U.S. Statement: Won't Let China Lead in Returning to the Moon

NASA Acting Administrator: The United States Will Not Let China Lead Washington in the Time of Human Return to the Moon

Sputnik News, Washington, September 4 - U.S. Transportation Secretary and NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy stated that the United States will not allow China to lead Washington in the issue of human return to the moon.

Duffy said during an interview with Fox News Channel: "China is taking major steps in its space program... We know China wants to surpass us. We will never let this happen."

Duffy explained that the first lunar mission to be conducted should depart in the first half of 2026, with a crew of four who will complete a lunar orbit.

He pointed out that astronauts flying to space within the framework of future lunar missions are expected to stay on the moon for 8 to 12 days.

Duffy said: "[Artemis III] will take place when we return to the moon. We will stay on the moon for 8 to 12 days. Previously, the longest stay on the moon was 3 days."

Duffy added that the United States plans to start transporting payloads to the moon to initiate the construction of its "base camp."

NASA previously stated that it plans to achieve the first lunar landing in more than half a century within the framework of the "Artemis III" mission in mid-2027.

Duffy also said that the United States plans to send humans to Mars in the early 2030s, and the mission will last more than 8 months.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1842311380265996/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.