Free Republic

September 15, 2007 Japan leads Asia’s race to the Moon Richard Lloyd Parry in Tokyo Asia’s race to the Moon began yesterday when Japan launched an unmanned lunar probe, the most ambitious mission of its kind since the United States’ Apollo missions of the 1970s. The lunar orbiter Kaguya, named after a Moon princess in a Japanese fairytale, was launched from Japan’s space centre on the small southern island of Tanegashima. The 55 billion yen (£240 million) Selenological and Engineering Explorer (SELENE), to give it its full name, will orbit the Earth twice before beginning a 20-day, 237,500-mile (380,000-km) journey...

Indonesia evinces interest in Brahmos missile NEW DELHI, APR 10 (PTI) After Malaysia, another ASEAN nation, Indonesia, has evinced keen interest in acquiring Brahmos supersonic cruise missile, especially its ship-to-land versions. A visit to the Brahmos complex here was the highlight of a tour by Indonesian Navy chief Admiral Siamet Soebijanto. Indonesia has taken keen interest in the cruise missile developed by India and Russia. On a three-day visit here, the Indonesian Naval chief had a meeting with the Defence Minister A K Antony after talks with his Indian counterpart Admiral Sureesh Mehta. Soebijanto was also given a detailed briefing...