ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
In a sharp critique of SpaceX’s latest achievement, the head of Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, dismissed the company’s historic success in catching its Starship booster as “invalid.”
Speaking in a press conference today, Roscosmos cheif Dmitry Rogozin was scathing of SpaceX’s latest acheivement.
“This is no real test! In Soviet time, we send brave dog Laika and many monkeys to space. So did the Americans, many, many chimp they sent. You cannot claim success if you don’t send brave animal first. Where is monkey? Where is dog?”
“In Russia, we gave our chimps a gun to use in case things go wrong. Or in case they encounter alien or capitalist. Instead, chimp turn gun on man before we shut hatch. Last chimp, he shot 5 scientists then with the 6th bullet, he turn gun on self. What we must pay for progress, now chimp go to space unarmed.”
The criticism comes after SpaceX successfully “caught” its Super Heavy booster with robotic “Mechazilla” arms during a test flight yesterday.
The booster return marked a significant leap in reusable rocket technology, but Rogozin seemed unimpressed, insisting that without the traditional inclusion of test animals, such feats were unremarkable.
“When we launch Sputnik, we send dog Laika to pave way for human cosmonaut. SpaceX just launch metal can—no chimp, no cosmonaut, nothing. In Russia, we call this, how you say, like the man,” he continued.
Though SpaceX’s use of advanced technology was acknowledged by industry insiders, Roscosmos officials made clear they see animal testing as essential.
“You catch booster—good for you. But until you have dog, barking at the stars, you have achieved nothing,” Rogozin quipped.
SpaceX declined to respond to the comments, but sources close to CEO Elon Musk suggested he was considering a “new plan” that might include sending a “more advanced species” into orbit, such as a “democrat”.
More to come.
