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China's major leap in space

Two years, almost to the day, after China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, circled the Earth for over 21 hours in the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft, the country's manned space effort took a big leap forward. Two astronauts, Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, blasted off in Shenzhou 6 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on October 12. This time, unlike with Shenzhou 5, millions of Chinese were able to watch the launch live on television. This is a clear measure of the confidence the country's space scientists now have in their mastery of manned spaceflight. Mr. Yang had spent his time in space strapped to his seat. After reaching orbit, the two new spacefarers could unbuckle their seat-belts and move from the re-entry capsule to the living quarters of the Shenzhou's orbital module. They could shed their space suits, which were said to be much lighter than the gear Mr. Yang wore. The primary mission of Shenzhou 6 was to demonstrate that Chinese astronauts could remain in space for several days. So while Mr. Yang had to make do with cold snacks, Messrs. Fei and Nei could heat up their food (which included rice, vegetables, and meat, not to mention beverages such as coffee and green tea), nap in sleeping bags, and use the toilet. All of this seems to have worked well, for the two astronauts remained in space for five days and carried out various scientific experiments. They then donned their space suits and returned to the re-entry capsule, which detached itself from the orbital module and landed safely. The astronauts returned, as Mr. Yang did two years ago, to an ecstatic welcome from their joyful nation, and space officials could claim with satisfaction that the mission had been a complete success.

What is notable about the Chinese manned space programme is the clear-sighted pursuit of long-term goals without undue haste. The declared aim is to establish a permanently crewed space station, which analysts say may happen only in the next decade. The programme chose to model its Shenzhou spacecraft on the tried-and-tested Soyuz capsule of Russia that can carry three astronauts for several days, allows space walks, and is able to dock with other spacecraft. Judging by the remarks of space officials after Shenzhou 6 landed, the first space walk by Chinese astronauts could take place during the Shenzhou 7 mission in 2007. Inevitably, this success raises the issue of whether India ought not to be pursuing manned flight. Given that even basic needs, such as clean drinking water, adequate nutrition, shelter, health care and education, are denied to millions of Indians, it is important that manned spaceflight and its expense are considered not in isolation or in terms of national prestige, but in relation to India's priorities for the welfare of its people and the sustained development of its economy. Maybe one day, at an appropriate time, China and India — ancient civilisations that are, way and ahead, the world's two most populous countries — will be able to join hands and explore worlds beyond Earth.

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