American Physical Society: SPACE RACE: SHENZHOU-5 VERSUS MERCURY-5. (supports China and Xlinton space giveaway) Friday, October 17, 2003 1. SPACE RACE: SHENZHOU-5 VERSUS MERCURY-5. On Wednesday, China successfully launched the Shenzhou-5 space capsule into orbit with taikonaut Yang Liwei on board and returned him safely to Earth after 14 orbits. The first American to reach orbit, John G lenn, circled Earth a mere three times in the Mercury-5 capsule - 3 years before Yang was born. And this is only the beginning; China hopes eventually to construct a permanent base on the moon. Americans should welcome China's new direction. Sending...