China Poised for Lunar Footprint Ahead of US Return, Claims Former NASA Administrator
Washington D.C. – The United States may soon find itself playing catch-up in the race to return humans to the Moon, according to a candid assessment from a former high-ranking NASA official. Jim Bridenstine, who served as the 13th Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration from 2018 to 2021, has expressed his belief that China is likely to achieve a crewed lunar landing before the United States does.
Bridenstine’s remarks, published by The Register on September 4, 2025, highlight a growing concern within the space exploration community regarding the pace of both nations’ lunar ambitions. While the US has embarked on its ambitious Artemis program, aiming to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, Bridenstine suggests that China’s focused and well-resourced efforts are putting them in a strong position to reach the lunar surface first with their own astronauts.
The Artemis program, spearheaded by NASA, has set audacious goals, including landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon and creating a long-term exploration framework. However, the program has faced its share of developmental and budgetary challenges, which may be contributing to delays. Bridenstine’s perspective implies that these hurdles, coupled with China’s steadfast progress, could shift the historical narrative of lunar exploration.
China’s space program has demonstrated remarkable advancement in recent years, marked by successful robotic lunar missions, including sample return capabilities, and the establishment of its own space station. These achievements underscore a strategic and methodical approach to lunar exploration, building both technical expertise and national prestige. Bridenstine’s assessment suggests that this consistent momentum is a significant factor in their potential to achieve a crewed landing ahead of schedule.
While the exact timelines for both nations’ crewed lunar missions remain subject to ongoing development and potential adjustments, Bridenstine’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the competitive landscape in space. The implications of such an outcome extend beyond national pride, potentially influencing geopolitical dynamics, the future of lunar resource utilization, and the direction of international space cooperation.
NASA and its international partners continue to work diligently towards the Artemis program’s objectives, emphasizing scientific discovery, technological innovation, and the long-term benefit of humanity. However, Bridenstine’s experienced viewpoint offers a valuable external perspective, urging a re-evaluation of strategic priorities and the imperative for sustained, robust investment in American lunar ambitions to ensure leadership in this new era of space exploration. The coming years will undoubtedly be crucial in determining who will next leave footprints on the lunar dust.
Ex-NASA chief: China likely to land humans on Moon before Uncle Sam does again
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