[ethbr0]

I think it's undeniable to say "the Chinese space program is progressing at a faster rate than NASA."

But, it's also starting from farther behind. But, it's also starting with more modern technology. But, it's also working under a command economy.

And that's not including US private space companies. Read: SpaceX.

[JaimeThompson]

If we limit it to just Earth science NASA appears to be ahead.

https://essp.nasa.gov/earth-pathfinder-quests/projects/activ...

If we include space telescopes, missions on and around other planets, space weather monitoring, solar exploration, and such NASA appears to be ahead.

Saying "progressing at a fast rate than NASA" is just word games since they start from such a lower level and doesn't reflect the reality on the ground.

EDIT: I provided the above as supporting evidence not to start an argument.

[pphysch]

GPS vs. BeiDou

Arecibo vs. FAST

China recently deployed their own Space Station and Mars Rover, etc...

Political and ideological biases aside, it's pretty obvious which space program has more vitality in the current decade. Both sides certainly have novel tech, but what about the bigger trends?

[Ekaros]

Actually it is sad that they get so little attention in the west. Space exploration from anyone is really interesting stuff, and we should be rather agnostic with whom we follow.

[JaimeThompson]

> GPS vs. BeiDou

How is BeiDou evidence for what you claim?

> Arecibo vs. FAST

Lots of other scopes that have capabilities that neither A or F have.

> China recently deployed their own Space Station and Mars Rover, etc...

These aren't examples of them being ahead. They may, however, may be examples of them reaching parity.

[pphysch]

BeiDou is more precise than US govt's GPS

[JaimeThompson]

Can be more precise, it isn't more accurate in all use cases. Also the GPS Block III birds have enhancements to improve accuracy and related metrics.