China races for space dominance: Its bold plans for the moon and beyond

The recent return of Chinese astronauts from the Tiangong space station highlights significant challenges in China's space program, particularly regarding spacecraft safety and emergency protocols. The astronauts were stranded for over a week due to damage from space debris, prompting Russia's swift action to send Soyuz MS-23 to the ISS for crew recovery. This incident raises critical questions about how China will adapt its space strategies moving forward, especially in light of increasing space debris risks and the need for robust contingency plans. As China races for space dominance, the implications of these challenges could shape its future missions to the moon and beyond.