The United States is in a new space race with China, according to NASA’s top administrator, and a Chinese victory might result in the country claiming to “control” enormous sections of the moon.
According to Politico, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, a former astronaut, and Florida senator have cautioned that China may seal off the most resource-rich portions of the lunar surface if they establish a foothold there first.
“It is a fact: we’re in a space race,” he told the outlet. “And it is true that we better watch out that they don’t get to a place on the moon under the guise of scientific research. And it is not beyond the realm of possibility that they say, ‘Keep out, we’re here, this is our territory.’”
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Nelson went on to mention China’s aggression in the South China Sea, where the Chinese government has repeatedly asserted sovereignty over territory belonging to other countries.
Earlier this year, China’s growing space program succeeded in creating a new space station. Meanwhile, NASA has been hard at work on its Artemis series of moon missions.
Artemis I launched in November for a 26-day mission to photograph the lunar surface, and the Artemis II and III missions are moving toward more established lunar activities.
NASA has also focused on Mars, sending many robotic rovers there to collect data on the planet’s soil, atmosphere, and potential landing sites for a manned expedition.
Artemis I returned to earth and splashed into the Pacific Ocean in December.
China’s investment in spaceflight and other rocket technology comes amid a continuing arms competition with the United States and Russia, all of which are pursuing hypersonic weapons.
