The head of NASA is very satisfied that SpaceX is mainly led by Gwynne Shotwell. He was questioned about the negative influence that Elon Musk could have on the American company, given his escapades and his multiple activities.
It's a little sentence that will be likely to annoy Elon Musk. On May 6, NASA boss Bill Nelson gave a long interview to National Public Radio (NPR). An interview during which the new space race which is being played out between the United States and China, but not only, was discussed. SpaceX was also mentioned.
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No wonder: the American company, founded by Elon Musk, has become in just a few years a crucial partner for NASA's activities. It provides crew rotations to the International Space Station (ISS). She sends satellites. And for the reconquest of the Moon, it will also be a centerpiece of the American space agency.
Also, from NASA's point of view, it is essential to have reliable and stable management at the head of this company. Some space programs take a very long time – the return of the Americans to the Moon, for example, will occupy NASA over several decades. Same thing in the case of a manned trip to Mars.
NASA appreciates Gwynne Shotwell to lead SpaceX
So when the discussion came to Elon Musk, Bill Nelson brought up another person, Gwynne Shotwell. The person concerned is the current president and director of operations of SpaceX. Elon Musk wears a series of hats: general manager, technical director and chairman of the board of directors. This, in addition to his other activities.
“ Elon Musk… one of the most important decisions he made, actually, was choosing a president named Gwynne Shotwell. She runs SpaceX. She is excellent. So I have no worries », Estimated Bill Nelson. A very favorable description, but which by contrast reflects a less flattering image of Elon Musk.
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The NASA boss' remarks came after a question from NPR on ” Elon Musk's decisions “. These “ have come under scrutiny in recent years as part of some of his other businesses, Twitter and Tesla », remarked the journalist. Furthermore, Elon Musk is also engaged in a culture war.
In the past, we know that some of Elon Musk's public outings were not likely to help his companies. At the end of 2022, a tweet from the American entrepreneur caused Tesla to lose 11% of its value. As for X (formerly Twitter), Elon Musk's policy also tends to scare away advertisers, which has an impact on the social network's finances.
A particular history, which prompted the journalist to ask Bill Nelson if he is “ concerned that a large part of this plan (the return of the USA to the Moon) is in the hands of Elon Musk at present. » And, beyond the Musk case, NASA above all needs focused management, which does not disperse itself over a thousand activities.
This is not the first time that NASA has observed Elon Musk's trajectory with some circumspection. End of 2022, Bill Nelson gave the content of an exchange that he had with Gwynne Shotwell, at the time of the billionaire's takeover of Twitter. The boss of the space agency then feared indirect disruptions for SpaceX.
“ Tell me the distraction Elon might have on Twitter won't affect SpaceX ” Bill Nelson told Gwynne Shotwell. She replied: “ I assure you this is not the case. You don't have to worry. » « I hugged her and smiled, because I know she's the one who runs this company. She runs SpaceX. »