SpaceX’s Rescue of Stranded Astronauts: A Groundbreaking Feat Shrouded in Relative Media Silence

News Coverage: Lost in Space

In a remarkable display of technological prowess, SpaceX, led by entrepreneur Elon Musk, successfully delivered four new astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) and set the stage for the long-awaited return of NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore. The pair had been stranded in orbit since June 5, 2024 due to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft failures.

This rescue operation marks a historic achievement in space exploration. Yet it has been met with a surprising lack of fanfare from major media outlets, raising questions about why such a monumental accomplishment is not dominating headlines.

Read on for details.

A Complex Technical Challenge

The saga began when Williams and Wilmore launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for what was intended to be an eight-day test mission. However, much like the “three hour tour” of the fictitious “Gilligan’s Island” fame, a cascade of circumstances extended the mission by an incredible factor.

Some of the problems included technical failures—helium leaks, malfunctioning thrusters, and a jammed propellant valve—rendering the Starliner unfit for a safe return.

NASA, faced with an unprecedented challenge, partnered with Musk’s SpaceX to devise a solution. The result was a meticulously planned rescue involving the Crew-10 mission, which launched on March 14 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

From a technical standpoint, the rescue operation is nothing short of extraordinary. SpaceX had to adapt its Crew Dragon spacecraft, already docked at the International Space Station (ISS) since the Crew-9 mission in September 2024, to accommodate the return of Williams and Wilmore alongside two other crew members. The Crew-10 mission, launched earlier than originally planned, required precise coordination, rigorous safety protocols, and the integration of commercial and government resources to ensure success.

This rescue underscores SpaceX’s unique capability in the space industry. Boeing, despite its $4.5 billion NASA contract, couldn’t resolve Starliner’s issues in time, and no other nation or company had the immediate technology or flexibility to step in. SpaceX’s proven track record—having conducted multiple crewed missions to and from the ISS—made it the only viable option, highlighting its pivotal role in modern space exploration.

Sparse Media Attention

Despite its historical weight, the mission has not garnered the widespread coverage one might expect. CNN’s 7:30 PM broadcast on March 16, briefly mentioned the astronauts’ retrieval but framed it as a routine NASA operation, omitting SpaceX’s critical role or Elon Musk’s involvement.

The BBC’s March 16 report on the Crew-10 launch focused on the new crew’s arrival, neglecting to contextualize the rescue or acknowledge the stranded astronauts’ situation.

The New York Times ran a short piece on March 15 in its science section, offering minimal detail on the mission’s complexity or its broader implications.

This subdued response contrasts sharply with past space milestones. The Apollo 13 rescue in 1970, for instance, captivated global audiences for weeks. While the Crew-10 mission lacks the same dramatic visuals, its technical sophistication—resolving a rival’s failure to sustain human spaceflight—merits significant recognition.

Theories Behind the Silence

Neither Elon Musk nor President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of SpaceX, have publicly commented on the lack of media coverage based on available statements.

One element of the relative media silence could have to do with the fact that space accomplishments, once so rare, have become more commonplace and are now taken for granted.

However, others have weighed in with other theories. Ian Miles Cheong, a popular commentator on X, wrote last year, “The legacy media won’t give SpaceX’s rescue of the Boeing Starliner astronauts much attention because they would have to praise Elon Musk.”

This sentiment aligns with theories that Musk’s polarizing persona may be a factor. Once a media favorite for his work with Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has faced growing criticism since endorsing Trump in the 2024 election, donating $288 million to Trump’s campaign, and appearing at MAGA events. His overhaul of X to prioritize free speech and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Trump have further distanced him from outlets that once celebrated him.

Some analysts suggest this shift could explain the muted coverage. When SpaceX achievements aligned with a progressive narrative, they often received glowing praise. Now, with Musk’s political realignment, some speculate that media reluctance to highlight his successes reflects broader biases, though no definitive evidence confirms this.

An Overlooked Legacy

NASA officials, including Ken Bowersox, have noted that budget constraints and operational priorities shaped the rescue timeline, countering claims of political delays. Williams and Wilmore, speaking from the ISS, have expressed relief at the mission’s progress without delving into its broader context.

At a press conference held from outer space on March 4, Williams said, “We’re doing pretty darn good, actually. You know, we’ve got food, we’ve got clothes, we have great crew members up here,” and added she was looking forward to seeing her family and dogs, indicating appreciation for the mission’s progress without naming individuals like Musk or President Trump. Wilmore similarly noted, “We came prepared to stay long, even though we planned to stay short,” focusing on their readiness and NASA’s planning rather than a specific rescue narrative.

Musk and Trump have been vocal about their involvement. Musk posted on X on January 28, “Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.” Trump claimed on March 6, during an Oval Office press availability, “Elon is right now preparing a ship to go up and get them.”

The Crew-10 mission’s success is a testament to SpaceX’s ingenuity and a lifeline for the stranded astronauts. Yet, as the space community celebrates this feat, the question lingers: why hasn’t this groundbreaking rescue captured the attention it deserves? Whether due to Musk’s polarizing presence or other factors, the gravity of the moment and its relatively quiet reception may leave it as an underappreciated triumph in the annals of space history.

Read Sharyl Attkisson’s national bestseller, “Follow the $cience.”