NASA’s upcoming Artemis II mission, set to launch in early 2026, marks a significant shift in the United States’ approach to lunar exploration. This mission will send a crewed spacecraft around the moon, allowing astronauts to test vital systems in preparation for future landings. Unlike the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s, the Artemis program unfolds in a vastly different geopolitical landscape, characterized by multiple nations vying for influence in space.
The Apollo 13 mission in April 1970 captivated over 40 million viewers worldwide as it navigated a life-threatening crisis in space. The U.S. space race of that era was largely a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, focused on demonstrating technological prowess and national prestige. Apollo 13’s successful return, despite not achieving its landing goal, underscored the importance of effective problem-solving in establishing a nation’s leadership in space.
Artemis II: A Strategic Shift
Fast forward more than half a century, and Artemis II represents a strategic evolution in U.S. space policy. The mission aims not just to revisit the moon but to establish a long-term presence. NASA’s focus has shifted from a singular race against a defined rival to a broader competition involving numerous countries and private entities. This transition underscores the need for collaborative frameworks that govern activities in space.
As a professor of air and space law, I emphasize that sustainable human activity on the moon hinges on shared expectations about safety and responsible behavior. The Artemis program is designed to facilitate partnerships among nations and commercial enterprises, fostering a cooperative environment on the lunar surface. This is a departure from the more isolated approaches seen in earlier space endeavors.
With countries like China emerging as significant players, the landscape of lunar exploration is increasingly crowded. China has developed a methodical lunar program, aiming for a crewed landing by 2030 and establishing a research station on the moon. Their focus on incremental advancements highlights a contrasting strategy to that of the United States, which emphasizes partnerships and open frameworks.
The Importance of Crewed Missions
Scheduled to launch in February 2026, Artemis II will not land on the moon. Instead, it will carry a four-person crew around the moon’s far side to test life-support and navigation systems before returning to Earth. While this mission may seem modest compared to previous lunar landings, its strategic implications are profound.
Crewed missions like Artemis II require sustained political commitment, stable funding, and reliable systems that can accommodate both governmental and commercial interests. This mission serves as a crucial stepping stone to Artemis III, which aims to land astronauts near the moon’s south pole by 2028.
The Artemis program’s approach contrasts sharply with that of China’s tightly controlled lunar strategy. While China’s program is state-directed and selective in its partnerships, the U.S. emphasizes openness and collaboration. This difference reflects a strategic choice that aims to expand capabilities and shape expectations about how lunar activities are conducted.
As competition intensifies, the need for clear operational rules becomes paramount. The 1967 Outer Space Treaty mandates that countries conduct their activities in space with “due regard” for the interests of others, a principle that may soon be tested as various actors converge on resource-rich areas of the moon.
During a recent Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman underscored the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in space. His remarks align with a broader governmental perspective that sees human spaceflight and lunar infrastructure as integral to national security and economic interests.
Recent U.S. policy reflects a commitment to sustained lunar operations, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and predictability in space activities. A new executive order supports long-term lunar operations and commercial participation, moving beyond a short-term focus on competition to a strategy of sustained engagement.
As Artemis II prepares for its mission, the competition with China will continue to evolve. However, true leadership in space will depend on the ability to foster cooperation and establish stable operating practices. Artemis II may not define the future of lunar exploration, but it embodies an American model of transparency and collaboration that could influence the next chapter of both lunar and Martian exploration.
