Experts Call for Drastic Changes to Improve US Space Program

Rapid rise of China's space capabilities and the commercial space industry are transforming the global space landscape

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:47am

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Experts say the US space program, including both NASA and the military's Space Force, must adapt to the rapidly changing global space landscape. The rise of China's space capabilities and the growth of the commercial space industry have had profound impacts, requiring the US to rethink its approach to space exploration, technology development, and military operations.

Why it matters

The US has long been the dominant player in space, but is now facing new challenges from China's growing space program and the private commercial space industry. Maintaining US leadership in space is critical for national security, scientific exploration, and technological innovation.

The details

China has rapidly developed its space capabilities, now second only to the US, and may attempt a Mars sample return mission before NASA. Meanwhile, private companies like SpaceX have become more adept at building rockets and satellites, luring away NASA's top talent. This has forced NASA and the US military's Space Force to modernize and adapt their processes to keep up with the changing landscape.

  • China first sent a human to orbit in 2003.
  • The US Space Force was created in 2019.
  • The White House and Congress recently clashed over NASA's budget.

The players

Greg Autry

Associate provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy at the University of Central Florida.

Chance Saltzman

Chief of Space Operations for the US Space Force, who has called for 'drastic change' in how the Space Force operates.

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What they’re saying

“Any time there's dynamic change, there's the opportunity for new ideas.”

— Greg Autry, Associate provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy (arstechnica.com)

“The space industry is undergoing profound change.”

— Greg Autry, Associate provost for Space Commercialization and Strategy (arstechnica.com)

What’s next

The US government and space agencies are expected to announce new initiatives and reforms to address the challenges facing the US space program in the coming months.

The takeaway

The US must adapt its space program to maintain its leadership in the face of growing competition from China and the private sector. This will require rethinking approaches to space exploration, technology development, and military operations in space.