The U.S. is competing with China to return to the moon, and recent developments at NASA have sparked new discussions about the Artemis program. In a House Committee meeting on February 26, experts acknowledged the urgency of launching U.S. missions to the moon, especially with China’s plans for a crewed landing before 2030.
Dr. Scott Pace and Dan Dumbacher, who are both knowledgeable in space policy, emphasized the importance of acting quickly. Dumbacher highlighted the competitive landscape, saying, “China and its allies are making great strides in space. This poses a serious national security and economic risk for us.”
To successfully reach the moon, both experts agree that NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) must play an essential role, though they disagree on how central it should be. Dumbacher pointed out the challenges with SpaceX’s Starship, suggesting it’s unlikely to deliver astronauts by 2030. Instead, Pace proposed exploring other options for moon missions. He stated, “NASA should look into buying services for heavy-lift missions to send humans to the moon—this should be a top priority.”
Both experts also discussed the need for a sustainable plan once astronauts arrive on the moon. Pace said, “It’s crucial to have a mission plan that allows us to establish a permanent presence there.” This could provide critical insights for future missions to Mars.
The competition with China can’t be ignored. Successfully reaching the moon not only enhances U.S. leadership in space but also sets the stage for future exploration. Pace pointed out that human missions need to be consistent and not just one-off events. He said, “For the U.S. to maintain its leadership, we need repeatable missions.”
Many issues within NASA were also raised during the hearing. Confusion surrounding recent policy changes, especially during the Trump administration, has caused concern among NASA employees. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren remarked on the troubling work environment, explaining that employees fear arbitrary job losses
Dumbacher echoed this, sharing that many talented former students and current NASA workers are anxious about their futures. He noted that this anxiety could push skilled individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere, which is disheartening given the urgent need for innovation in the space sector.
The discussion also touched on the bureaucracy hindering NASA’s ability to move forward. Representatives noted that streamlining regulatory processes could help the agency tap into private sector innovations, ultimately cutting costs and improving efficiency. However, it’s worth noting that NASA did not send a representative to the hearing, even though they were invited.
In summary, as the U.S. races against China to return to the moon, key discussions on strategy, sustainability, and the morale of NASA employees will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of America’s space exploration efforts.
