NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman expressed concern that China's Chang'e 7 lunar mission, delayed until early next year, could establish exclusion zones at the Moon's south pole, potentially restricting US access to scientifically valuable sites like Shackleton Crater. Both nations are competing for the same prime real estate known for water ice deposits in permanently shadowed regions.
Background
China has been advancing its lunar program with the Chang'e series, while NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon. The lunar south pole is a strategic target due to evidence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters, making it critical for future sustained lunar presence.
- Source
- Ars Technica
- Published
- Sep 24, 2026 at 10:57 PM
- Score
- 7.0 / 10