[FPSPACE] China plans lunar surface probes

[Dwayne Allen Day]

On Wed, 18 Oct 2000, Larry Klaes wrote:

> Report: China to Use Robots In Space Exploration
> 
> Before China sends astronauts to the Moon, Chinese robots will 
> explore the lunar surface, mapping out landing sites and places 
> for human exploration, state media, quoting government scientists, 
> reported Tuesday, October 17, 2000.
> http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/missions/china_robots_space_001017_wg.h
> tml

I think it is important to maintain a healthy dose of skepticism on all
these reports of China's space plans.  In recent months "government
scientists" have been quoted talking about building a space station,
sending men to the Moon and other things that are probably not government
policy.  We have the tendency to assume that in China the only way that
this stuff gets said is if it is "official policy."  But that is not the
case.

My own knowledge of the politics of the Chinese space program is
dated.  But around 1993 I knew a woman who had very close ties to their
program and she said that the scientists had all kinds of great plans, but
they had no money.  They had to generate the money first and then ask
permission to pursue the plans.  At the time, they generated the money by
operating commercial enterprises (including bicycle and refridgerator
factories).  So the best assumption with regards to China is to assume
that they *want* to do big things, but do not have the money to do them.



DDAY