[dbaupp]

It would be really nice if competition with China in these endeavours prompts a second space race (faster that just the SpaceX et al are going currently). Put some real life into plans to get humanity permanently into space, not just in Earth orbit.

Although, there is the risk that space becomes militarised, which would probably be worse that the current situation: scientific satellites would be at risk, especially Earth-observing ones, and we would have a second Cold War.

[ajuc]

China could do the trick that USA used to defeat USSR. Namely - start a new space/technology/military race, and use its bigger industrial base to ensure USA defaults.

But USA would probably just accept it lost the race, and not bankrupt.