Science · From the edition of Jul 20, 2026
✳ Dated WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 2031 ✳
AMERICA PLANTS THE NEXT BOOTPRINT ON THE MOON
as a photo-finish space race hands Washington the lunar edge over Beijing
CAPE CANAVERAL, January 1, 2031 — The United States has become the next nation to return humans to the Moon, an outcome traders had priced at 54 per cent. China finished a close second.
The market split down the middle: America at 54, China at 45. Everyone else — India, Russia, Europe — barely registered, none above two per cent. Nearly $147,000 changed hands as the wires called it a coin toss with a flag on it.
The stakes ran past prestige to the lunar south pole, its ice and its high ground. Observers had warned the gap was thin enough to close overnight. It didn't.
Source: Kalshi · 54% probability — View market ↗