And due to the inherent dual-use nature of space technologies, what's at stake extends far beyond mere scientific prestige and global standing. In addition to national defense, so much of our life on Earth -- from digital communications to navigation -- depends on satellites in space. Following the demise of the Soviet Union's space program, the US has enjoyed a period of unparalleled leadership in space. But in recent years, US observers and politicians have warned that America's dominance could soon be challenged by China's fast-growing space capabilities.
That concern has only deepened with a series of important and high profile Chinese achievements: In 2019, it became the first country to land on the far side of the moon; last year, it successfully put into orbit its final Beidou satellite, setting the stage to challenge the US Global Positioning System (GPS); and last month, it became the only country after the US to put a functioning rover on Mars.