Hidden Nook
"Because in Cyberspace, no one can hear you scream."
Friday, April 08, 2005
Japanese Lunar Landing (2025)
[Media Source*] As NASA figures out it's next steps in space exploration and Europe contemplates robots on Mars, it seems the "Land of the Rising Sun" is finally deciding to reach for the stars (or rather the moon that is).
TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's space agency mapped out a new, ambitious plan Wednesday for manned flights to the moon by 2025 as a first step to explore the solar system's farflung planets, but said decisions about whether Japan will go it alone or collaborate with other nations won't be made for another decade...
"Until now, the question has been, 'Can Japan develop its own manned spaceship?' We will know the answer in another 10 years'' when the agency will review its options, JAXA Chairman Keiji Tachikawa said.
"Going alone" may not be that beneficial to Japan as their budget for solar exploration is only $2.6 billion compared to NASA's $16.2 billion (something China found to be too expensive to pursue). Japan's best options may be to encourage more if it's own citizens to explore the realms of space for themselves (as some are) until an adequate budget is established that can seriously launch people into not only into space (a feat they have yet to accomplish) but also onto the moon as well.
Photo from Tribune India
By Japan declaring their desire to visit the moon they have set themselves up towards success or for failure. The Japanese in the past have displayed an aggressive approach when it comes to technology and if successful they will take their place along side of the United States as a space power.
Since China has already had a head start in the space race against Japan, launching a lunar landing would solidify their preeminence in the Asian sphere and would be a testament for Asian democracies in the region as well. Whether they receive assistance from the U.S. or not, it is important that we support such efforts by democracies to visit (and possibly colonize) other worlds and hopefully Japan will be able to meet the U.S. there on that white chunk of rock in the sky.
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Putting people in space is tricky, but check out my website. It's called lovesbible.com
By 
Tony Grant, at
1:43 AM EDT
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By Darnell Clayton ⢠11:43 PM ⢠Email Post ⢠â¢
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