China has laid out a three-step program for human space exploration: Technology demonstrations, occupancy of a small orbital module, and assembly of a large research complex.With two successful orbital spaceflights under its belt, China’s next step is to demonstrate more complex operations in space, such as a spacewalk or the ability to dock with an orbiting module, Johnson-Freese said. That flight may come as early as 2006.
Technorati Tags: China, NASA, Space
…China’s goals were accomplished long ago by both the U.S. and the Russian space programs, but that is of little comfort when NASA’s space shuttles remain grounded by technical problems, leaving the agency dependent on Russia for rides to the space station.
In addition, the proposal for a follow-on piloted spaceship and new exploration initiative remains highly subject to shifting political winds and non-space-related budgetary pressures, such as the Iraq war and hurricane recovery costs.
In a letter sent to President George W. Bush earlier this month, Congress warned that budget shortfalls could prompt the international space community to abandon its long-time U.S. partner and join with China.
