Kim Kardashian sparked widespread controversy by claiming the 1969 moon landing was fake during an episode of her reality TV show, prompting a swift and direct rebuttal from NASA’s acting administrator who confirmed the authenticity of the historic missions and extended an invitation for her to witness future space explorations. The exchange, which unfolded on social media, highlights the persistent appeal of conspiracy theories and NASA’s proactive efforts to counter misinformation with scientific evidence.
During the latest broadcast of ‘The Kardashians’ on Hulu, Kardashian engaged in a conversation with co-star Sarah Paulson, where she openly expressed skepticism about the Apollo 11 mission. She referenced alleged interviews with astronaut Buzz Aldrin, reading a quote that purportedly stated, ‘There was no scary moment because it didn’t happen. It could’ve been scary, but it wasn’t because it didn’t happen.’ This moment was captured as part of her broader admission that she frequently ‘centers conspiracy theories,’ adding weight to her doubts about one of humanity’s most celebrated achievements.
Kardashian further elaborated in a confessional segment, telling a producer that she firmly believes the moon landing was staged. She cited watching videos where Aldrin allegedly denied the event’s occurrence and even suggested tracking down the astronaut for clarification. Her comments, delivered in a casual yet assertive tone, reflect a growing trend of celebrity-endorsed misinformation, amplified by the reach of reality television and digital platforms.
Hours after the episode aired, NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy responded on X, directly tagging Kardashian in a post that included a clip of her remarks. He wrote, ‘Yes, we’ve been to the Moon before… 6 times! And even better: [NASA Artemis] is going back under the leadership of [President Donald Trump]. We won the last space race and we will win this one too.’ His message not only affirmed the reality of the Apollo missions but also tied the response to NASA’s current Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface.
In a surprising twist, Kardashian volleyed back with a question about the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, asking, ‘Wait…. what’s the tea on 3I Atlas?!?!!!!!!!?????’ Duffy seized the opportunity to educate, explaining that it is the third interstellar comet discovered by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-Impact Last Alert System and poses no threat to Earth. He then invited Kardashian to attend the launch of an Artemis mission at the Kennedy Space Center, framing it as a chance to foster her interest in space science.
The incident underscores the long-standing prevalence of moon landing conspiracy theories, which have circulated for over five decades despite extensive debunking. Organizations like the Institute of Physics have noted that every argument claiming NASA faked the landings has been discredited, citing evidence such as the 382 kilograms of moon rocks brought back by Apollo astronauts, independently verified by laboratories worldwide. A study published in PLOS One even estimated that faking the event would have required over 400,000 conspirators, making it implausible.
This public dialogue between a high-profile celebrity and a space agency leader illustrates the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age. NASA’s engagement, while lighthearted, serves as a strategic move to promote scientific literacy and its ongoing missions. The Artemis program, set to launch crewed missions as early as 2026, represents a new chapter in lunar exploration, and such interactions could help galvanize public support and curiosity.
As the story continues to circulate online, it raises questions about the responsibility of influencers in shaping public discourse on scientific matters. While Kardashian has not yet accepted Duffy’s invitation, the episode may encourage broader discussions about evidence-based reasoning and the importance of trusting established historical records. NASA’s response demonstrates a commitment to transparency and outreach, aiming to turn a moment of controversy into an educational opportunity.