U.S. Is Losing Race to Return to Moon, Critics Say, Pointing at SpaceX

The article highlights concerns about the United States' ability to return to the moon, with critics pointing to the delay in SpaceX's Starship rocket development. Former NASA executives argue that the Starship, which has experienced a series of test explosions, is still years away from being ready for a lunar mission. The article suggests that the U.S. is losing the race to return to the moon, as SpaceX's timeline for the Starship's readiness is behind schedule. This raises doubts about the country's ability to meet its stated goal of returning astronauts to the lunar surface by 2024, a target set by the previous administration. The article underscores the challenges faced by the space industry and the importance of reliable and timely progress in developing the necessary technology for a successful moon mission. It highlights the ongoing competition and the pressure on the U.S. to maintain its leadership in space exploration.