United States President Donald Trump has invited SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and NASA officials to the White House on Thursday in hopes of devising a plan to rescue two NASA astronauts currently stranded in space. The astronauts, Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley, have been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) since July 1st, after losing contact with mission control. In a written statement, President Trump expressed his utmost concern for the men and stated that he wants Elon Musk and NASA “to find a solution as quickly as possible.”
Sources reveal that the ISS, which orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers, has been unable to maintain continuous communication with ground control, possibly due to technical issues in the $1.16 million Crew Dragon spacecraft. According to an unnamed source in the administration, Trump feels that it is crucial for NASA and SpaceX to quickly devise a contingency plan to ensure the safe return of the astronauts.
NASA officials told reporters that the agency is fully cooperating with the White House in this matter and that all possible measures are immediately being taken. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, on the other hand, has not yet released a formal comment, but is expected to speak on Thursday at the White House, where the details of his proposed rescue plan will be unveiled.
ISS Command, SpaceX, the White House, and NASA are all on high alert as they await the details of the rescue mission that will ensure the safety and return of the stuck astronauts.
