CGI video of Chinese lunar base has an unexpected inclusion. Wait, is that a US shuttle?

China's space agency unveiled a CGI video depicting its ambitious plans for a lunar base, aiming for construction within the coming few decades.

The video has gained attention for an unexpected detail - a NASA Space Shuttle launching from a distant pad, as first noted by Space.com.

This inclusion is curious, as the Space Shuttle programme ended over a decade ago, and China and NASA currently have limited collaboration in space exploration.

As perspace reporter Jack Kuhr, the state-run China Global Television Network had come up with afix to hide the Shuttle taking off in the background. He posted a hilarious tweet saying, "boom, it has been fixed".

NASA retired its workhorse spacecraft in 2011, relying on Russia's Soyuz capsules to staff the International Space Station until the advent of SpaceX's Crew Dragon.

While retired in 2011, the Space Shuttle remains a widely recognised symbol of spaceflight and may have been a readily available 3D model for the animation.

This detail is particularly interesting given the current restrictions on collaboration between China's space programme and NASA. Last month, NASA administrator Bill Nelson raised concerns about potential military applications within China's space activities.

China's space agency has made major headwinds in its efforts to explore space, from successfully landing a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon to buildingan entire space station in a matter of just two years.

China's space agency is pioneering methods for building lunar habitats using bricks made from moon dust.

China is also exploring the possibility of utilising ancient lunar lava tubes for potential bases. China's technical progress in lunar construction is undeniable.

They are a strong contender in the race to establish a lasting human presence on the Moon.

(With inputs from agencies)