While SpaceX encountered delays with its Starship programme last year, which is a component of NASA’s mission to send men back to the moon, the company nonetheless reached a number of new goals. On the plus side, Starlink, the company’s satellite internet service, surpassed 1 million customers and gave people in Ukraine who had their infrastructure disrupted by Russia’s invasion a lifeline. Through its Falcon programme, SpaceX was also able to launch more than 60 reusable rockets in a single year. At its Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, the corporation is now continuing to build its Starship and Super Heavy launch vehicles. When the corporation will proceed to the program’s next phase, which calls for an orbital launch test of these larger vehicles, is unclear.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson recently questioned SpaceX President and COO Gwynne Shotwell about whether Musk’s “distraction” as the new owner and CEO of Twitter might affect SpaceX’s work with the space agency, according to NBC News. Musk has frequently voiced his opinions about geopolitical issues on Twitter. Shotwell, according to Nelson, reassured him that it wouldn’t. According to CNET, NASA is now debating whether SpaceX can aid in the rescue of people aboard the International Space Station, including an astronaut and two cosmonauts from Russia’s Roscomos. An inquiry is being conducted to evaluate whether the Russian Soyuz capsule can safely return the crew to Earth or if emergency steps must be taken. The leak in the Russian Soyuz capsule occurred in December.