MSNBC Hosts Mock Elon Musk Over Starship Explosions

MSNBC hosts launched sharp attacks on Elon Musk after SpaceX’s Starship exploded midflight again. The second failure in two months prompted taunts labeling him a failure on air. Critics argue this reflects a shift in progressive attitudes toward science and innovation.

Rachel Maddow quipped Musk’s specialty is rapid unscheduled disassembly after the latest blast. Joy Reid joined in saying his rockets blowing up show he’s failing right now. The jabs came hours after debris from the Texas launch disrupted Florida air traffic.

SpaceX’s eighth test flight ended in disaster when the rocket spun out of control and exploded. The company confirmed losing contact minutes after liftoff despite a successful booster catch. Musk called it a minor setback vowing to press on with more tests soon.

The hosts’ mockery has sparked backlash from those who see it as anti-progress pettiness. Supporters say SpaceX’s bold risks drive breakthroughs unlike cautious government programs. They note NASA still relies on Starship for moon missions despite the setbacks.

Musk’s allies argue the taunts ignore his track record of revolutionizing space travel. SpaceX has slashed launch costs and landed reusable rockets feats once thought impossible. Critics of MSNBC say this hostility shows a party now scornful of ambition and ingenuity.

The latest explosion stemmed from an ascent burn failure though the exact cause is unclear. An earlier January mishap was traced to an oxygen leak sparking fires and self-destruction. SpaceX is under FAA review but Musk insists such trials are key to refining the craft.

Some see the MSNBC pile-on as sour grapes over Musk’s growing influence in Trump’s orbit. His role leading DOGE has ruffled feathers among establishment figures wary of his sway. The hosts’ glee at his stumble fuels claims of bias against a visionary shaking up the status quo.

The episode underscores a divide over how to view Musk’s high-stakes ventures and their stumbles. While MSNBC revels in the misfire others praise his relentless push toward Mars. For now SpaceX vows to learn from the data as Musk shrugs off the barbs and eyes the next launch.