TWiS 203: China Rising - With Dr. Namrata Goswami

Mar 27, 2026

Dr. Namrata Goswami, a space security scholar at Johns Hopkins and author on U.S.-China space rivalry, breaks down China’s steady, infrastructure-first lunar push. Conversation covers Chinese strategic timelines, cultural messaging, lunar resource aims, legal gaps like safety zones, and how cislunar space may become contested between major powers.

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ANECDOTE

How Dark Skies In Northeast India Shaped A Scholar

Namrata grew up in Northeast India where dark skies and oral traditions tied communities to the night sky.
Her childhood exposure to stellar views and family libraries led her to study international relations and later specialize in space geopolitics.

INSIGHT

China's Longterm Infrastructure First Lunar Strategy

China planned its lunar program since 2002 as an infrastructure-first strategy focused on resource extraction and sustained presence.
Their stepwise approach builds LEO and cislunar capabilities to enable lunar resource use, automation, and deeper space settlement.

INSIGHT

Cultural Framing Boosts Chinese Space Legitimacy

China ties space programs to cultural narratives like Chang'er to build domestic support and legitimacy.
Officials and scientists frequently explain missions in Chinese media and at festivals to connect folklore, education, and national destiny.

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Many suggest there is a new space race afoot, this time between the US and China. We've also know that America seems to be at its best in innovation and achievement when challenged by some external force. Will the Chinese human lunar program light the fuse of American innovation and accomplishment when it comes to our lagging lunar program and other spaceflight initiatives? Dr. Namrata Goswami of Johns Hopkins University joins us to examine the intricacies of potential threats to American leadership in space and the possible outcomes. Who will be first to land astronauts on the moon? Does it really matter? Who controls what regions of the moon? Will cislunar space be contested between major space powers? This and much more in this episode of This Week in Space.

Headlines:

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Main Topic: U.S.-China Competition and Global Ambitions in Space

Dr. Namrata Goswami Explains the Evolution of the New Space Race
China's Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Goals for Lunar Exploration
Comparison of U.S. and Chinese Approaches to Public Messaging and Program Identity
The Role of the Artemis Accords vs. China's International Lunar Research Station Partnerships
The Legal and Political Implications of Lunar Safety and Exclusion Zones
Space Force's Emerging Role in Cislunar Security and Commerce
Increasing Global Participation: India, Japan, and Developing Nations Expand Space Competition
Impact of Lunar "Real Estate" and Resource Maps on International Strategies

Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik

Guest: Dr. Namrata Goswami

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