The United States sent 12 astronauts to the lunar surface six times in the last century, but left behind a large amount of garbage, including the lunar descent, human excrement and lunar rover. When China planned a manned mission to the moon, the United States caused some movement. In late 2020, the United States passed the One-Step Act to Protect the Heritage of Humanity in Space, which requires that space missions launched from U.S. territory must not destroy remnants and sites left on the moon during the Apollo missions. This article will explore U.S. intentions and the possible impact of the bill.
History of U.S. missions to the moon
The United States has conducted several lunar missions over the past few decades, successfully sending 12 astronauts to the lunar surface. However, these missions left behind a lot of trash and remnants, such as the descending section of the moon landing, human excrement, and lunar rovers. These remnants not only occupy space on the lunar surface, but may also negatively affect the lunar environment.
Adoption of the One Small Step to Protecting the Heritage of Humanity in Space
In order to protect humanity's historical heritage on the moon, the United States passed the One-Step Act to Protect Human Heritage in Space at the end of 2020. The bill requires that space missions launched from U.S. territory not destroy remnants and sites left on the moon during the Apollo missions. The move is seen as part of an attempt by the United States to assert its interests in future lunar exploration.
International implications of the Act
In addition to requiring U.S. astronauts to comply with the law, the United States wants the bill to become an international agreement and requires other countries to comply with the law. However, this requires the recognition and cooperation of other countries. If China does not agree to the bill, it cannot become international law. This has sparked international controversy and discussion about U.S. behavior in space.
Sino-American competition in lunar exploration
China plans to carry out a manned lunar mission and has made some progress. However, the U.S. move suggests that they have certain expectations for control of the moon. Such competition could lead to tensions and conflicts between the two countries, and could also trigger broader repercussions and consequences on the international stage.
The response of the international community
The United States has tried to codify the Small Steps to Protecting the Heritage of Humanity in Space into international law, but the international community's response has been unanimous. Some countries supported the U.S. position that protecting the historical heritage on the moon was important and deserved global consensus and cooperation. Other countries, however, have expressed concern about U.S. attempts to dominate space, arguing that it could exacerbate competition and conflict in space.
Possible impacts and solutions
If the competition between the United States and China in lunar exploration escalates, it could have a negative impact on space cooperation and international relations. To avoid this, the international community could seek to establish common principles and norms to ensure the peaceful and sustainable use of space. International cooperation and consultation will be key to resolving potential conflicts in lunar exploration.
The importance of sustainable lunar exploration
Whether it is the United States or other countries, lunar exploration should focus on sustainability. In addition to preserving historical heritage, attention needs to be paid to the conservation and sustainable use of the lunar environment. Taking appropriate measures to reduce trash and pollution on the moon and establish sustainable infrastructure and resource management systems will have a positive impact on future lunar exploration and human space exploration.
Conclusion: The United States seeks to safeguard its interests in space by protecting the remnants and sites on the moon during the Apollo missions through the One Step Method for Protecting the Heritage of Humanity in Space. However, the internationalization of the Act faces challenges and controversy. In lunar exploration, the international community needs to ensure the peaceful and sustainable use of space through cooperation and consultation. At the same time, the principle of focusing on the protection of the lunar environment and sustainable use should also become an important part of lunar exploration. Only by working together can we realize the common interests and prosperity of mankind in space exploration.