NASA's Artemis moon mission delay fuels fears of losing space race to China

NASA recently disclosed delays in the timeline of its new moon exploration program, Artemis. The Artemis 2 mission, initially slated to commence this year, has been deferred to no earlier than September 2025. The anticipation builds as the first astronauts in over half a century are projected to set foot on the Moon as part of the Artemis 3 mission, which is scheduled for September 2026.

The current postponement signifies approximately a year's delay from the original schedule. This situation has become a cause for concern among Congress members, who expressed their apprehensions during the Science, Space, and Technology Committee meeting. They are particularly anxious about China's expansive role in the space race.

The committee's chairman Frank Lucas voiced clear warnings about the competition. He acknowledged the escalating capabilities of China and Russia in the context of space exploration:

I urge my colleagues to remember that we (the USA) are not the only country interested in sending humans to the Moon. The Chinese Communist Party is actively collaborating with international partners towards a space mission with the objective of sending its astronauts to the Moon’s surface by 2030.

One committee member, Rich McCormick contends that the US is at risk of losing its status as a leader in space conquest. This, he believes, may unfold over several decades.

The intent of China to surpass the United States by 2045 as the global leader in space is well-known. This eventuality is not to be permitted. Nonetheless, I am confident that our leading position and advancements in space technologies will enable the US to ward off competition - a scenario that carries implications beyond mere economics, considering the potential benefits for all of humanity.