Comment by rhubarbtree

3 hours ago

Is there any reason to doubt that the Chinese will get (back) there first?

Not first. Seventh.

The successful manned moon landings so far:

1. United States of America

2. United States of America

3. United States of America

4. United States of America

5. United States of America

6. United States of America

Now we're watching a riveting race for 7th place.

Sure. It’s not easy to do. I think odds favor China right now, but it’s far from a done deal. Anything from geopolitics to internal politics to technical hurdles could interfere (ditto with the US and everyone else of course).