Elon Musk engaged in a heated exchange with Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen over allegations concerning former U.S. President Joe Biden's handling of two American astronauts' return from the International Space Station (ISS). Musk claimed that Biden intentionally left astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams stranded on the ISS, which Mogensen vehemently criticized as "unacceptable" and "unprofessional."
Mogensen, who has flown to the ISS twice, including onboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule during a 2023 mission, expressed disbelief at Musk's claims. He stated:
"What a lie. And from someone who complains about lack of honesty from the mainstream media" – Andreas “Andy” Mogensen
The two astronauts in question traveled to the ISS in June aboard a Boeing Starliner, intended for an eight-day test mission to certify the new spacecraft. However, thruster issues led NASA to decide that the Starliner should return without its crew. As a result, NASA assigned SpaceX the task of bringing the experienced astronauts home.
Originally, the astronauts were scheduled to return in February. However, delays by SpaceX shifted their return to March. Despite Musk's assertion that:
"SpaceX could have brought them back several months ago" – Elon Musk
The Dragon capsule designated for their return has been stationed on the ISS since last September. Musk claimed he offered to bring the astronauts back, though details of this offer remain unclear.
In response to Musk's remarks, Mogensen acknowledged his respect for Musk's achievements:
"Elon, I have long admired you and what you have accomplished, especially at SpaceX and Tesla" – Andreas “Andy” Mogensen
Nevertheless, Mogensen criticized the lack of transparency regarding the situation:
"You know as well as I do, that Butch and Suni are returning with Crew-9, as has been the plan since last September. Even now, you are not sending up a rescue ship to bring them home. They are returning on the Dragon capsule that has been on ISS since last September" – Andreas “Andy” Mogensen
Musk responded to Mogensen's critiques by labeling him "fully retarded," asserting that the plan for the astronauts to return with Crew-9 had been established since last September.