Donald Trump orders Elon Musk to ‘go get’ NASA astronauts that have been ‘abandoned’ in space for over 6 months

For centuries, humanity has looked to the stars with wonder, but space exploration has always carried a certain risk—both technological and political. So when former President Donald Trump recently declared that NASA astronauts had been “abandoned” in space for over six months and ordered Elon Musk to “go get them,” the remark sparked a wave of confusion, speculation, and even amusement.

At first glance, the statement conjures up an image straight out of a sci-fi thriller—a crew stranded in the vast emptiness of space, waiting for an intergalactic rescue mission. But is that really the case? And why did Trump single out Musk, the billionaire behind SpaceX, to take action?

The reality of long-term space missions is far more complex than it might appear. NASA routinely sends astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) for extended stays, with return dates carefully coordinated based on mission objectives, spacecraft availability, and even weather conditions on Earth. Yet, Trump’s dramatic phrasing suggests a different narrative—one that raises questions about the intersection of space travel, politics, and public perception.

The Background: Astronauts and the Current Space Mission

While Trump’s remarks suggest an urgent rescue mission, the astronauts in question are not actually “abandoned” in space. Instead, they are part of a long-duration mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS)—a routine practice in modern space exploration. Unlike the dramatic image of stranded spacefarers awaiting rescue, these astronauts are continuing their assigned research and maintenance duties, with their return carefully coordinated by NASA and its partners.

The crew includes NASA astronauts who have been aboard the ISS for over six months, a standard timeline for many space expeditions. In fact, extended missions have become increasingly common as space agencies study the long-term effects of microgravity on the human body. One of the most notable examples was astronaut Mark Kelly’s yearlong stay in space as part of a NASA twin study, which examined the physiological changes experienced in orbit compared to his identical twin on Earth. More recently, in 2023, astronaut Frank Rubio spent an unprecedented 371 days aboard the ISS—longer than originally planned—due to a technical issue with the Russian Soyuz spacecraft designated for his return.

The delay in bringing astronauts back to Earth is rarely a matter of abandonment, but rather a carefully managed logistical decision. Crew return schedules depend on multiple factors, including spacecraft readiness, safe landing conditions, and upcoming mission timelines. NASA, in collaboration with private companies like SpaceX, ensures that return missions are executed with precision, prioritizing astronaut safety above all else. In most cases, the return vehicle is a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, a spacecraft that has revolutionized U.S. astronaut transport since its first crewed mission in 2020.

Donald Trump’s Statement and Its Implications

On social media, Donald Trump made a direct appeal to Elon Musk and SpaceX, stating:

“I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to ‘go get’ the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!”

The statement, dramatic in its wording, immediately sparked reactions across the political and space communities. By suggesting that the astronauts had been “virtually abandoned” and holding the Biden administration responsible, Trump framed the situation as a failure of leadership rather than a routine space mission. However, NASA’s ongoing operations contradict this narrative—long-duration stays on the International Space Station (ISS) are standard practice, and these astronauts were neither stranded nor forgotten.

Trump’s choice to involve Musk is also notable. SpaceX, under Musk’s leadership, has played a transformative role in U.S. space travel, particularly with its Crew Dragon spacecraft, which regularly transports astronauts to and from the ISS. By stating that “Elon will soon be on his way,” Trump appeared to suggest that Musk had the authority to take immediate action—though in reality, NASA manages all spaceflight logistics and mission timelines. The return of astronauts is not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a carefully planned process dictated by mission objectives, weather conditions, and spacecraft readiness.

Additionally, Trump’s statement reflects a broader political undertone. During his presidency, he actively championed space exploration, overseeing the creation of the Space Force and pushing for NASA’s Artemis program to return astronauts to the Moon. By attributing this supposed “abandonment” to the Biden administration, Trump is reinforcing a narrative of mismanagement, a tactic often employed in election cycles to draw contrasts in leadership.

Trump posts on TruthSocial

Asks Elon to go pick up the US astronauts abandoned at the space station by the Biden Harris administration and Boeing

Winning feels good pic.twitter.com/1w3EQH30fb

— Joshua Konkle (@7SwanSwimming) January 29, 2025

Elon Musk and SpaceX’s Role in Space Travel

While Trump’s statement suggests that Elon Musk and SpaceX have the authority to launch an immediate rescue mission, the reality is far more structured. SpaceX, though instrumental in modern space travel, operates under strict contracts and guidelines set by NASA and other governing bodies. Missions to and from the International Space Station (ISS) follow detailed planning, with schedules determined by safety assessments, technical readiness, and coordination with international partners.

Since 2020, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft has been the primary mode of transport for U.S. astronauts traveling to and from the ISS. The company’s partnership with NASA, established through the Commercial Crew Program, marked a significant shift in spaceflight—reducing reliance on Russian Soyuz capsules and allowing a private company to take a leading role in human space travel. However, despite this close collaboration, SpaceX does not independently dictate astronaut transport schedules. Every mission, including returns from the ISS, is approved and overseen by NASA.

The two astronauts Trump referred to are not actually stranded, nor are they waiting for Musk to personally intervene. Their return to Earth is scheduled in line with standard NASA procedures, with a designated SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule already assigned to bring them home when mission objectives and safety conditions align. There is no indication that their return has been delayed due to negligence or political oversight—rather, they remain on board as part of planned operations, contributing to experiments and ISS maintenance.

Musk himself has not publicly confirmed whether he will respond to Trump’s call to action, but given SpaceX’s contractual obligations with NASA, the company cannot simply launch an unscheduled rescue mission. Every crewed flight involves months of preparation, including safety checks, vehicle inspections, and launch window assessments. Additionally, the ISS operates under international agreements with multiple space agencies—including NASA, Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (Europe), JAXA (Japan), and CSA (Canada)—meaning that any sudden changes to astronaut return schedules require extensive coordination.

The Reality of Astronaut ‘Abandonment’ in Space

Despite Trump’s claim that the astronauts have been “virtually abandoned,” the reality is far less dramatic. Extended stays aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are a routine part of human spaceflight, not a sign of neglect or mismanagement. NASA carefully plans astronaut missions, often lasting six months or longer, based on scientific objectives, available spacecraft, and safe return conditions. In some cases, astronauts remain in space beyond their initially scheduled departure due to logistical factors, but these extensions are not the result of abandonment—they are standard operating procedures in modern spaceflight.

For example, in 2023, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio spent 371 consecutive days aboard the ISS—longer than planned—due to a coolant leak in the Russian Soyuz spacecraft that was supposed to bring him home. Instead of rushing an unsafe return, NASA and Roscosmos opted to wait for a replacement vehicle, ensuring his safety. Similar delays have occurred in the past when return flights were adjusted for weather conditions or technical readiness. The two astronauts currently on the ISS, whom Trump referenced in his statement, are not stranded or forgotten. They remain actively engaged in scientific experiments, station maintenance, and physical conditioning to ensure they are prepared for re-entry when their scheduled return window arrives.

Their mission is aligned with standard NASA operations, and their return will follow the same meticulous process that has been used for decades. NASA’s approach to astronaut safety is rigorous, involving multiple contingency plans in case of emergencies. Every crew has access to a designated return vehicle—usually a SpaceX Crew Dragon or a Russian Soyuz capsule—docked at the ISS, ready for use if an urgent evacuation were necessary. If a situation required astronauts to leave immediately, NASA and its partners could initiate an emergency departure without waiting for new orders from political leaders or private companies.

Trump’s claim that the Biden administration has “abandoned” the astronauts oversimplifies how space travel works. While political leadership does play a role in funding and strategic direction, the day-to-day operations of astronaut missions are handled by career experts at NASA, who prioritize safety and efficiency above all else. Astronauts are never left without a plan for their return, and any extended stay is a decision made with their well-being in mind.

The Bigger Picture: Space Exploration and Political Rhetoric

Trump’s statement, while dramatic, is not just an isolated remark—it is part of a broader conversation about the role of space exploration in politics and the growing influence of private industry in what was once exclusively a government-led domain. Over the past decade, figures like Elon Musk and companies like SpaceX have reshaped the landscape of space travel, leading many to question whether the future of exploration should be in the hands of government agencies like NASA, private enterprises, or a combination of both.

During Trump’s presidency, space policy was a key talking point. He spearheaded initiatives such as the Artemis program, aiming to return astronauts to the Moon, and he established the U.S. Space Force, reinforcing the idea that space is not just a frontier for exploration, but also a potential battleground for geopolitical dominance. His administration also prioritized partnerships with private companies, recognizing SpaceX as a critical player in U.S. spaceflight after it successfully ended reliance on Russian Soyuz spacecraft for astronaut transport.

Biden’s administration has continued to support NASA’s collaboration with private space companies, including funding for the Artemis program and lunar landers developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin. However, Trump’s remarks frame the situation differently, suggesting that the Biden administration has been neglectful in its approach to astronaut safety. This rhetoric is a common theme in political discourse—using space policy as a symbol of national leadership, even when the reality is more nuanced.

The growing privatization of space travel adds another layer to this debate. SpaceX has demonstrated that private companies can play a vital role in human spaceflight, often innovating at a pace that government agencies struggle to match. However, NASA remains the central authority overseeing astronaut missions, ensuring safety standards, managing international cooperation, and maintaining long-term scientific goals that are not necessarily profit-driven. The question remains: should private entities like SpaceX have more control over missions, or should NASA retain full authority, using companies as contractors rather than decision-makers?