(I cannot directly access the link provided; however, based on the URL, I can infer the topic you’re asking for. Here’s an article about China’s advancements in the space race and how they are impacting the US.)
China’s Ascendancy in Space Exploration and its Implications on the United States
Firstly, it’s essential to highlight China’s commitment to space exploration. The Asian giant has been tenaciously forging its path in the highly competitive world of astronomy. Lately, the Beijing-based country has been showcasing an extensive array of ambitious projects; this includes its moon mission, Chang’e 4, and the launch of the Tianhe module which is the core section of a permanent Chinese space station.
To facilitate the growth of their space programs, China has turned to what can be considered its secret weapon – a government-controlled economy. Through its unique socio-political setup, China possesses the leeway to devote massive resources to research and development in the space exploration industry. The government can direct state-owned enterprises and national universities to prioritize advancements in space, yielding a collective and integrated approach that overrides commercial interests.
At a glance, China’s rapid progression in space technology may appear as an isolated incident of a country’s quest to quench its thirst for knowledge and prestige. However, on closer scrutiny, the effects of these developments have repercussions on the global stage, more so on its key competitor, the United States.
The dominance of the United States in space exploration has been a source of national pride and global influence. However, China’s fast-paced growth in the same field threatens to disrupt this status quo. US-based companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin might have commercial advantages, but they’re privately owned, meaning their pursuit is more profit-motivated than sovereign-driven.
Moreover, China’s strategic advancements in space have some geopolitical implications. For instance, the heavy investments in space tech have raised concerns over a new space-race, reminiscent of the Cold War years. Consequentially, this has led to a political discourse around the militarization of space, with countries such as the US worrying about the potential weaponization of outer space.
Also, China’s divergence in focusing on lunar exploration, with its ongoing Chang’e program, could bring about strategic advantages over the U.S. The rare earth minerals and the immense solar energy the moon possesses are resources a future space-faring nation-state will undoubtedly benefit from. The logistics and technology to make commercial use of these resources are yet to be developed, but when they are, the one controlling the access to lunar space will be at an advantageous position.
In a bid to mitigate China’s influence in space and maintain its foothold, the US has taken several initiatives. The National Space Council under the Trump administration, for instance, made a policy of redirecting NASA’s attention to the moon. The Artemis program, which seeks to land “the first woman and the next man” on the moon by 2024, is a direct result of this push
