Commentary
China’s program to put people on the moon is gathering momentum. Still, when they arrive, the United States and its 25 Artemis Accord partner nations may require novel missile defenses on the moon.
Recent statements by Chinese space officials show increasing confidence that China can send people to the moon “before 2030.”
On April 25, Chinese Lunar Exploration Program Chief Designer Wu Weiren told Chinese state television: “By 2030, the Chinese people will definitely be able to set foot on the moon. That’s not a problem.”
Then on May 29, just before the launch of the Shenzhou-16 manned spacecraft, China Manned Space Agency Deputy Director Lin Xiqiang stated: “Recently, the moon landing phase of China’s crewed lunar exploration program has started. The main goal is to send Chinese astronauts to land on the moon for the first time by 2030.”…