China flexes muscle in space race with launch of lunar explorer

China flexes muscle in space race with launch of lunar explorer

www.guardian.co.uk

China launched its first lunar probe yesterday in a display of technological prowess, patriotic pride and ambition that is an increasing challenge to the US.

The Chang'e 1 (pronounced Chang-er) blasted off on schedule just after 6pm local time - the first stage in a programme to put a man on the moon.

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I can't feel anything but excited about this. They say that the probe will have high res images beaming back to Earth by November. Hopefully this will credit / discredit the USA once and for all about their alleged moon landings.

On another point, given today's huge advances in technology one would think a trip to the moon was just a formality compared to trying to do it in the 1960's - however it stills seems to be a mighty technology hurdle even today...makes you wonder how on earth they pulled it off in the 60's...


www.guardian.co.uk
(visit the link for the full news article)