The United States and China are among the largest countries in terms of space technology. Both countries have been individually gearing up to send astronauts to the lunar surface and revive and continue research activities.
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With its Artemis program, the National Astronauts and Space Association (NASA) aims to establish a robust infrastructure to establish and support lunar missions.
On the other hand, China, with its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) is working closely with its research partners to establish long-term missions to the moon. The respective organizations of both countries have to work together, particularly when it comes to landings at the lunar south pole. As the two sides prepare for a sustainable presence on the moon, mission plans have to be exchanged.
Photo: NASA | Wikimedia Commons
According to the Atlantic Council,
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"The United States and its allies are developing a major space program to return to the moon and establish a permanent presence with a lunar base and an orbiting lunar space station. The project has ignited public excitement and forged new agreements between the United States and partner nations."
"At the same time, China is leading a very similar project called the International Lunar Research Station to establish a permanent lunar presence, working with Russia and several other countries, including Belarus, Egypt, Nicaragua, and South Africa."
Can the two countries work together to ensure safe and somewhat collaborative activities? While there haven't been any conversations regarding lunar missions, experts like NASA's Chief Bill Nelson believe that there will be some conversations in the future.
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The 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)
In October, the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC) took place where NASA's Bill Nelson was asked about the Artemis program and the agency's progress on beginning missions to the lunar surface. The permanently shadowed craters on the moon's surface are thought to have lots of water ice which can be used in a variety of ways, including life support for astronauts, making of jet fuel, and specialized vegetation.
With regards to the possibility of conversions between NASA and the Chinese counterpart and if both parties have exchanged any information about their plans, Nelson responded, as quoted by Space.com,
"The answer to that is no. We have had conversations in the deconfliction of orbit around Mars , and that was done a few years ago,"
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While Nelson spoke about previous conversations about various missions on Mars, including those from the European Space Agency (ESA), there was no exchange for the lunar missions. However, Nelson mentioned,
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"I assume that there will be some conversation of deconfliction of orbits around the moon, but those have not been held thus far. Concerning the south pole of the moon, that's to be determined,"
Photo: NASA Johnson | Flickr The need for an exchange
The space program involves many complex procedures, particularly those related to exploration missions. The United States, China, and the European Union are planning to build a comprehensive navigation and communications infrastructure in the moon's orbit. As such, detailed exchanges are necessary to ensure the coordination of presence and movement around the orbit, thereby reducing the risk of accidental collisions.
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Bill Nelson expressed the strong need for different sides to assist one another on such missions, particularly in case of an emergency on the surface. According to Nelson,
"The objective of the Artemis Accords is the peaceful exploration of space and coming to help each other in times of need."
Photo: NASA How can these exchanges begin? Establishing a bilateral working group between NASA and China's National Space Administration (CNSA). Communication protocols, procedures, and guidelines. Readiness for potential rescue missions Mutual use of lunar communication and navigation services. Consumables, power, habitats, and transportation. ✕ Remove Ads
The Atlantic Council acknowledges the geopolitical hostility between the United States and China and how it has impacted the core of the global space program in recent years. While both nations are working separately on the same goal, no cooperation, collaboration, or communication between them is a major setback for space exploration teams. Given the circumstances, how do the two nations find a common ground?
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The two nations have to go back to the United Nations Rescue and Return of Astronauts Agreement of 1968, which enables countries to come to the rescue of one another's astronauts in distressed situations. The Atlantic Council elaborates on the criticality of partnerships by stating,
"For instance, how would a Chinese astronaut connect and supply the right pressure to provide oxygen to an American astronaut in distress without first having the right connecting gear and knowing the pressure settings? How can countries make their ships compatible to dock if medical support is needed? What would be the communication protocols to use when determining whether assistance is necessary?"
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To keep the finest maritime traditions alive, it is essential to begin discussions about exchanging procedures, processes, and guidelines.
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