UNIVERSE OF NATURE

The global space race is entering a new era. China is rapidly expanding its ambitions beyond Earth orbit and moving closer to one of the most difficult achievements in modern science: sending astronauts to the Moon. Chinese officials have reaffirmed that the country intends to complete a crewed lunar landing before 2030, and major reforms inside the nation’s space industry are now underway to make that goal possible. The renewed focus on lunar exploration comes during a period of growing international competition in space. Governments and private companies are investing billions of dollars into Moon missions, advanced spacecraft, and future lunar bases. China’s leadership sees human exploration of the Moon as both a scientific milestone and a symbol of technological strength. Officials involved in the country’s space program recently emphasized that China “will spare no effort” in preparing for its historic lunar mission. Behind those words is a massive effort involving new rockets...