Looks Like End of an Era in Space #NASA #spaceexploration #Russia

Politics and science collide all too often.

Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite way back in 1957. That got America’s attention.

China and Russia signed an agreement to work together to develop a lunar research station on or orbiting the Moon, allying Russia with a nation many see as in opposition to U.S. interests in space. Axios

Many countries are setting sights on the Moon, and various allies and competitors will shake out, but it looks like the long-standing US-Russian collaboration in space is at an end. China is booming, Russia is not, and they need a lift. I’m not as clear about what’s in this for China. Access to Russian experts, sure, but the Chinese are making such great strides, both from their own research and sketchier activities, that I don’t see the attraction.

Well, nothing focused the American government like the Cold War Space Race did. I guess we’re going to the Moon.