The Chinese have "soft-landed" on the moon. Read all about this remarkable feat here. Does this event mark the beginning of a new space race? The Chinese are also seeking to build their own space station by 2020 and selling satellites to other countries. So how do these events affect relations with other space traveling states? I recall reading something a few weeks back pondering whether or not the Chinese intend to start mining operations on the moon. I do wonder how the world would react to such an act.
Ok, for my own two cents, this event does not portend a new space race of the 1960s style U.S. - Soviet space race, at least not at this time. The feasibility of mining on the moon must have been studied and restudied by NASA. Even if U.S. policy and agreements on the use of space made through international treaties prohibited such action, surely NASA knows whether or not mining the moon is possible, profitable, desirable. This event does illustrate advancement in Chinese technological development. Chinese technological development is potentially troubling if there is expectation of competition for technological primacy becoming a basis for inter-state conflict. We should not, however, be alarmed by the fact that an economically and industrially advanced country is making strides in technologically advanced areas, which is simply what people do as they develop. Hey, aren't we interested in seeing development in the world, isn't development supposed to be good? I for one hope the Chinese rover returns some cool pictures and perhaps even something interesting regarding the lunar surface it traverses.
And for those wondering why I am putting out a second post on a Friday evening. Hey, just avoiding grading finals.
Ok, for my own two cents, this event does not portend a new space race of the 1960s style U.S. - Soviet space race, at least not at this time. The feasibility of mining on the moon must have been studied and restudied by NASA. Even if U.S. policy and agreements on the use of space made through international treaties prohibited such action, surely NASA knows whether or not mining the moon is possible, profitable, desirable. This event does illustrate advancement in Chinese technological development. Chinese technological development is potentially troubling if there is expectation of competition for technological primacy becoming a basis for inter-state conflict. We should not, however, be alarmed by the fact that an economically and industrially advanced country is making strides in technologically advanced areas, which is simply what people do as they develop. Hey, aren't we interested in seeing development in the world, isn't development supposed to be good? I for one hope the Chinese rover returns some cool pictures and perhaps even something interesting regarding the lunar surface it traverses.
And for those wondering why I am putting out a second post on a Friday evening. Hey, just avoiding grading finals.
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