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China To Launch 2 Into Space In September

Posted by timothy on from the more-room-up-there dept.

Doug Dante writes "China Daily reports that China's space agency plans to launch two Chinese astronauts into space for a 6-day mission in September. The spacecraft includes both a re-entry and an orbital module. The article, an official publication of the Chinese government in English, also extends a plain invitation for the U.S. to partner with China on space."

2 of 316 comments (clear)

  1. A matter of pride by Odo · · Score: 5, Insightful
    The US would never partner with the Chinese. Not while the US shuttle is grounded. And once it is flying, they won't need to partner with them. The Chinese know this. Having to rely on the Russians to get to the space station is embarrasing enough, but dropping to third place thanks to the Chinese would be too much.

    On the other hand, the Chinese have (so far) been very good a keeping the operation of their space program separate from issues of national pride. They launch misions when they are ready, not in time for some politico's birthday or scheduled speech. Linking the two was one of the reasons the Russians never made it to the Moon and one of the reasons the Americans lost Challenger.

  2. Free elections, non-hostile government by Tim+Ward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I would never consider cooperating with the Chinese until China becomes a normal country (free elections, non-hostile government, etc.)

    Let me guess - you're not American!

    (Rigged elections; government hostile to more countries than any other government on earth.)