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The Inquiry: What Does China Want From Space?

What Does China Want From Space?

16/06/2015

BBC World Service - The Inquiry, What Does China Want From Space?

China has sent an astronaut into orbit, and has plans to put one on the moon

China is building advanced satellites and has plans to put an astronaut on the moon. But some are worried about their military intentions in space.

Fifteen years ago, manned space flight was still a dream for China. Now, they are looking to the moon. They have mastered space walking, they are building advanced scientific satellites in partnership with the European Space Agency, and they are constructing their own ‘heavenly palace’ – a space station to rival the ISS. But some, not least the United States, are concerned by possible military uses for China’s blossoming space technology. This week our four expert witnesses help us figure out what China really wants from its space programme. 

(Photo: Chines flag billows with the moon in the background. Credit: Mark Ralston/Getty Images)

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