NASA administrator Bill Nelson cautioned lawmakers about China’s expanding space capabilities, suggesting that its civilian program might mask military intentions.

Nelson emphasized China’s secrecy and highlighted the possibility that its civilian space endeavors serve military purposes.

He underscored the importance of remaining vigilant in what he characterized as a competitive space race.

Speaking before the House appropriations committee on NASA’s fiscal 2025 budget, Nelson stressed the need for the United States to prioritize lunar exploration, aiming to land astronauts on the moon before China.

He expressed concerns that China’s potential lunar presence could lead to territorial claims, Phys.org has reported.

While the United States plans to return astronauts to the moon with the Artemis 3 mission in 2026, China aims for manned lunar missions by 2030.

Despite his confidence in America’s space leadership, Nelson acknowledged China’s significant investment in space and urged continued vigilance to maintain America’s global edge in space exploration.

Written by B.C. Begley