequality. While we recognise ongoing challenges such as equitable growth and job creation, key catalytic projects under Modi's leadership have catapulted India to the table of nations. This can largely be attributed to the decisive leadership of Modi. Under his stewardship since 2014, India has ascended to become a formidable IT resource hub, with talented Indians now at the helm of some of the largest fintech companies globally. This remarkable transformation exemplifies Modi's vision for an economically vibrant and technologically advanced nation. Our continent stands at a crucial turning point in its journey. Our collective histories speak of tales of colonial exploitation, and our current realities contend with poverty, inequality, and enduring unemployment. Africa and India are still behind the Global North and Advanced Asia, but India is quickly catching up, having embraced its colonial past not as an impediment but a lesson of courage and resilience. India's remarkable rise to become the world's fourth-largest economy demonstrates that with visionary leadership and political will, we, too, can transition from the peripheries of the global economy. It is possible, and India is paving the way for a new path to prosperity for its population of more than 1.2 billion people. The Global South is rising. India's position should serve as a realignment of the global economic order, emphasising the power of South-to-South cooperation. India's achievement in becoming the world's fourth-largest economy within our lifetime is not merely an Indian milestone; it is a beacon of hope for Africa and a testimony to what is attainable. 'The last shall be first and the first shall be the last.' India's achievement is not only a milestone for India, it serves as a beacon for Africa and reaffirms that countries of the Global South can transform their economic futures and their fate. We truly draw inspiration from these moments. * Phapano Phasha is the chairperson of The Centre for Alternative Political and Economic Thought. ** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, IOL, or Independent Media.

MTN open to Low Earth Orbit deals as satellite debate heats up
MTN open to Low Earth Orbit deals as satellite debate heats up

IOL News

time2 hours ago

  • IOL News

MTN open to Low Earth Orbit deals as satellite debate heats up

MTN is already partnering with several Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication providers, including Starlink, in select markets across our footprint for backhaul services. Image: Sizwe Dlamini MTN has reacted to an article published in the Sunday Tribune, the Sunday Independent and their respective online platforms on IOL regarding its relationship with Starlink, potential market entry into South Africa, regulatory concerns, and the broader implications for connectivity across the continent. On the current status of engagements between MTN and Starlink, if these include South Africa, MTN stated: 'MTN is already partnering with several Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication providers, including Starlink, in select markets across our footprint for backhaul services. These engagements have delivered encouraging results and continue to evolve as we explore opportunities to enhance connectivity and resilience in remote and underserved areas.' This does not suggest that the telecommunications giant is in an exclusive deal with Elon Musk's Starlink. 'While we do not comment on confidential market-specific discussions, MTN embraces the value of LEO satellite systems and remains open to partnerships that support the extension of connectivity across Africa, including South Africa, in compliance with applicable regulations,' MTN said. The telecommunications company said it was also looking at use cases that would enable higher availability of key services like MoMo using LEO in the event of subsea cable system outages. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading 'As we said along with our Q1 2025 trading update on May 12, as part of our work to extend digital and financial inclusion in our 16 markets, we are deepening our collaboration to extend connectivity to more rural and remote areas, as well as to improve resilience. 'MTN remains committed to working collaboratively with LEO communication providers to develop mutually beneficial solutions that enhance connectivity and service offerings across our markets. In this regard, we welcome partnership models with LEO communication providers to operationalise and improve time to market by being the distributors of the connectivity that their technology provides.' On the question of what South Africa's benefit would be if Starlink were granted a licence, MTN responded: 'The inclusion of LEO satellite operators in South Africa within a well-regulated framework could significantly accelerate connectivity, particularly in rural and underserved areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited or costly to deploy. The emphasis MTN makes is on LEO and not Starlink exclusively. 'By providing high-speed, low-latency internet, leveraging LEO capabilities could bridge the digital divide, supporting South Africa's national goals of broader digital inclusion, economic development, and innovation,' MTN said. On whether MTN would benefit from Starlink operating in the country, MTN's response was: 'MTN welcomes cooperation and competition in the telecommunications space, provided there is regulatory parity. We believe that partnerships with LEO communication providers, including Starlink, can be mutually beneficial, enhancing service resilience, extending reach, and improving customer experience, particularly in geographically challenging regions. 'On the consumer front, working together with LEO satellite providers will help us to augment network access, especially in underserved areas, through direct-to-cellular technology. MTN South Africa has successfully conducted Africa's first satellite-to-unmodified mobile handset call trial in collaboration with Lynk Global.' On MTN group chairperson Mcebisi Jonas's participation in any negotiations regarding Starlink in South Africa, MTN explicitly stated: 'No. In his capacity as MTN Group chairperson, Jonas does not participate in operational negotiations relating to Starlink or any other specific vendor or technology partner. His responsibilities are focused on providing strategic oversight and governance at the MTN Group level, in line with the role of a non-executive chairperson.' Jonas was appointed as South Africa's special envoy to the United States in April 2025, tasked with advancing diplomatic and trade priorities. While his dual role as MTN chair and presidential envoy has been noted, there is no evidence that he used either position to negotiate directly with Starlink or influence policy specifically for its benefit. Regarding MTN's view on allegations that the South African government was assisting Starlink without observing B-BBEE requirements, the telecommunications firm said: 'MTN does not comment on the actions or intentions of the South African government. However, as a significant operator in South Africa and across the continent, we advocate for a regulatory framework based on the principle of 'same service, same rules'. This means all service providers, whether terrestrial or non-terrestrial, should adhere to the same legal, regulatory, and socio-economic obligations, including those relating to customer registration, data protection, localisation, spectrum access, lawful interception, rural coverage, and B-BBEE compliance.' MTN believes regulatory consistency is critical for fostering investment and innovation in the sector, which relies heavily on capital expenditure and long-term policy certainty. Asked on its view on allegations that Starlink has been operating illegally in South Africa through ICASAsePush, MTN responded: 'MTN cannot speak on behalf of other industry players or comment on specific allegations involving third parties. However, we reiterate our support for regulatory integrity and fairness. As a licensed operator, we operate in full compliance with South African law and expect the same standard to apply equally across the sector. It would be concerning if any service provider were permitted to operate outside the established regulatory framework.' MTN further said that it continues to position itself as a leader in expanding digital access across Africa, advocating for responsible regulation and inclusive growth while remaining open to innovative partnerships that align with its mission of delivering accessible, high-quality communications services.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store