NASA bans Chinese nationals from all space programs amid rising US-China Moon race tensions |

NASA has formally barred Chinese nationals from working inside its space programmes, even when they maintain legitimate US visas. The choice, confirmed on 5 September, blocks Chinese college students, researchers, and contractors from accessing NASA services, networks, and supplies, successfully halting their participation in ongoing initiatives and collaborations. According to studies, many have been abruptly locked out of company programs, denied entry to important analysis knowledge, and excluded from each in-person and digital conferences associated to their work, inflicting vital disruption to ongoing scientific and technical initiatives.As BBC reported, NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens defined that the motion was taken to safeguard the company’s bodily and cybersecurity setting. While Chinese nationals beforehand contributed to analysis in restricted capacities, these alternatives have now been revoked fully, reflecting rising considerations over mental property safety, delicate applied sciences, and nationwide safety dangers related to worldwide participation in space exploration programs.

NASA blocked from working with China over safety and space considerations

The transfer displays Washington’s rising suspicion of Beijing’s technological ambitions. For years, the US Congress has restricted NASA from collaborating with China, citing nationwide safety dangers. This ban extends to sharing scientific knowledge, which is why Chinese astronauts stay excluded from the International Space Station (ISS).Concerns have intensified as China quickly advances its space programme. Several circumstances within the US involving alleged espionage by Chinese nationals, notably scientists in delicate fields; have fueled distrust. This has made it more durable for Chinese college students pursuing science and know-how levels to safe visas or enter the United States, even after receiving approvals.

NASA warns of a “second space race” as China goals for the Moon first

NASA leaders have brazenly acknowledged that the world is witnessing a “second space race.” Acting administrator Sean Duffy instructed reporters that China goals to return astronauts to the Moon earlier than the US, a situation Washington is decided to forestall. “The Chinese want to get back to the Moon before us. That’s not going to happen,” Duffy declared.The rivalry is just not merely symbolic. The Moon incorporates priceless assets, together with uncommon earth minerals, titanium, iron, and helium—supplies important for industries ranging from superior electronics to medical know-how. Lawmakers within the US Senate have warned that if China establishes dominance over lunar assets, it may pose severe dangers to America’s technological and strategic pursuits.

NASA blocks China cooperation amid rising space tensions

Chinese officers, nevertheless, have dismissed American considerations as pointless. The director of China’s Manned Space Agency’s know-how bureau argued final yr that space exploration needs to be seen as a “collective mission for humanity.” Despite this, Beijing has made no try to cover its bold objectives, which embody constructing a everlasting lunar base and advancing crewed deep-space missions.The new NASA restrictions spotlight the accelerating breakdown of scientific collaboration between the 2 superpowers. Once seen as a possible space for cooperation, space has now develop into a key battleground for affect and technological supremacy. With each nations racing to safe a foothold on the Moon, the stakes prolong far past exploration—they embody management over assets important to the worldwide economic system and future industries.As Senator Ted Cruz put it throughout a current Senate listening to: “China has made no secret of its goals. If our adversaries achieve dominant space capabilities, it would pose a profound risk to America… the stakes could not be higher”, BBC studies.Also Read | Solar Eclipse 2025: When and the best way to watch the final Surya Grahan of the yr in India and different international locations