This year, the world's space superpowers are set to launch brand new lunar missions. This week on the Agenda podcast we set our sights on space, and see what the future of space exploration might look like. First on the podcast we’re joined by Xu Yansong, the Director for International Cooperation in the China National Space Administration [01:41] He explains what China’s ambitions are in space.

We also speak to veteran space journalist Leonard David about the first phase of NASA's new mission, Artemis 1, which begins this year [04:06]. He explains why countries and private enterprises are interested in the moon again and what the United States stands to gain from going back after almost 40 years.

But what about Europe? Bernhard Hufenbach, Lead of Commercialization and Innovation Team at ESA explains which sort of industries are going to thrive in a lunar economy [08:38]. He also explains how what we’re doing in space can benefit us here on earth [10:26].

Finally we talk to space journalist Sarah Cruddas and the director of the UK national space academy Anu Ohja [11:31]. They explain why studying the moon can give us more insight into our own planet and why the renewed interest in space is important for Earth’s future.