Once upon a time, for rocketry enthusiasts, watching SpaceX launches was not just a hobby, but a thrilling adventure, culminating in trips to the picturesque Starbase launch facility in Texas. But now, joy has been replaced by despair as CEO Elon Musk's descent into controversial politics tarnishes the excitement of space exploration.

Emily Carney, a space historian, reflected on the once exhilarating experience of a launch, sharing her disappointment after the recent Starship test flight. She wrote, "Most of the time, I felt childlike glee and thrill watching rockets soar, but this time? I was just... empty. I watched SpaceX’s so-called biggest success and couldn’t muster even a hint of excitement."

On social media platforms like Threads—Instagram's Twitter rival—Carney discovered she was not alone in her lack of enthusiasm. Many longtime fans expressed similar feelings, recounting childhood memories of awe and inspiration that now feel overshadowed by the company's troubling association with Musk's provocative political stance.

One user lamented, "I’ve been obsessed with space since watching Apollo as a kid, but now, I just feel nothing." Another echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that despite the dedication poured into the Starship program, Musk’s controversial actions—like slashing USAID funding—have tainted their connection to the excitement of space travel.

Musk's policies, especially his cuts to USAID during his term with Donald Trump, have had devastating effects, leading to an estimated 360,000 deaths from starvation and lack of access to medicine, with millions more at risk if these cuts continue. No wonder devoted fans feel betrayed—this isn’t just about rockets; it’s about humanity.

Carney's observations deepen this sense of grief. She called attention to Musk’s infamous gesture at Trump's inauguration, which many interpreted as a Nazi salute. Coupled with Musk's history of racist and anti-Semitic remarks, the excitement of watching SpaceX launches has morphed into a painful disillusionment for many.

For those who once found joy in the thrill of rocket launches, now there’s a profound sense of loss. Carney poignantly stated, "A significant part of the space fandom is mourning—a thing they passionately enjoyed is now entwined with shadows that can’t be ignored." This lament resonates deeply, as fans grapple with the disheartening reality that their beloved space endeavors are stained by Musk’s troubling legacy.

As new studies suggest Musk has become one of the most polarizing figures in America, it’s clear that watching SpaceX launches has become a bittersweet affair.