Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

The National Security Space Association’s Moorman Center for Space Studies today released a paper entitled: “Strategic Implications of China’s Cislunar Space Activities.”

While some may discount China’s cislunar space aspirations because the United States has already gone to the Moon, the paper responds by saying there is risk of underestimating the political impact of Chinese astronauts landing on the lunar surface or working with Russian cosmonauts to build and operate the projected International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).

Artist’s view of International Lunar Research Station to be completed by 2035. Credit: CNSA

“When Chinese astronauts walk on the Moon or establish a base there, it is likely to be a significant event not just for the PRC [People’s Republic of China] but for the world with global repercussions.”

Keep out zones

For example, the PRC could establish an Exclusive Economic Zone in cislunar space, declare a Space Defense Identification Zone and “keep out” zones to protect it, conduct in-situ resource utilization to support operations on the lunar surface, and extract valuable resources such as rare Earth materials and water on the Moon to increase its international competitiveness, wealth, and military power.

Image credit: NASA

Indeed, the Chinese Communist Party could move to monopolize the market for rare minerals on the Moon, the paper suggests, as well as the use of lunar water as an energy source.

To access the National Security Space Association’s Moorman Center for Space paper — “Strategic Implications of China’s Cislunar Space Activities” – go to

https://nssaspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Strategic-Implications-of-Chinas-Cislunar-Space-Activities-8.21-final.pdf