Space race, space war, what’s the difference anymore? Presently, the Russian RD-180 engine launches all sorts of NASA stuff off Earth. In fact, Russian tech is the sole delivery method of personnel and supplies to the ISS. The Russian Soyuz is also the only escape pod on the ISS. The Soyuz is the most dependable spacecraft in the Russian fleet, so it makes sense. However, as the space race heats up, space war may be on the horizon. NASA may look to SpaceX for the future of their propulsion. The battle could also be fought on two fronts as aliens may be also lurking to take out human tech.
Paranoid NASA Looking for Change
There is always an investigation after a launch goes wrong. NASA is one paranoid space agency, especially since Russian engines power most of their missions. In the interest of self-preservation, Putin could destroy future NASA missions if he feels they are a threat to his reign. Naturally, SpaceX is the obvious alternative. NASA already drops $400 million into their private tech company. Why not get them onboard with spy satellite delivery for the U.S. Defense Department and military? Simply put, cut SpaceX funding or render the Falcon 9 for spy purposes.
SpaceX Spy Satellites
The U.S. Defense Department wanted a Russian rocket engine replacement like yesterday. SpaceX could fulfill those two-booster needs quite easily, based on their recent Falcon 9 success. The Falcon 9, however, would need to be overhauled a bit. The spy satellite payload will definitely need to be cleared through multiple bureaucratic channels. And those clearances and modifications to the Falcon 9 cost money. However, is money enough to persuade Elon Musk to give up his alien dreams? Or will the government and NASA employ the Falcon 9 and Dragon to fight Russians and evil aliens on Mars?
Is a War on Space Aliens and Russia Pending?
Getting in bed with the government for spy purposes is not what Elon Musk is about. He simply wants to colonize planets and moons in space. The delivery of spy satellites without Russian contracts attached could have a big impact on foreign relations. However, SpaceX will continue their human mission efforts while congress figures it out. A war with aliens, however, could be sooner than most think. Aliens may find human colonization efforts intrusive. This could spark a galactic space war with Musk leading the charge. Or it is simply good for sci-fi readers everywhere. Should NASA fight aliens without Russian rockets?
