China’s space exploration program is making big moves while NASA and Russia seem to be taking their time. China is planning a moon orbit, human visit, and eventual moon colony. It appears China is dreaming big, since the country is also planning a mission to Mars by 2020. There is no denying the factory power behind their economy, and this could be fueling their efficient ability to build and launch so many missions in such a short length of time. NASA and Russia will need to step up their space game if they want to beat China to the moon and Mars.
China’s Bid for the Moon
Reports from the Chinese space program have highlighted their goal to settle on the moon. They also want to construct a lunar base. Reports also indicate that Chinese astronauts will be reaching the far side of the planet prior to colonization. They were also the third nation ever to make a soft lunar landing. This occurred during their deployment of a lunar rover Chang’e 3 in 2013. It had been four decades since any moon landings had taken place. Four decades — really? It seems that the moon took a backseat to Mars.
Cannonball Race to Mars
China is preparing to have their red flag on the Red planet by 2020. They aim to orbit, land and deploy a rover on Mars all in a single mission. Pretty big space balls. NASA currently has a space rover, Curiosity, cruising around Mars taking samples and selfies. Russia, one of the world’s top space rocket manufacturers has yet to set a definitive date for their Mars activities. Do they have any interest in the moon? One thing is for sure, Russia is making plenty of cash selling their space rockets.
Buzz Aldrin Comments with NASA and Russia Falling Short
Reports have noted comments made by Buzz Aldrin, the second human to ever physically walk on the moon. With conspiracy theories set-aside for now. Aldrin said that China would most certainly be the next country to complete a successful lunar mission with a crew. This may be based on China’s amassed budget for space exploration. While NASA and Russia have been gearing down space spending, China has geared up, making them lunar and Martian front-runners. But never count out those private space nuts like Elon Musk and SpaceX.
