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Chinese Launch 4th Shenzhou

Posted by Hemos on from the marching-towards-manned-flight dept.

Heartbreak writes "Spaceref and others are reporting that China has launched its fourth and possibly final unmanned test of the Shenzhou capsule atop one of their Long March missiles---with a possible manned orbital flight to follow next year. The Shenzhou appears to be essentially a larger and more maneuverable version of the venerable Russian Soyuz. Aside from a boost to Chinese national pride, the point of duplicating Soviet space achievements of the '70's and '80's escapes me. Will they eventually send four men to the moon?"

2 of 43 comments (clear)

  1. Not duplicating, superceding by apsmith · · Score: 5, Informative

    The Russians have the only space tourism business going right now, based on very old (and reliable) Soyuz technology. The Chinese design is apparently an improvement - they mention better heat shields for one thing. Note also that the Russian Soyuz capsules are only rated for 6 months in space and haven't gone beyond low Earth orbit; the Chinese have stated plans to to a bit more than that...

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    Energy: time to change the picture.

  2. Re:Yes, the point seems to have escaped you. by uncoveror · · Score: 3, Informative

    Funny that you should mention a catapult. NASA, not the Chinese, plan to try that one.

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    The Uncoveror: It's the real news.