In the heat of the moment, Elon Musk threatened to decommission SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft and then he took it back. In doing so, however, the rocket billionaire dragged NASA into his messy breakup with Donald Trump, with the agency’s access to orbit now at stake.

Musk’s rare public expression of regret suggests he is trying to defuse tensions after Trump threatened to retaliate against his companies during their feud.

A public dispute between President Trump and Elon Musk has jeopardised US space leadership. Proposed budget cuts threaten NASA missions, especially climate science and planetary exploration, while prioritising lunar and Mars ambitions.

Elon Musk has taken steps to restore his relationship with President Trump and surrender, saying he regrets some of his comments during their feud.

Many people thought that the close relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk would end badly, since they both have the hubris that comes from success and power. One is arguably the most powerful politician in the world and the other the richest man.