India and China Aim for the Moon (Together?)

“India plans to send a manned mission to the moon sometime between 2005 and 2015, a senior space research official said on Saturday.”

“China, on the other hand, has bigger plans. Guo Baozhu, vice administrator of the Chinese National Space Academy told the ‘Space Summit’ that they are going ahead with its manned space mission and another project to explore the moon while unveiling its future programme, that would include an eight-satellite constellation for disaster monitoring, data relay satellites and a new satellite to broadcast directly to homes.”

“Surely, the progress world-over in Space science and technology is amazing and beautiful – a true miracle for all mankind. In this connection I would like to congratulate China for their recent successful launch of SHENZHOV-IV orbiting a recoverable space craft around the earth, moving a step nearer to manned space missions. India have plans for moon mission and reusable launch vehicles.”

“In a message to the Space Summit Mr Norman P Neureiter, US Co-Chairman of the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum and Science and Technology Adviser to the US Secretary of State referred to the common vision expressed by President Bush and Prime Minister Vajpayee in November 2001 to “expand and broaden dialogue and cooperation” in the area of civilian space activities and subsequent renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between India and US on cooperation in earth and atmospheric sciences.”

“But we must be realistic. Space cooperation can be hard work. Each country has to meld its own policy objectives and program requirements with those of the partners. This takes time and willingness to compromise. But I trust you agree that it is well worth it — at least most of the time.”