Experts from Russia: China can beat the US in the lunar race
Russian State News Agency, Moscow, October 31 - Evgeny Stepin, director of the Center for Space Research and Technology at the National Research Nuclear University (MEPhI), said in an interview with RIA Novosti that a "lunar race" is beginning, and China has the opportunity to become the leader.
On October 30, acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy introduced the new lunar program "Artemis 3". In 2026, the United States will send four astronauts into Earth's satellite orbit, and in 2027, it will achieve its first crewed lunar landing since the Apollo program.
Stepin said, "We can now talk about a new 'lunar race' between the US and China. China has objective factors to become the leader, mainly due to the systematic and orderly implementation of its plan."
He said that although Washington launched the program earlier, its project is still facing delays.
Stepin pointed out, "China has already completed the key ground tests of all critical components of the plan, including the lunar module and rocket, while the US is encountering difficulties with the lander, which is a key element for landing. The US still needs to solve many other technical problems, such as resupplying materials in orbit."
He also said that within the framework of the lunar mission plan, China relies on simple and reliable technological solutions. The Artemis 3 project involves using two spacecraft, orbital resupply, and other complex elements. Using complex technology will be a prelude to future Mars exploration.
He finally said, "According to the roadmap, the US should quickly send astronauts to the moon and conduct research there. However, due to the use of complex and expensive technological solutions, many issues remain unresolved and may continue to cause delays and postponements. Therefore, the Americans may lose this lunar race to China."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847509476687242/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.