Tuesday, October 14, 2003
China Launches
The Associated Press has just reported that the Chinese have launched their first manned mission to space, fulfilling a quest dating back all the way to the Ming Dynasty (early rocketry etc). Shenzhou 5, carrying taikonaut Yang Liwei blasted off about 20 mins back. The mission is supposed to last about 21 hours. I just think this is great news especially if it can spark of a new space race/space collaboration akin to the Soviet-U.S. race, but minus the rivalry. The U.S. is bound to take note and I am sure countries like India will very enthusiastically try to follow up with their own indigenous space programs. In the meanwhile, lets hope the landing will be as successful as the launch.
