NASA Warns China Could Block Access to Lunar South Pole

NASA says China may try to reach an important part of the Moon before the United States.

The area is near the Moon's south pole and includes Shackleton Crater.

Some parts of the crater never receive sunlight.

Scientists think these dark areas may contain frozen water.

Water could be useful for future Moon missions.

Spacecraft may need safety zones around their landing sites, which could make it harder for other spacecraft to land nearby.

China's Chang'e 7 mission was delayed last month.

NASA may now have time to send probes there first using a Blue Origin lander planned for 2027.

Both countries see lunar exploration as an important step toward future missions, including trips to Mars.