NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has raised concerns about China’s potential to hinder the United States’ access to the moon as the new space race intensifies. Testifying before a House appropriations committee, Nelson expressed skepticism towards China’s civilian space program, suggesting that it may have underlying military objectives.
Nelson highlighted the possibility of China attempting to claim lunar territory for itself, preventing the US from accessing the celestial body. Both countries are actively pursuing lunar exploration, with the US aiming to land humans on the moon by 2026 through the Artemis 3 mission. China has set its own lunar goals, targeting 2030 for human presence on the moon.
During the hearing, Nelson emphasized the importance of being cautious about China’s intentions in space, cautioning that the Chinese space program should prioritize peaceful uses. His concerns stem partly from the revelation that Russia and China are collaborating on a project to establish a nuclear power plant on the moon by 2033-2035.
