NASA’s Latest Warning: Credible Threat, Or Ridiculous Distraction?

The Director of NASA has issued a warning about the moon, but is this a credible threat or a ploy meant to boost funding?

Bill Nelson cautioned lawmakers that China may have secret military space programs disguised as civilian efforts.

Nelson’s great fear is that China would colonize the moon first and claim it as their territory—effectively keeping the U.S. out.

Indeed, China has unveiled ambitious plans for a lunar landing on the far side of the moon in 2026, and the rising industrial giant is dedicating ample resources to its space program.

Take a look at what Nelson had to say:

Daily Mail highlighted China’s recent achievements in space:

China has launched a craft to the moon and brought samples back to Earth, has its own space station circling the planet and is eyeing 2030 for when it will send humans to the natural satellite.

In a recent hearing, Bill Nelson claimed that China is scoping out a landing sight on the ‘dark side’ of the moon for reasons unknown to NASA.

The U.S plans to build its first(?) base on the south pole of the moon, because water. China has prioritized the backside of the moon, NASA Director Bill Nelson has no idea why. pic.twitter.com/y2pqSIVDmI

— James (@JamesIsSteezy) April 19, 2024

Nasa chief warns China is masking military presence in space with civilian programs pic.twitter.com/rt1k68C26B

— WION (@WIONews) April 18, 2024

According to The Guardian, Nelson told lawmakers:

“China has made extraordinary strides especially in the last 10 years, but they are very, very secretive.

We believe that a lot of their so-called civilian space program is a military program.

And I think, in effect, we are in a race.”