With the final landing of the space shuttle Atlantis, the US has effectively lost its independent capacity to launch human space flights until it puts other systems in place. The landing will stall America's advance along space's strategic edge, and give second- and third-tier space nations a chance to narrow the technological gaps.
One of the most ambitious countries in the emerging global space race is China, which views space exploration not only as the cornerstone of its national efforts in scientific and technological innovation, but also as vital to its political, economic and security interests.
With its investment in space exceeding an estimated US$2 billion last year, China became the second-biggest spender on space in Asia after Japan (US$3.8 billion). In 2010, China conducted as many launches as the US (15), second only to Russia (31).
While many aspects of China's vast space programmes are classified, Beijing has publicised its technical prowess and space ambitions in areas such as launch vehicles, launch schedules, satellites, human space flight, as well as command and control, anti-satellite technology, and sensor abilities.
In 2003, China became the third nation to complete a successful manned space mission by launching the Shenzhou V carried by the Long March 2F rocket. Since then, China has carried out two additional manned missions. By 2025, China envisions the completion of a 60-tonne orbital space station.
China's evolving abilities in space have benefited from the increasing participation of its aerospace industry in the global commercial aerospace market. Since the late 1990s, Beijing has gradually introduced elements of competition, autonomy, entrepreneurship and decentralisation into its defence-industry base.
The market gives incentives for Chinese aerospace companies not only to increase their revenues, but more importantly to close the technological gaps through global commercial technology transfer and services.
