Kim Kardashian said on The Kardashians that she "centers conspiracies" and expressed doubt about the U.S. Moon landings, even referencing Buzz Aldrin. Interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy responded on social media, reaffirming that NASA landed astronauts on the Moon six times and inviting Kardashian to visit Kennedy Space Center. Kardashian also asked about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, a topic debated by some scientists but widely regarded by astronomers as likely a comet. NASA plans an Artemis 2 lunar flyby next year and a crewed landing in 2028, although timelines could be affected by technical and political challenges.
NASA Pushes Back After Kim Kardashian Questions Moon Landings — Artemis Invite Follows
Kim Kardashian said on The Kardashians that she "centers conspiracies" and expressed doubt about the U.S. Moon landings, even referencing Buzz Aldrin. Interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy responded on social media, reaffirming that NASA landed astronauts on the Moon six times and inviting Kardashian to visit Kennedy Space Center. Kardashian also asked about the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, a topic debated by some scientists but widely regarded by astronomers as likely a comet. NASA plans an Artemis 2 lunar flyby next year and a crewed landing in 2028, although timelines could be affected by technical and political challenges.
19:15, 02.11.2025Science
NASA Responds After Kim Kardashian Questions Moon Landings
In a widely shared clip from a recent episode of the reality series The Kardashians, Kim Kardashian confided that she "centers conspiracies all the time" and voiced doubts that the United States ever landed on the Moon. In the confessional she said, "I think it was fake," and mentioned having seen videos she interpreted as suggesting Buzz Aldrin disputed the missions.
"I think it was fake... Maybe we should find Buzz Aldrin," Kardashian said in the clip.
The comments prompted quick pushback on social media. Interim NASA administrator Sean Duffy replied on Twitter, "Yes, we've been to the Moon before... six times!" and later added a lighthearted invitation for Kardashian to see NASA's work in person.
Buzz Aldrin was the second person to walk on the Moon during Apollo 11 in 1969. Over the next three years, NASA executed five additional lunar landing missions (Apollo 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17), putting a total of 12 astronauts on the lunar surface. Aldrin has not denied the Apollo landings; in past interviews he has noted how broadcast animations and later commentary can be taken out of context, a point Reuters reported was misused by conspiracy theorists.
Conversation Turns to an Interstellar Object
After Duffy's response, Kardashian tweeted a follow-up question: "Wait.... what's the tea on 3I/ATLAS?!?" She was referring to the third interstellar object observed passing through our solar system, known as 3I/ATLAS, which recently made a close approach to Mars while moving at high speed.
Some researchers, notably Harvard astronomer Avi Loeb, have highlighted unusual features of the object and suggested—controversially—that its properties could warrant consideration of an artificial origin. Most astronomers, however, say the available evidence favors a natural explanation such as a comet, and Loeb himself has acknowledged an extraterrestrial origin is unlikely.
Duffy replied to Kardashian: "No aliens. No threat to life here on Earth." He also said NASA appreciates public enthusiasm for Artemis and wrote, "You're officially invited to launch at Kennedy Space Center!"
Where Artemis Stands
NASA plans to fly four astronauts around the Moon and back on the roughly ten-day Artemis 2 mission early next year, with a crewed lunar landing targeted for 2028. However, program timelines face pressure from technical challenges and political factors including the potential impacts of a government shutdown, conditions that commentators note could affect the U.S. schedule and competitive posture as other nations expand their lunar programs.
Bottom line: Celebrity skepticism amplified online sparked a direct, public correction from NASA leadership and renewed public attention on both Apollo history and the agency's upcoming Artemis missions.