The Next Space Race? (hat tip to Transterrestrial Musings)
The Boston Globe had a nice piece about China’s space program including what it might mean for revitalizing the US space program. Our politicians don’t seem to fund our program unless the face an external challenge. Perhaps the first Chinese in space will motivate the US to put some resources into space just as Sputnik did. The Chinese have been working on their space program for years, without much to show for it. However, this time they have actually moved their schedule forward. Instead of putting a person in orbit in 2005, they now say they will do it this year.

Good for them.