The Space Race, a 20th-century competition between the United States and the Soviet Union, was concluded by the moon landing of 1975. With technological advancements and more efforts into “exploring space,” a new race has begun. Our country is racing to achieve the first civilization on the moon.
“People living on the moon, if habitable, would affect civilization in the long run, changing human characteristics both mentally and physically from being in a different environment,” said junior Santrell Jones. “Living on the moon would also allow for more specific scientific discovery due to the prolonged amount of time spent in the atmosphere.”
During the Cold War, the first space race involved the United States and the Soviet Union competing to create the best technology and ultimately land on the moon.
Many countries, including the United States, Russia, China, India, and Japan, have been and continue to compete for this so-called “space dominance.” There are many aspects of the competition: water-ice resources from the moon, lunar reactors, Mars exploration, and satellite technology.
A current goal of NASA is to have the first man-mind civilization on the moon. It is referred to as the Artemis Mission. There is a huge leap from having the first footsteps on the moon to human civilization. In addition to the moon, NASA is working to expand Mars exploration.
“It would create an even larger wealth gap,” said senior Andrew Rocks, “the one we already have is so stark, but I think the presence of people on the moon would create a society of people who believe they are ‘better’ than everyone else.”
China is also advancing with its technologies, such as the Kill Mesh integrated network.
“I think the US will win the space race,” said junior Caitlyn Cooper, “the US has already made a lot of contributions and advances in space technology.”
China, with its rapid acceleration and new advancements, is a leading force in the “space race,” but the United States is making great moves with our Artemis program and through private companies like SpaceX or Blue Origin.
Grab your popcorn, sit back and relax, and watch the race take off. These competing countries are predicted to achieve new accomplishments, reach unimaginable places, and create the most cutting-edge technology in the coming years.
