China Opens Chang'e-6 Lunar Probe, NASA Cries Foul Amid US Space Industry Struggles

China Opens Chang'e-6 Lunar Probe Returner, NASA Cries Foul

The return capsule of China's Chang'e-6 lunar probe was opened during a ceremony in Beijing on June 26, 2024. Researchers examined key technical indicators and began analyzing the nearly 2 kilograms of fresh lunar soil retrieved from the far side of the moon.

Meanwhile, NASA expressed disappointment over not being directly invited to participate in the lunar soil research. However, Chinese experts pointed out that US domestic legislation, specifically the Wolf Amendment, restricts space cooperation between the two countries. They emphasized that China welcomes international collaboration but operates on principles of equality and mutual benefit, which the US often disregards.

Adding to NASA's woes, the agency's recent endeavors have been plagued by delays and technical issues. Boeing's Starliner manned spacecraft encountered helium leaks and thruster problems during a docking with the International Space Station, leading to an indefinite delay in the crew's return. Additionally, a planned spacewalk was canceled due to a coolant leak in one of the spacesuits. These incidents highlight the US space industry's struggle with aging technology and a lack of long-term planning, experts say.

The recurring problems with the spacesuits, originally designed over 40 years ago, and the abandonment of a plan to develop next-generation suits by 2026, demonstrate the US's declining engineering capabilities. This, coupled with the lack of strategic planning for its manned space program, has resulted in hindered maintenance tasks and potential safety risks for astronauts.

These issues are not isolated incidents but reflect a systemic problem within the US space industry. The overall weakening of engineering capabilities and the absence of long-term planning threaten to impede further progress and innovation.