The new space race is driven by U.S.-China competition. It’s also democratized, with more states interested in dual-use technology.
China's Space Program
With its Chang’e 6 mission, China’s study of the largest, deepest, and oldest basin on the Moon could help reveal what resides in the depths of the Moon.
In several key areas of space exploration, the U.S. is far ahead not only of China, but of all other spacefaring nations combined.
The ESA’s decision to not send European astronauts to China’s space station represents a symbolic blow to Beijing’s political aspirations.
China has invested enormous sums into its manned space program since the 1990s. Its reported space budget is second only to the United States.
Beijing is set to launch a permanent space station in orbit as early as next year.
From humble origins to superpower, the development of China’s space program mirrors the country’s resurgence on the world stage.