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China to make manned moon landing in 15 years

"I think in about 10 to 15 years, we will have the ability to build our own space station and to carry out a manned moon landing," said Hu Shixiang, deputy commander of China’s manned space flight program. But the goal is subject to getting enough funds from the government, Hu said, explaining that the space program must fit in the larger scheme of the country’s overall development.

He said China was developing its space program at its own pace, not in competition with the United States. "It’s not the competition of the Cold War era," he said.

Hu stressed China’s intention to use space exploration for peaceful ends, saying the government "is willing to work hard with people around the world for the peaceful use of space."

Hu dismissed suggestions the space program is too costly for a country that, despite rapid economic growth, is still struggling to eradicate rural poverty. He noted the recent space mission cost $111.4 million, compared to the $23.5 billion that China spent on combating pollution last year.

posted by: kyawoo at 10:48 | link | comments |
manned missions

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