Artemis II: Space race heats up with China

AFP / France 24
by Jennie SHIN
April 11, 2026
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2 min read

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The Artemis II mission highlights a renewed space race between the United States and China.

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The Artemis II mission is refocusing attention on a renewed space race between the United States and China. This mission marks the first time humans have ventured this close to the Moon in over 50 years. The United States and China are now engaged in competing lunar ambitions, as explained by Camille Knight. This rivalry highlights the strategic importance both superpowers place on lunar exploration and potential resource control.

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Global Power Shifts

Tracking the changing dynamics of global power, including US-China competition, Russia's geopolitical moves, shifting alliances, NATO developments, and the emergence of new power blocs reshaping the international order.

Artemis II Mission: Historic Lunar Flyby and Return

The Artemis II mission successfully completed its historic lunar flyby, marking the first crewed journey around the Moon in over 50 years. The four astronauts safely splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, concluding a critical step in NASA's plans for future lunar exploration and a potential human return to the Moon.

Artemis II Mission: Return from Lunar Flyby

The Artemis II crew has successfully returned to Earth, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean after completing a historic lunar flyby. This mission marks a significant step in renewed space exploration efforts, with NASA already looking ahead to future endeavors despite budget concerns.

Artemis II Moon Mission Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew successfully completed its historic lunar flyby, returning safely to Earth with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. This mission marked the first human lunar travel in over 50 years, reigniting the space race and setting the stage for future lunar exploration.

Artemis II Mission Nears Completion

The four NASA Artemis II astronauts are preparing for a 'fireball' re-entry to Earth, concluding their historic moon mission. The crew has been engaging with the public, answering questions from space, and continuing the Apollo tradition of naming lunar features after loved ones.

Artemis II Mission Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew successfully completed its historic trip around the far side of the moon, traveling farther from Earth than any human before. The astronauts are now safely returning, sharing new images and perspectives from their groundbreaking mission.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Successful Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their nine-day voyage around the Moon, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration. The four astronauts returned to Earth with a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, receiving a jubilant welcome in Houston.

Artemis II Astronauts Return Home After Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully returned to Earth after a nine-day voyage around the Moon, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Their record-breaking mission, which took them further than any human has traveled in over 50 years, marks a significant milestone in renewed space exploration efforts, although concerns about potential NASA budget cuts loom.

Artemis II Astronauts Return from Moon Mission

The Artemis II astronauts have successfully returned to Earth after a record-breaking nine-day voyage around the Moon. Their safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean marks a significant milestone for NASA's lunar exploration program, though the future of the program faces potential budget cuts.

Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew has successfully returned to Earth after a record-breaking nine-day voyage around the Moon, splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. The four astronauts were welcomed home in Houston to widespread cheers, marking a significant milestone in NASA's lunar exploration program and renewing focus on the space race with China.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Successful Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its record-breaking nine-day voyage around the Moon, culminating in a splashdown in San Diego. The astronauts were welcomed home in Houston to cheers, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and reigniting discussions about the space race with China.

Artemis II Crew Returns to Earth

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their mission, returning to Earth with a splashdown in San Diego, witnessed by many. The astronauts, who completed a record-breaking trip around the Moon, were welcomed home in Houston, marking a significant milestone in the renewed space race.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their record-breaking voyage around the Moon, splashing down in San Diego. The astronauts were welcomed home in Houston, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and highlighting the renewed space race.

Artemis II Crew Returns Home After Successful Moon Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their nine-day voyage around the Moon, splashing down in San Diego to cheers and nationwide attention. The mission marks a significant milestone in human space exploration and has reignited discussions about the ongoing space race with China.

Artemis II Mission Returns from Lunar Flyby

The Artemis II crew has successfully completed its historic lunar flyby, traveling farther from Earth than any human before. Astronauts are now returning to Earth, sharing new images from the far side of the Moon and making a long-distance call to the International Space Station.

Artemis II Crew Returns After Record-Breaking Lunar Mission

The Artemis II crew successfully completed their record-breaking lunar mission, returning to Earth with a splashdown in San Diego. The astronauts were welcomed home in Houston, marking a significant milestone in space exploration and reigniting discussions about a new space race with China.

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