Washington Post: Russia and China are closing the gap with the US in the space race
According to the WP, new steps taken by Moscow and Beijing in space are increasing pressure on infrastructure and launch capacity for the US to maintain its technological superiority.
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The Washington Post reported that Russia and China are increasingly closing the distance between themselves and the US in the space sector. The newspaper's assessment stated that the technological superiority Washington has long held is beginning to diminish, and that recent steps by Moscow and Beijing could pose strategic risks for the US.
The report specifically drew attention to China's progress in reusable rocket technology. It was noted that a Chinese aerospace company successfully landed the first stage of a rocket back on Earth for the first time in August. This capability had previously been associated with US-based companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin.
The reusability of rocket stages is seen as a critical threshold in commercial and military space activities because it reduces launch costs. According to the WP, progress in this area shows that China is increasing its capacity not only through state-sponsored projects but also through the private sector.
The newspaper also listed Russia's Rassvet satellite system, which is planned to provide internet connectivity from space, among the topics that the US should monitor carefully. The assessment stated that the system could be used by the Russian military and could offer capabilities similar to those provided by SpaceX's Starlink network.
WARNING FOR THE US REGARDING INFRASTRUCTURE AND PERMITTING PROCESSES
According to the WP, one of the fundamental problems the US faces is aging launch pads and space infrastructure. While it was emphasized that additional budget from Congress is needed to modernize this infrastructure, it was also noted that commercial launch permits need to be streamlined and made more efficient.
The newspaper wrote that the US maintains its leadership for now thanks to its strong private space sector, but that this superiority cannot be sustained automatically. According to the assessment, Washington needs to increase the number of launches, accelerate infrastructure investments, and expand the scope of action for the private sector.
The US tracking of Russian and Chinese activities in space has also begun to be shared more with allies recently. According to a May 2025 report by The Times, Washington has provided the UK and other members of the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance with access to some data from the Space Delta 9 unit, which monitors Russian and Chinese satellites.
Russia and China, meanwhile, are continuing their joint space projects. In 2024, Moscow approved an agreement with China on the International Lunar Research Station, which is planned to be established on the lunar surface or in orbit. Russian President Vladimir Putin also said in April 2025 that the two countries have "great" and "magnificent" plans in the field of space.
Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine called on Russia, the US, and China to cooperate in space in October 2025, stating that the countries' interests and activities could intersect in space and that the parties could not act alone.