December 2024 | Product 3002255
What China’s Presence in
Cislunar Space Represents to
the U.S.
This summary describes IDA’s research on China’s cislunar space activities, a
component of the nation’s broader plan to establish a long-term presence in space.
It also notes the effect these intentions have on the U.S. and provides possible
response options.
In alignment with the Outer Space Treaty of
1967, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has
often stated its support for and adherence to the
peaceful use of outer space, maintaining
international laws against the territorial
sovereignty of outer space and celestial bodies.
However, entities within the U.S. have expressed
concern over China’s presence in cislunar space,
the volume of space between the Earth and the
Moon with particular interest in regions beyond
geostationary orbit (GEO) to include the upper
altitude limit of lunar orbit. China has placed
significant investment in research and
development of cislunar space technologies and
missions, from landing on the far side of the
Moon, on January 3, 2019, to the envisioned
Russian-Chinese International Lunar Research
Station. IDA researchers Kelsey Schoeman and
Ir
ina Liu offer insight into the ambitions and
motivations for China’s interest in cislunar space
and the implications of China’s actions on U.S.
space policies. Through analysis of official
documents, press releases, and statements by
officials, Kelsey and Irina identified several
motivations for the PRC’s cislunar activities:
international and domestic prestige, scientific
discovery, economic benefits and potential
military advantages. For example, in addition to
the promise of scientific discoveries, the cislunar
economy is estimated to be worth trillions due to
