Did you know about Space Race? | Will China's moon landing launch a new Space race?

China became the third country to land a probe on the Moon on Jan 2. But, more important, it because the first to do so on the far side of the moon, often called the dark side. The ability to land on the far side of the moon is a technical achievement in its own right, one that neither Russia nor the United States has pursed.

• The probe, Chang'e 4, is symbolic of the growth of the Chinese space program and the capabilities it has amassed, significant for China and for relations among the great power across the world.
• The consequences extend to the United States as the Trump administration considers global competition in space as well as the future of space exploration.
• One of the major drives of U.S. space policy historically has been competition with Russia particularly in the context of the Cold War.
• If China's successes continue to accumulate, could the United States find itself engaged in a new space race?

A new space race?

• The most notable feature of the Chinese space program, especially compared to the early American and Russian program, is its slow and steady pace.
• Because of the secrecy that surrounds many aspects of the Chinese space program, its exact capabilities are unknown. However, the program is likely on par with its counterparts.
• In terms of military applications, China has also demonstrated significant skills. In 2007, it undertook an anti-satellite test, launching a ground-based missile to destroy a failed weather satellite.
• While successful, the test created a cloud of orbital debris that continues to threaten other satellites.
• The movie "Gravity" illustrated the dangers space debris poses to both satellites and humans.
• In its 2018 report on the Chinese military, the Department of Defense reported that China's military space program "continues to mature rapidly."
• Despite its capabilities, the U.S., unlike other countries, has not engaged in any substantial co-operation with China because of national security concerns. In fact, a 2011 law bans official contact with Chinese space officials.
• NASA Administrator Jim Brindenstine recently met with the head of the Chinese space program at the International Astronautical Conference in Germany  and discussed areas where China and the U.S. can work together. However, increased military presence in space might spark increased competition. The Trump administration has used the treat posed by China and Russia to support their argument for a new independent military branch, a Space Force.