A NASA captain challenged Elon Musk after he called fellow astronaut an “idiot,” igniting controversy and debate within the space community.
In a recent social media incident, Elon Musk has found himself in hot water after calling a fellow astronaut an “idiot.”
This remark has drawn criticism from many in the space community, including a NASA captain who decided to issue Musk a challenge.
Background of the situation
The controversy began when Musk and former President Donald Trump discussed the situation of two astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore.
These astronauts have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 2024.
What was supposed to be a short mission has turned into a lengthy stay due to technical problems with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
The astronauts were expected to return after an eight-day mission, but their stay has now lasted over seven months.
Musk and Trump have been trying to bring them back home, blaming the previous administration for their extended time in space.
Musk claimed astronauts were abandoned politically.
In a Fox News interview, Musk claimed that Williams and Wilmore were “virtually abandoned” by the Biden administration.
This statement angered many current and former astronauts, leading to a strong pushback against Musk’s claims.
ESA astronaut Andreas Morgensen was one of the first to respond, stating that Musk’s comments were dishonest.
“What a lie. And from someone who complains about lack of honesty from the mainstream media.”
What a lie.
And from someone who complains about lack of honesty from the mainstream media. https://t.co/DxofPYolon
— Andreas Mogensen (@Astro_Andreas) February 20, 2025
Morgensen noted that Williams and Wilmore were set to return with Crew-9, a mission planned since last September.
Musk did not take this criticism lightly. He responded by insulting Morgensen, calling him “full r*******” and an “idiot.”
Morgensen added: “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.”
This only escalated the situation, as many in the astronaut community rallied in support of Morgensen.
Kelly defended Morgensen against Musk’s insults.
Former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly also defended Morgensen.
He stated that Musk’s rhetoric was “beyond the pale” and not surprising given Musk’s history of controversial statements.
Kelly emphasized that the astronauts were not abandoned and that their return was well-planned.
As tensions grew, Musk doubled down, targeting Morgensen and Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and current senator, alongside Scott Kelly.
NASA captain fires back at Elon Musk with bold challenge for calling fellow astronaut an ‘idiot’
In a surprising twist, Mark Kelly decided to challenge Musk directly.
He tweeted, “Hey @ElonMusk, when you finally get the nerve to climb into a rocket ship, come talk to the three of us.”
Mark Kelly went on to say that he would be happy to go to space with Musk if he was ready.
He urged Musk to stop dragging astronauts into political arguments and focus on real issues.
Hey @ElonMusk, when you finally get the nerve to climb into a rocket ship, come talk to the three of us. https://t.co/9BOL1FQOZp
— Captain Mark Kelly (@CaptMarkKelly) February 21, 2025
Social media reactions
The online space community has been buzzing with reactions to this feud.
Many people are supporting Morgensen and the Kelly brothers, praising their professionalism and commitment to their work.
Others are critical of Musk, questioning his behavior and motivations.
One user said: Elon has zero respect for anyone. Why he had a toddler in a formal news interview, how he treats employees and now this.
The second user wrote: Elon Musk is not some genius. He has a bachelors degree in economics.
He does not invent rocket engines, pioneer SpaceX, electric vehicles cerebral implants, or anything else for that matter he is a good businessman and con artist that’s it
The third user commented: There’s a fine line between genius and insanity. It seems the Elon is at a crossroads!!
Another user added: When the village doesn’t want their idiot back… he gets like that towards other people
Someone added: I doubt Musk could pass the physical exam to go to space