China Leads in Asian Space Race

from the September 09, 2008 eNews issue

The People's Republic of China has announced that its third manned mission into space will launch a few weeks earlier than expected. The mission, in which the Chinese astronauts will attempt their first space walk, is scheduled to take off later this month. China is currently making the final preparations for the launch, which could take place as early as September 25th.

In recent years China has made great strides in its space program and it has ambitious plans for the future. In 2003 China became the third country to put a human in space. In October the Chinese launched a lunar orbiter that will make a three-dimensional survey of the moon's surface. The lunar orbiter will eventually be followed by two rover missions to investigate the moon's surface and collect rock samples. According to a white paper put out by the China National Space Administration, China has plans for a manned mission to the moon as well as the establishment of a manned lunar base.

The Chinese are also reportedly working on a new rocket that would enable them to launch their own space station. China formally requested to join the International Space Station in 2003, but the US is strongly against it. Since then, China has announced plans to build its own space station. China also has plans for deep space exploration, including a mission to Mars.

Experts say that China's space program serves both scientific and military purposes. In January of 2007, China used a ground-based ballistic missile to successfully shoot down a dilapidated weather satellite. The Chinese ASAT (anti-satellite) test was conducted without warning. It took the international community largely by surprise and raised fears of a space arms race. China is now the only nation, besides the US and Russia, that has demonstrated the capability to successfully target and destroy a satellite.

China's space program has already triggered an Asian space race. China, Japan, South Korea, and India have all announced plans to eventually put men on the Moon. This year South Korea completed construction on its Naro Space Center and sent its first astronaut into space by means of a Russian mission to the International Space Station. Meanwhile, India is scheduled to launch its first unmanned lunar mission next month. The Chandrayaan I orbiter will spend two years mapping and studying the moons surface. India is planning a second mission to the moon in 2011, the Chandrayaan II mission will include a rover to collect rock and soil samples. India hopes to send its first man into space by 2015.

In recent years there has been renewed interest in the moon as a possible source of Helium-3 and other resources. Helium-3 is a rare substance that could possibly someday be used as fuel for nuclear fusion power plants. It seems the need for new energy resources combined with growing national security concerns has spurred a new era in space exploration. Space technology is becoming an increasingly important strategic concern for countries worldwide, to learn more click on the links below.