An irony hides in the context of the NASA Artemis II launch on April 2. The U.S. has both openly and in internal reports cast the Artemis programme to return American astronauts to the moon as part of a race against China. But as China in Space editor Jack Congram has pointed out, China does not believe it is racing the U.S. to the moon. Also read: NASA Artemis II launch highlightsInstead, it has developed its programme to send Chinese astronauts (taikonauts) to the moon as part of a national programme, with ties to local industries and developmental goals. This extended preamble may be necessary to understand the NASA Artemis programme because, in general, the sights and sounds of any sufficiently ‘large’ space mission can spark enough awe and wonder to blow away sceptical thoughts.

Source: The Hindu April 05, 2026 01:47 UTC