Posted on 06/21/2005 6:22:52 PM PDT by KevinDavis
The next Chinese astronaut launch is drawing closer. Shenzhou 6 will take off in a few months (probably October) with a two-man crew on board. The mission will stay aloft for roughly five days, representing an approximately tenfold increase in China's total man-hours aloft from the previous mission.
China has stated that the mission will feature easily removable spacesuits, enabling the crew to operate in shirtsleeve comfort for much of the mission. They will also make use of the relatively spacious Orbital Module at the front of the spacecraft, providing extra room for the astronauts and their equipment.
China has indicated that the crew of Shenzhou 6 will perform experiments on this mission, but so far, we have not seen a detailed description of what to expect. More details will probably emerge in the lead-up to the mission, but in the meantime, it's worth speculating on what will be carried up, and carried out on the flight.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacedaily.com ...
China in space is not a prospect I relish at all.
Nor do I.. I think we should challenge China in space. Not just give up... I also think we should align ourselves with Japan on space travel
Hey, if they want to waste $$$ on "Spam in a Can" pointlessly orbiting the planet, I say go for it.
Man it's time to whiz or get off the pot.
As China gains ecnomic power, they are going to be a very difficult proposition for us to keep up with.
The tax revenues for 1.6 billion will definately eclipse the tax revenues for 300 million.
They will be a major powerhouse, and we're planning our space efforts for for 2020 or 2050. We're sleep-walking...
By then China will be able to welcome us to the Moon and Mars.
We think in terms of comfort for these flights. They think in terms of tin-can and bragging rights.
Think they won't do their damndest to have a moon base by 2020? I'll bet they do.
If you can get to the destination with a Vauxall or a Corvette, I think the Chinese will be just as happy to get there with the Vauxall. (Vauxall, 1960s British compact)
That is true..
While I'd rather see free countries take the lead, if China is willing to actually put a solid long-term effort into space then I say good luck to them. Ideally it will spur others along and at worst, a step away from Earth even by a dictatorship is still a step away from Earth.
The American Congress will rise to the challenge when they feel challenged. They will print all the paper money necessary to reassert American preeminence in space or wherever.
Trouble is, it's not wasted money at all. From such orbital missions come trips to the moon and planets, and I for one don't want to see a big ol' red and yellow flag on the first lunar base, with the Chinese laying claim to the mineral wealth of the solar system by default.
I wouldn't mind seeing a US/Japan/India alliance in space.
I just want to see a realistic infrastructure set up and I don't want it all government controlled...
You get no argument from me..
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