In several key areas of space exploration, the U.S. is far ahead not only of China, but of all other spacefaring nations combined.
China's Space Program
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.