NASA’s acting administrator, Sean Duffy, expressed strong determination to maintain the United States’ leadership in lunar exploration amid recent claims suggesting China may surpass NASA in reaching the Moon first. During an all-hands meeting with agency staff, Duffy addressed concerns raised by recent discussions and congressional testimony.

“There has been talk implying that NASA might not beat China to the Moon,” Duffy stated firmly. “That kind of commentary undermines the hard work of our team and the entire agency. I want to make one thing clear: we are committed to outpacing China in this race. NASA will return to the Moon before anyone else.”

The remarks come in the wake of a congressional hearing where former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine claimed that China has gained a significant edge over the United States in space exploration, referring to the recent advancements in China’s lunar missions.

Despite the competitive atmosphere, NASA remains focused on its Artemis program, which aims to land humans on the Moon by the mid-2020s. Experts highlight that international competition has intensified, but NASA’s renewed emphasis on innovation and collaboration continues to underpin its lunar ambitions.

For more insights into NASA’s Artemis program and lunar exploration efforts, visit the official NASA website or refer to space policy and exploration resources provided by the [European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int/) and other space agencies.

Ethan Cole

I'm Ethan Cole, a tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind innovation. I write about emerging technologies, startups, and the digital trends shaping our future. Read me on x.com