China Merges 2 Lunar Programs as Moon Race With US Intensifies
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · May 24
China Merges 2 Lunar Programs as Moon Race With US Intensifies
8 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · May 24
China said it is merging its crewed and uncrewed lunar programs, with senior engineer Zhou Yaqiang saying the effort to combine experience and expertise is progressing smoothly.
The move refines Beijing’s moon plans as both powers push toward returning humans to the lunar surface and China releases more detail on how its missions will be integrated.
Zhou rejected the idea that China’s crewed lunar program is being shaped by rivalry, saying it follows an established plan, is not subject to outside interference and is aimed at peaceful space use.
The update comes after the latest SpaceX launch sharpened focus on the US-China contest over who can next put astronauts on the moon.
Will the future of lunar exploration be defined by the US Artemis Accords or China's rival moon base project?
Why is China targeting a safer landing site over the resource-rich south pole for its first crewed mission?