Former NASA chief says United States likely to lose second lunar space race

Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has expressed concern over the United States' ability to regain its leadership in lunar exploration. Bridenstine believes that China's rapid progress in this field makes it "highly unlikely" for the U.S. to outpace China's projected timeline for returning to the Moon. Bridenstine's comments come at a time when the U.S. is facing challenges in its Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts to the lunar surface by 2024. The program has faced delays and budget constraints, while China's lunar ambitions have been steadily advancing. China's recent achievements, such as the successful landing of the Zhurong rover on Mars and the ongoing construction of its own space station, have heightened concerns about the U.S. falling behind in the new space race. Bridenstine's assessment underscores the need for the U.S. to prioritize and invest heavily in its lunar exploration efforts to maintain its position as a global leader in space exploration.