[FPSPACE] Shenzhou 2 Launch Imminent, Chinese Manned Space Program Targets the Moon

[Larry Klaes]

The following is linked through NASA Watch:

http://www.nasawatch.com/index.html


31 October 2000: Shenzhou 2 Launch Imminent, 
Chinese Manned Space Program Targets the Moon

It was less than one year ago that China inaugurated its 
manned space program with the successful launch of their 
spacecraft "Shenzhou". 

Shenzhou, meaning "Magic Vessel", was unmanned during its 
maiden voyage. Persistent rumors would have us believe that 
a launch of the next Shenzhou spacecraft is about to take 
place - perhaps before the end of this year. 

If China is going to send humans to the Moon, you can bet 
that Shenzhou is a clear preview of how they plan to do it. 

Full story, pictures, and exclusive streaming video at this URL:

http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewnews.html?id=239


Note the museum display of the two Chinese cosmonauts 
on Luna, complete with the national Chinese flag and
the English word CHINA in big red letters all over 
their silvery version of the lunar rover.

http://www.spaceref.com/news/china_moon.html

Larry