This book examines whether a modernspace race is under way and how metaphorsshape its perception and dynamics. Throughan analysis of the discourse from six majorspace-faring entities?the US, China,Russia, India, the EU, and Japan?theresearch reveals that only the US and theEU view space exploration as a ?race.? Ituncovers that metaphors play a crucial rolein defining the competition between the USand China, influencing public discourse,and even extending the idea of the race tofuture endeavors, such as Mars exploration.