Off Topic — HabitableZone

Off Topic » in reply to re: Home-grown space technology

re: Home-grown space technology
Robert — (archived)

Larry did a good job filling out the picture of the origins of the Chinese program, and added the useful information that parts of the US program didn't originate with the Germans. I think the result is a similar nuanced picture: Neither program sprang into being from nothing, and both have roots in another nation's efforts. I should also point out that the Soviet program benefited greatly from their Germans, too.

It's also fair to point out that all three nations had individual pioneers--our Goddard, the Russian Tsiolkovsky, and whatever forgotten Chinese genius invented gunpowder.

I don't think any of that detracts from my main point: Space programs require a collective effort sustained over many years. America managed it for just one glorious decade, the Soviets for a little more than two. China's just beginning its serious push into space, and I expect that once they get rolling, they're not going to lose interest any time soon. Another one of those tortoise-and-hare stories--the late starter may, in the long run, put us hares to shame.

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