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SpaceX's Advances in Lunar Exploration and the Broader Space Race

A Tumultuous Beginning: Tensions Between SpaceX and NASA

Recently, the space community was abuzz with conflict between SpaceX and NASA stemming from public remarks by NASA’s acting administrator, Shawn Duffy. Duffy criticized Elon Musk's company over its progress on the Human Landing System (HLS) program, suggesting that SpaceX’s development pace might threaten the US’s lunar exploration leadership. The criticism also included provocative comparisons with Blue Origin and proposals to merge NASA under the Department of Transportation—a move that didn’t sit well with many stakeholders.