China Quiet on Eve of Space Flight

LA Times ^ | October 6, 2003 | AP

[bonesmccoy]

that would suggest that life sciences is the difference.

Life Support is the main issue in long-duration, deep space exploration.

We got lucky with our Apollo program.

The Chinese will design heavier, more robust systems.

This thread is getting very interesting!

[bonesmccoy]

That was basically the argument in the 1960's internally within NASA.

There were groups that thought it useful to build small / medium sized boosters to throw payload to LEO, rendezvous, then send the contraption to the moon.

That strategy doesn't work as well as building a massive booster rocket like the Saturn V.

Does China have launch facilities capable of launching a vehicle the size of the Saturn V?

Where are their launch facilities?

Anyone with satellite photos?

[RightWhale]

that would suggest that life sciences is the difference.

Excellent point!

[sandydipper]

Thanks to Bill Clintoon.

[RightWhale]

Thanks to Bill Clintoon.

At some point in time we ought to just forget Bill Clinton and his evil deeds. None of that makes any difference at this late date. Underrate Chinese space tech at your own peril.