NASA under fire

While Hua Nation cheered its heroes' triumphant return, news of the Auspicious's return voyage spread to every corner of the world through reports from state media's overseas editions and public statements from NASA, the European Space Agency, the Russian Space Agency, and other organizations.

Almost everyone who heard the news reacted with astonishment, without exception.

Before this, North American media had regularly reported on interviews with NASA experts, who believed that although the Auspicious could carry twenty-five tons into Earth-Moon transfer orbit, the overly rushed Moon Landing Program might ultimately end in failure, just as the Soviets' had.

Reality, however, delivered a slap in the face, shattering their illusions along with it.

Not only had the Auspicious successfully returned to the Jinling City Space Launch Center, it had safely brought back three astronauts and more than a kilogram of lunar soil.

Even if they were unwilling to admit it, they had no choice but to face a frightening reality.

Hua Nation, which had leapfrogged ahead in spaceflight through its electric propulsion system, was catching up with them at an incredible speed.

Today, it was a lunar lander and a national flag. What would it be tomorrow? And the day after?

Only comparison revealed the gap. While NASA's research into outer space could hardly be called stagnant over the past half century, its progress had undoubtedly slowed considerably. Now Hua Nation had set foot on the Moon, while NASA's lunar space station program would not begin until 2022. As for the Ares Program, it had been all talk and little action ever since its announcement, with no concrete steps in sight.

Every American following the matter found themselves brimming with questions, and even anger.

What exactly was their NASA doing?

Amid this public outcry, the North American media began changing their