Elon Musk Blasts NASA's Acting Administrator Over Space Agency's Future

NASA Administrator Controversy Escalates as Elon Musk Declares War on Acting Administrator In a shocking turn of events, SpaceX founder Elon Musk has publicly attacked NASA's acting administrator, Sean Duffy, calling him "Sean Dummy" and suggesting he was trying to kill the space agency. The verbal sparring match between two of the most influential figures in the US space program has left many in the industry stunned. According to sources close to the matter, Musk made the comments during a heated exchange on social media, where he also questioned Duffy's intelligence, stating that "the person responsible for America's space program can't have a 2-digit IQ." The remarks sparked an immediate backlash from NASA officials and supporters, who defended Duffy's leadership and expertise. The controversy is the latest development in a contentious contest to become the next NASA administrator. With several high-profile candidates vying for the position, including billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, tensions have been running high behind the scenes. Insiders say that Musk's comments are part of a larger power struggle between SpaceX and NASA, with the two entities competing for control and funding in the rapidly evolving space industry. "Elon's comments were completely unprofessional and unwarranted," said one NASA insider, who wished to remain anonymous. "Sean Duffy is an excellent administrator and has done a great job leading the agency during this transition period." The spat between Musk and Duffy also highlights the growing divide between private space companies like SpaceX and government-led initiatives like NASA. As the industry continues to evolve, these tensions are likely to escalate, with significant implications for the future of space exploration. In related news, NASA officials have announced that they will be conducting an internal review of their relationships with private contractors, including SpaceX. The agency has also stated that it will not comment further on Musk's comments or the ongoing controversy. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the battle for control and influence in the US space program is heating up. With billions of dollars at stake and the future of space exploration hanging in the balance, this controversy is far from over. Background Context The contest to become the next NASA administrator has been ongoing for several months, with several high-profile candidates vying for the position. Jared Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut, was nominated by President Biden earlier this year and is seen as a strong contender for the role. Meanwhile, SpaceX founder Elon Musk has been a vocal critic of NASA's leadership and policies, often taking to social media to express his views. Additional Perspectives Industry experts say that the controversy between Musk and Duffy highlights the growing divide between private space companies and government-led initiatives like NASA. "This is not just about personalities or egos; it's about the future of space exploration," said Dr. Maria Zuber, a renowned astrophysicist and expert on space policy. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the battle for control and influence in the US space program is heating up. With billions of dollars at stake and the future of space exploration hanging in the balance, this controversy is far from over. *Reporting by Arstechnica.*