A conservative watchdog group has sued NASA, revealing emails that suggest political calculations may have left two U.S. astronauts stranded at the International Space Station for months. Vice President Kamala Harris, who chairs the National Space Council, is implicated in the scandal.
The Oversight Project, a conservative watchdog group, has filed a lawsuit against NASA, seeking documents related to the extended stay of two U.S. astronauts at the International Space Station (ISS). Mike Howell, the group's executive director, alleges that Vice President Kamala Harris, who also chairs the National Space Council, may have prioritized politics over the safety and welfare of the astronauts.
The astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, were originally scheduled to return to Earth in September. However, a series of technical issues with their spacecraft, Starliner, forced NASA to postpone their return. Howell believes that Harris's office may have pressured NASA to keep the astronauts in space for several more months to avoid negative publicity.
Harris's Incompetence in Space: Astronaut Stranded, NASA Records Reveal Political Interference
The lawsuit demands emails between NASA political appointees and the White House, including Harris's office and her presidential campaign. Howell argues that Harris, as chair of the National Space Council, has substantive advisory authority over NASA's decision-making and may have influenced the agency's decision to leave the astronauts stranded.
A source close to the matter pointed to Trump's 2021 executive order establishing the council, which stipulates that the chair, in this case, Harris, serves as the President's principal advisor on national space policy and strategy.
Harris's Incompetence in Space: Astronaut Stranded, NASA Records Reveal Political Interference
Howell pointed out that Harris's record as Border Czar was equally dismal, suggesting a pattern of incompetence in high-profile positions. He expressed concern that Harris's prioritization of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at NASA may jeopardize national security, as other nations like China could perceive such measures as signs of weakness.
NASA officials have stated that there was a disagreement between the agency and Boeing, the manufacturer of the Starliner capsule, regarding the level of risk associated with the craft. Ultimately, the Starliner returned to Earth unmanned on September 7.
Harris's Incompetence in Space: Astronaut Stranded, NASA Records Reveal Political Interference
Boeing officials expressed confidence in Starliner's ability to return safely with crew aboard, citing additional testing and data analysis. NASA said that the data supported their assessments of the root causes of the helium and thruster issues and provided the rationale for the astronauts' return to Earth.
Howell highlighted the hiring of individuals with backgrounds in fields unrelated to space science at NASA during Harris's tenure, including veterans of the New York County District Attorney's office and the Jacksonville Symphony. He argued that such appointments reflected a lack of seriousness and competence in the agency.
Harris's Incompetence in Space: Astronaut Stranded, NASA Records Reveal Political Interference
The astronauts themselves expressed optimism despite their extended stay in space. Williams stated that being in space was her happy place, while Wilmore requested his absentee ballot to vote from orbit.
Fox News Digital reached out to Harris's office and campaign for comment but did not receive a response. NASA stated that while the National Space Council receives updates on the Starliner mission, it does not make operational spaceflight safety recommendations or decisions.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The scandal has raised concerns about Harris's competence and the politicization of NASA under her leadership. Critics argue that her focus on politics and DEI initiatives has come at the expense of the safety and well-being of U.S. astronauts and the nation's space superiority.
The ongoing lawsuit and investigations are expected to shed further light on the extent of political interference and its potential impact on NASA's operations and the future of U.S. space exploration.
