NEW DELHI: The United States is considering the construction of a lunar base within the next few years as tensions over space militarization with China and Russia escalate. Representative Ken Calvert, chair of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, expressed concerns over the strategic use of space by rival nations during his speech at the Hill & Valley Forum on AI Security.
Calvert emphasized the importance of maintaining American leadership in space, labeling it the new “high ground” in the rivalry among great powers. He highlighted the critical role of satellite networks in US military operations, including targeting. “Ultimately, we need to be sure we’re leading in that,” Calvert said.
The representative also voiced strong concerns about Russia’s alleged plans to position nuclear weapons in space, accusing Moscow of attempting to use these capabilities as “blackmail against the world if something happens that they don’t agree to.” Russia has firmly denied these claims, calling them a hoax by the White House aimed at securing more funding for Ukraine.
In terms of proactive measures, Calvert noted that while Nasa plans to return to the moon by 2025 or 2026, he suspects delays might push this timeline back. However, he believes the US military, including the Space Force, will be crucial in securing a lunar presence. “Space Force will be actively involved in, I think, in going to the moon at some point and that discussion is ongoing… Obviously, China is probably going to militarize the moon, I have no doubt, so I suspect we will have a base on the moon also … maybe by the end of this decade,” he predicted.
China, on the other hand, has maintained that its space ambitions are purely peaceful, accusing the US of escalating the “China threat” narrative to justify transforming space into a battleground.
This development comes as Russia and China have deepened their space cooperation, leading the efforts to build the International Lunar Research Station, which is slated for completion in the early 2030s and is open to participation from other countries.
Calvert emphasized the importance of maintaining American leadership in space, labeling it the new “high ground” in the rivalry among great powers. He highlighted the critical role of satellite networks in US military operations, including targeting. “Ultimately, we need to be sure we’re leading in that,” Calvert said.
The representative also voiced strong concerns about Russia’s alleged plans to position nuclear weapons in space, accusing Moscow of attempting to use these capabilities as “blackmail against the world if something happens that they don’t agree to.” Russia has firmly denied these claims, calling them a hoax by the White House aimed at securing more funding for Ukraine.
In terms of proactive measures, Calvert noted that while Nasa plans to return to the moon by 2025 or 2026, he suspects delays might push this timeline back. However, he believes the US military, including the Space Force, will be crucial in securing a lunar presence. “Space Force will be actively involved in, I think, in going to the moon at some point and that discussion is ongoing… Obviously, China is probably going to militarize the moon, I have no doubt, so I suspect we will have a base on the moon also … maybe by the end of this decade,” he predicted.
China, on the other hand, has maintained that its space ambitions are purely peaceful, accusing the US of escalating the “China threat” narrative to justify transforming space into a battleground.
This development comes as Russia and China have deepened their space cooperation, leading the efforts to build the International Lunar Research Station, which is slated for completion in the early 2030s and is open to participation from other countries.
