NASA Chief “Angry” Over Claims China Will Beat US to the Moon
▼ Summary
– NASA’s interim administrator Sean Duffy expressed anger and competitiveness over claims that China will land on the Moon before NASA’s Artemis Program.
– Duffy vowed that NASA will beat China to the Moon, responding to criticism during an all-hands meeting with employees.
– Former NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine testified that China is ahead in the space race and likely to reach the Moon first unless changes occur.
– Duffy has frequently appeared on Fox News, projecting optimism about NASA’s competitiveness and aiming for a Moon landing before Trump leaves office.
– Duffy, who is also transportation secretary, is seeking to become permanent NASA administrator and aligns politically with the Trump administration.
NASA’s interim chief, Sean Duffy, made his frustration clear this week in response to growing speculation that China might land astronauts on the Moon before the United States returns with its Artemis Program. Speaking during an internal meeting with agency staff, Duffy acknowledged recent commentary suggesting NASA could lose the new lunar race.
“We had testimony that said NASA will not beat China to the Moon,” Duffy stated. “That was shade thrown on all of NASA. I heard it, and I gotta tell you what, maybe I am competitive, I was angry about it. I can tell you what, I’ll be damned if that is the story that we write. We are going to beat the Chinese to the Moon.”
His strong reaction came just one day after former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine testified before Congress, warning that China has pulled ahead in the renewed space race. Bridenstine, who played a key role in establishing the Artemis Program in 2019, expressed doubt about America’s current trajectory. “Unless something changes,” he cautioned, “it is highly unlikely the United States will beat China’s projected timeline to the Moon’s surface.” China has publicly targeted a crewed lunar landing before 2030.
Since his appointment as interim administrator two months ago, Duffy has maintained a very public profile. He has appeared frequently on Fox News, projecting confidence in NASA’s capabilities and aligning closely with the Trump administration’s priorities. In a polished video released on Friday, he reinforced his commitment, saying, “I’m committed to getting us back to the Moon before President Trump leaves office.”
Duffy, who also serves as Secretary of Transportation, is widely seen as positioning himself to become the permanent NASA administrator. With a strong political background and polished communication skills, he understands how to leverage media to convey messages directly to the White House. Still, some observers note that his optimistic public statements have so far shown limited engagement with the technical and budgetary challenges underlying the competition with China.
(Source: Ars Technica)
