On February 12, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) officially announced the names of the spacesuit and the crewed lunar rover for its manned lunar exploration mission. The spacesuit was named “Wangyu (望宇, Gazing at the Sky),” and the crewed lunar rover was named “Tansuo (探索, Exploration),” highlighting China’s commitment to space development. Additionally, in June 2021, China and Russia agreed to establish a crewed research base, the “International Lunar Research Station (ILRS),” in the lunar south pole region and announced plans to complete its basic structure by 2035. This initiative is interpreted as a move not only for scientific exploration but also for securing long-term strategic advantages in space.
Lunar exploration has opened a new phase of competition among nations in terms of resource acquisition and military strategy. The Moon is rich in rare resources such as rare earth elements and helium-3, which is considered a next-generation energy source. Major powers are competing to secure these resources, and some are also pursuing strategies to use the Moon as a military outpost. The Moon is expected to serve as a forward base for deep space exploration, including missions to Mars, and with advancements in space launch technology, it is also being assessed as a strategic military location.
Meanwhile, in December 2019, the United States officially established the U.S. Space Force by signing the “2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).” This was the first new military branch created in 72 years since the establishment of the Air Force in 1947 and is interpreted as a measure to secure military dominance in space. The U.S. Space Force defines space as a separate warfighting domain in its official doctrine document, the “Space Capstone,” and emphasizes it as an essential element in future joint operations. This policy direction aims to expand military influence in space, including lunar exploration.
The U.S. Department of Defense has been strengthening its space surveillance and defense capabilities alongside the establishment of the Space Force and is considering utilizing the Moon as a military outpost. This strategic initiative is regarded as part of an effort to extend military operations beyond Earth’s orbit to the Moon and deep space.
On the other hand, China has also been enhancing its Earth observation and reconnaissance capabilities through its satellite network and is seeking to expand its military influence in space in addition to securing lunar resources. Beyond using space for communication, early warning, navigation, meteorological observation, and reconnaissance, China is advancing space military strategies, including anti-satellite weapons and space-based ballistic missile defense. Russia is also considering using its lunar base for military purposes, which could bring significant changes to the international security landscape in the future.
Major nations are reinforcing their strategies for lunar exploration and military utilization. This shift demonstrates that space is transforming from a field of pure scientific research into a new arena of competition and power struggles among nations. As space becomes a stage for geopolitical rivalry, major powers are employing various strategies to secure technological superiority. Given this situation, the competition for lunar exploration will be a key variable in future international diplomacy and military strategy, drawing attention to how the international community will respond.
