It's only 11 days until India attempts to launch its first
lunar spacecraft.

But, I wonder if any of you were aware that Chandrayaan-1
allso carries a "piggyback" payload named, MIP [Moon Impact Probe]?

That's right! On their first attempt to orbit the moon,
India will also attempt to hit its surface with a small payload.
In fact, Chandrayaan-1 will release MIP around the time of orbital insertion
set to take place in early November.

I wonder if the Chinese government will order its space agency to
fire up the braking rocket-motor on Chang-E 1 in the coming weeks
to beat India to the surface of the moon?
Politics and national pride are coming into play.