China’s space programme will advance rapidly

Significance That followed various advances by China in its space programme this year, including progress in the Qianfan and BeiDou satellite projects, as well as commercial launch capabilities. Beijing is rapidly closing the gap with the United States, planning to land its first astronauts on the moon in 2030. Impacts Qianfan will require vastly increased launch capabilities, partially supported by commercial launch firms and reusable launcher technology. China’s programmes will further its ambition to become the dominant space nation by the mid-2040s. The programmes will contribute towards a wider ambition to rebalance the global order into a multipolar one, reducing US dominance. Efforts in generating commercial launch capabilities will ensure satellite programmes are operational in a short timeframe. The United States, a major stakeholder in this domain, will be highly sensitive to China’s progress, increasing tensions with Beijing.