Although it doesn’t get much attention in western media, China shows every sign of having the first lunar base in the 2030’s. NASA’s plans are hobbled by the politics of the SLS, and hopes SpaceX or Blue Origin will come up with an alternative. In particular many hopes are pinned on SpaceX’s StarShip, but the challenges it needs to overcome to get people & materials to the moon are formidable. China’s plans are detailed, organized and tied to concrete goals.
Although it doesn’t get much attention in western media, China shows every sign of having the first lunar base in the 2030’s. NASA’s plans are hobbled by the politics of the SLS, and hopes SpaceX or Blue Origin will come up with an alternative. In particular many hopes are pinned on SpaceX’s StarShip, but the challenges it needs to overcome to get people & materials to the moon are formidable. China’s plans are detailed, organized and tied to concrete goals.