MSNBC is reporting that China has launched its first astronaut into space today. The mission, dubbed Shenzhou 5, represents the first manned orbital test of their space program. Launched from a base in the Gobi Desert, the mission will last about 20 hours and will complete 14 orbits. This makes China the third nation to develop manned spaceflight capabilities.
The astronaut (or taikonaut, as the Chinese call them) is LTC Yang Liwei, a 38 year old air force pilot.
While I'm sure that some people are worried that China is doing this for strictly military purposes, I'm less worried. It's only natural, especially given China's long history of terrestrial exploration. Space exploration is simply the next logical step. I've always had an interest in the American space program, and more recently, with the Russian cooperation on the International Space Station. I think it's great that more countries are stepping up to explore the Final Frontier.
My congratulations go out to LTC Yang and his family as do my best wishes for a safe return.
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