Former NASA astronaut Tom Jones joined ‘Your World’ to discuss the recent decision to keep astronauts aboard the International Space Station for an extended period due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Jones argues that this debacle highlights the incompetence of both Boeing and NASA, but also points a finger at Vice President Kamala Harris, who chairs the National Space Council.
He contends that Harris has been largely absent in her role, failing to provide the leadership and oversight necessary to ensure the success of America’s space program. He draws a stark contrast between Harris’s inaction and the robust leadership of former Vice President Mike Pence, who actively championed space exploration and held agencies like Boeing accountable.
The National Space Council, established in 1989, is tasked with providing strategic direction and guidance on national space policy. Jones argues that Harris’s lack of engagement has allowed NASA to become overly reliant on Boeing’s Starliner program, despite its history of failures and cost overruns. He points to the program’s $4.5 billion contract, which has ballooned to $6.1 billion due to repeated delays and shortcomings.
In contrast, Jones highlights the success of SpaceX, a private company that has dramatically reduced the cost of space launches with its reusable rockets. He argues that Harris’s preference for government bureaucracy over private sector innovation has hampered NASA’s progress.
Jones further criticizes Harris for her lack of oversight over Boeing, despite the company’s multiple failures across its aviation and space divisions. He emphasizes the stark cost difference between the Boeing Starliner and the SpaceX Dragon Crew, underscoring the value of private sector competition in driving innovation and efficiency.
He concludes by arguing that Harris’s inaction has left astronauts stranded in space, a direct consequence of her failure to fulfill her responsibilities as Chair of the National Space Council. He urges the public to remember her lack of leadership the next time they hear about the astronauts’ prolonged stay at the International Space Station.
