US vs China Moon Missions: Apollo Program vs Chang'e Project
April 2, 2025
The Moon is humanity's outpost for space exploration. On July 20, 1969, the US Apollo 11 achieved humanity's first moon landing. Armstrong's famous words, 'That's one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind,' became an eternal quote. Over 50 years later, China's Chang'e Project, launched in 2007, became the most successful lunar exploration program of the 21st century.
I. Program Overview
The Apollo Program (1961-1972) was a product of the Cold War space race. It lasted 11 years, cost approximately $25.5 billion (equivalent to about $150 billion today), and successfully sent 12 astronauts to the Moon. The Chang'e Project (2007-present) adopted a three-step strategy of 'orbiting, landing, and returning,' achieving a series of milestone accomplishments.
| Program | Apollo Program | Chang'e Project |
|---|---|---|
| Time span | 1961-1972 (11 years) | 2007-present |
| Total investment | ~$25.5 billion | Undisclosed (est. billions of RMB) |
| Crewed moon landing | 12 people successfully landed | Planned (by 2030) |
| Number of probes | 17 missions | 4 unmanned missions + 1 sample return |
| Lunar soil sample | 382 kg | 1,731 g |
| International cooperation | Multi-country participation | Open international cooperation |
II. Key Milestones
- July 1969: Apollo 11 first crewed moon landing
- December 2013: Chang'e 3 achieves China's first soft lunar landing
- January 2019: Chang'e 4 first soft landing on lunar far side
- December 2020: Chang'e 5 successfully returns 1,731 g of lunar soil to Earth
- 2024: Chang'e 6 achieves far-side sample return (world's first)
III. Technical Path & Scientific Objectives
The Apollo Program used the massive Saturn V rocket, with the core objective of defeating the Soviet Union in the Cold War and demonstrating American technological superiority. The Chang'e Project places greater emphasis on scientific research and long-term planning, with objectives including lunar geology, space physics, and lunar resource exploration. The Chang'e Project has also initiated the construction of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), inviting international participation.
| Dimension | Apollo Program | Chang'e Project |
|---|---|---|
| Launch vehicle | Saturn V (111 m tall) | Long March 5 (57 m tall) |
| Landing method | Crewed spacecraft + lunar module | Unmanned probe / sample return |
| Scientific objectives | Show national strength + scientific exploration | Lunar science + resource exploration |
| International cooperation | Limited cooperation | Open cooperation (ILRS) |
| Long-term planning | Moon landing as endpoint | Build lunar research station |
IV. Future Outlook
The US Artemis Program aims to return to the Moon and establish a permanent lunar base by 2030. China plans to achieve crewed moon landing by 2030 and cooperate with Russia and other countries to build the International Lunar Research Station. Global lunar exploration is entering a new golden age, and the two major powers' lunar programs will lay a solid foundation for humanity's deep understanding of the Moon and the peaceful use of space resources.