IN 2019, China, with its Chang’e 4 mission, was the first to land a vehicle on the moon on the far side. In 2020 they collected samples.
The Artemis mission is America’s new mission land on the moon again and eventually establish a permanent presence. But it has been delayed because of engine troubles.
China intends to launch Chang’e 6 and Chang’e 7 in 2024 and Chang’e 8 in 2027. Chang’e 8 will begin to experiment with oxygen generation from ice sources know to be on the moon.
Yes, the Chinese are serious competition.
