Chinese Moon Mission Launch (broadcast Friday, October 26th, 2007)

Chang'e 1 on the Launch Pad NASA iamge

This week, China launched Chang'e One, a robotic lunar orbiter. The mission is s step in a larger plan that would land a 'taikonaut,' a Chinese astronaut, on the moon by 2020. The launch follows a Japanese-led moon launch last month. India plans to launch its own lunar mission early next year. Is a new global space race underway? Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests

Joan Johnson-Freese
Chair, Department of National Security Studies
Naval War College
Newport, Rhode Island

Related Links

• China National Space Administration
• China National Space Administration ( CNSA ) - Chinese Space Agencies
• Chinese Satellite Heading for Lunar Orbit Showcases Ambitious Space Program - washingtonpost.com
• China's space programme | Ni hao, Moon | Economist.com

Segment produced by:Charles Bergquist

Image: Chang'e 1 - artist rendering
NASA image

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