WASHINGTON, Feb 21 (KUNA) -- US Administrator of the Government Efficiency Elon Musk called on Friday for speeding up the preparations for deorbiting the International Space Station.
"It is time to begin preparations for deorbiting the Space Station. It has served its purpose. There is very little incremental utility," Musk, who is also SpaceX founder and CEO, wrote on X.
Instead, he called for focusing on sending missions to Mars.
"Let's go to Mars," he said.
He clarified that the decision is up to the President, "but my recommendation is as soon as possible".
NASA awarded SpaceX a contract last year to deorbit the International Space Station no earlier than 2030 that is worth USD 830 million.
SpaceX has announced its intentions to conduct uncrewed missions to Mars by 2026 and begin crewed missions to Mars by 2028. (end) asj.ibi