NORA FENDLEY / NEWS WRITER

For decades, space administrations across the globe have pursued lunar exploration. Following the first human moon landing in 1969, modern technology and capabilities grew, reframing what was once possible for space travel. After nearly a decade of preparation, the United States may be closer to the next crewed moon landing than expected. However, China and other competing countries are making similar efforts. The famed “Space Race” may be making a comeback.

On Feb. 27, the NASA administration announced updated projections for the Artemis Lunar Program timeline. Artemis III is a low Earth orbit test flight set for mid-2027, while Artemis IV will be the program’s first crewed moon landing, projected for early 2028. The mission will send two astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft, to the lunar south pole, collecting samples and data on the lunar surface’s composition over six days. Upon return, Orion will splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego. Artemis II also landed at this predetermined location due to the predictable weather conditions and the proximity to the U.S. Navy infrastructure.

Additionally, China is nearest to the U.S. in achieving this goal. China National Space Administration (CNSA) has lined up missions Chang’e 7 and Chang’e 8, which will be uncrewed to assess the conditions of the lunar surface. Between 2029 and 2030, the CNSA plans to send the crewed Mengzhou spacecraft to the moon.

Modern lunar missions are unique because of the presence of ice craters at the lunar south pole. Modeling of the lunar surface conducted by NASA confirmed the presence of ice in these southern areas using Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). These craters, formed by the lack of sunlight, could provide practical resources that ease the burden of preparing for space travel, including additional drinking water or rocket fuel. Taking this into account, weight on the spacecraft typically used by these resources could be allocated differently, or removed altogether allowing for lighter travel.

Raquel Martinez, a USD assistant physics professor with a doctorate in astronomy, shared the possibilities these ice craters create.

“The discovery of such vast reservoirs of water definitely increases the prospects of establishing human settlements on the moon,” Martinez wrote. “We wouldn’t have to rely on creating water from the fuel cells of our spacecraft or carrying the water we need to use with us from Earth. We have a lot of current capabilities that could help us to have a presence on the moon.”

Beyond scientific possibilities, international relations play a significant role in the potential outcomes of space exploration. The competition for resources and territory raises questions about geopolitical possibilities and the impacts of world powers’ control of extraterrestrial areas.

Chris Kenney, a candidate of the Master of Arts in International Relations program at USD, elaborated on the role international relations play in space expeditions.

“Acquisition of territory in space is not very different from acquisition of terrestrial territory in that it provides the holder with potential resources, prestige and leverage,” Kenney wrote. “The big difference is that in space, at present, there isn’t a large defensive force fielded by one nation in order to prohibit taking of resources by another nation … It’s kind of like the wild west.”

In both modern and historical space expeditions, high stakes often stem from the lack of regulation and international cooperation about the resources space has to offer.

“The main thing students should be aware of is that each of them accesses space multiple times per day, whether using Google maps, or sending a location pin to a friend … space activities and space policy affects everyone, however unequally,” Kenney wrote.

As modern advancements make space exploration more accessible, opportunities for resources and expansion come closer to being achieved. Pursuing these possibilities, however, means entering new territory for international relations, beyond the reach of current policies.

For more information on the upcoming Artemis launches, students may visit NASA.gov.

Artemis IV is projected to launch in early 2028. Art by Kyra Lefebvre