| OTHER INTERNATIONAL SPACE PROGRAMS | ||
Since the late 1970's China has planned seriously for the eventual flight of Chinese astronauts. Small teams have undergone some astronaut training, and designs for manned spacecraft ranging from simple capsules to space shuttles to space stations have been drawn up. However, shifting program priorities have resulted in only preliminary work in the areas of spacecraft design and space medicine for China. In August 1999 Wang Xingqing, general designer with the Chinese Academy of Launch-Vehicle Technology, stated that the first Chinese human space flight would take place around 2005. China has also expressed interest in joining the International Space Station, although such cooperation appears unlikely before the ISS reaches its initial full operational capability. |
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