The head of NASA spoke with a German tabloid to discuss China’s ambitions to build a moon base in collaboration with Russia. A core question emerges for observers: what is the initial move required to secure the Moon, effectively protecting the satellite for peaceful exploration and shared use?
In the interview, the NASA administrator warned of a credible scenario in which China lands on the Moon and claims a sovereign zone, potentially restricting access for other nations. The remarks framed the matter as a new era of space rivalry, with China positioned as a central challenger and the United States, together with its allies, watching every development in lunar exploration and the practical use of lunar resources. The United States has outlined a 2025 lunar mission that would mark the first human, a woman, to set foot on the Moon, a landmark moment for American human spaceflight. Meanwhile, China has set a goal of establishing an operational presence on the lunar surface by 2035, aiming to extend strategic influence beyond Earth and secure stakes in near-Earth space for the long term. (Attribution: NASA)
The conversation underscored a particular focus on the Moon’s south polar region, long believed to contain reservoirs of water ice that could be processed into rocket propellant or life-support systems. Gaining control over such an area would carry significant implications for the viability of extended missions and for enabling broader access to lunar operations by multiple nations and commercial partners. (Attribution: NASA)
Asked about China’s broader strategic aims in space, the NASA leader indicated that recent activities aboard the Chinese space station demonstrate capabilities that could impact satellites operated by other countries. This point highlighted a concern that advancements in space infrastructure may include options to counter or degrade orbital assets if geopolitical tensions escalate. (Attribution: NASA)
He noted that China has invested years into developing technologies that could enable the interception or capture of other satellites. Such capabilities might involve robotic systems, tether or net approaches, or deliberate contact maneuvers that could be used to remove debris or to challenge orbiting assets in a conflict scenario. The emphasis was on how a rising space program could influence orbital security and the norms of responsible behavior in space as more actors push to expand their presence beyond Earth orbit. (Attribution: NASA)
Throughout the discussion, the NASA leader stressed that China’s space program operates with military objectives in mind and raised concerns about the transfer of technology that could amplify military capabilities. The remarks reflected a broader conversation about sovereignty, security, and the governance of space activities as nations pursue ambitious programs. The dialogue illustrated the tension between scientific exploration, commercial involvement, and national security considerations as humanity ventures farther into the lunar environment and beyond. (Attribution: NASA)