China launches third unmanned space vehicle

AFP ^ | 25 Mar 02 | Staff

[RightWhale]

China launches third unmanned space vehicle

BEIJING (AFP) Mar 25, 2002

China has successfully launched its third unmanned space vehicle, the country's official newsagency reported late Monday.

According to Xinhua reports, the "Shenzhou III" blasted off Monday night at 2200 local time (1400 GMT) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province.

Scientists at the Beijing Aerospace Directing and Controlling Center told Xinhua the launch went ahead according to plan and that the vehicle had arrived at a preset orbit.

Chinese President Jiang Zemin observed the aunch of the Long March II F rocket which reportedly entered into orbit about ten minutes after blast-off.

The first experimental "Shenzhou" spacecraft was launched from the same centre on November 20, 1999, and returned to earth in Mongolia the next day.

On January 10, 2001, China launched a second unmanned spaceship -- the "Shenzhou II" -- which was basically identical to a manned craft.

Xinhua said Chinese scientists had designed life sciences, materials, astronomy and physics experiments which will be performed during the craft's journey, but did not mention when re-entry was expected.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

if you look at your self search and use full instead of brief you can still read Black Jade's reply.

[mafree]

I didn't see #23 and I heard Black Jade was kicked off but I don't know exactly why.

[batter]

I got pinged here by BJ as well and took a look at the post (via Libertarianize the GOP's 'instructions'). I don't think the post (#23) was against FR rules or did I misread it or something? BJ has had some contraversial views in the past but I din't think any were 'over the top'. I'm totally confused by this whole thing.
If you or anyone has info on why BJ was banned, please reply/freepmail me!

[MarkWar]

>I'm totally confused by this whole thing. If you or anyone has info on why BJ was banned, please reply/freepmail me!

I agree. I think a lot of us are in the dark on this one.

I've fmailed Jim R. a note about the issue, and I've suggested that along with all the cosmetic changes FR is undergoing, it might be worthwhile to build some kind of information/feedback mechanism for members, so that we can get additional info on things like 1) why posts get pulled; 2) who gets suspended and why; 3) who gets banned and why; 4) I know FR isn't a democracy, but it might make FR even more dynamic and interactive if members actually had _some_ kind of involvement in evaluating and deciding on member punishments/judgements...

Mark W.

[MarkWar]

ping to mourn black jade

LBDSM -- were you following BJ going missing?

Mark W.

[mafree]

Thanks for the ping- I also wonder why that post was pulled and why BJ is not on anymore.