Chinese astronauts safely returned to Earth.

[gfx]

I'm suprised that no one here mentioned this yet.

The 2nd manned Chinese space mission ended with the safe return of the astronauts. Another giant step for China. With all the religion hohums going around in the world, I'm proud to see China keeping a level head and focuses her attention on what matters the most: technological and social development.

**** I'm proud to be Chinese.

Google news link:
http://news.google.com/?ncl=http://www.forbes.com/finance/feeds/afx/2005/10/16/afx2279258.html&hl=en

[SPJ]

Yes. It was indeed another milestone in the space exploration.

The heavenly boat or Shen Zhou 7 is under construction to accommodate 3 Tai Kong Ren.

Shen Zhou 6 carries only 2 people.

There are over 110 improvements over the previous one or Shen Zhou 5.

The rocket or long march # 2 has its limits in payload.

In comparison, the US has better rockets to carry more tonage and also the reuseable space shuttle fleet.

The project costs a lot of money. For most, this is the right thing to do and the right direction to persue in terms of exploration and science.

The mission also carried some dirt from Taiwan and China. It was suggested by a student. Propoganda or not. It has the symbolism of coming together.

Many worried about the military significance. Spy pictures may be taken.

Some even are saying about the formation of the heavenly army or Tian Jun.

So the warfare may be conducted over the space?

For most, it is always exciting to see that people are once again going back to the space, moon, Mars and beyond.

I never forgot the first man on the moon．　Ｉwatched on TV in 1969.

:)

[SPJ]

Some pictures from New China news agency or Xin Hua She.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-10/17/content_3624742.htm

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2005s6/

:)

[rogue]

They never really went. It's all face.

[SPJ]

On the side note:

Japan and India are actively persuing their own human space programs.

:cool: