posted on Nov, 15 2005 @ 11:10 PM
What are you refering to...orbiter, lander, or people?
(i'm assuming people)
I would go with China...People with no knowledge of JAXA (Japanese Space Agency) tend to think that Japan would get there first, because Japan is well
known for being on the cutting edge of all things technological...but that doesn't apply when talking about there space program...they dont have a
very reliable rocket, so they dont launch much at all into orbit, and they have yet to rocket a man into space.
As far as I know...and correct me if you know, But Japan does not even have a concept on the drawing boards for any future space capable vehicle.
While China has a rocket, thats pretty reliable, and has proven itself time & time again.
BTW.....just so ya know, The US is working on its next space craft called the CEV...and the Russians are working on their next space craft called the
Clipper, BTW it is looking like ESA will be a partner in Clipper.
[edit on 15-11-2005 by Murcielago]