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Antisatellites (Killer Satellites)
This issue brief discusses "killer satellites," the unofficial moniker for antisatellite (ASAT) missiles possessed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as U.S. efforts to develop ASAT systems and simultaneously limit their development and use.
China's Space Program: An Overview
This report discusses the nature and scope of the Chinese space program. The People's Republic of China launched its first astronaut, or "taikonaut," Lt. Col. Yang Liwei, on October 15, 2003 Beijing time (October 16 Eastern Daylight Time). China thus became only the third country, after Russia and the United States, able to launch humans into orbit. Lt. Col. Yang landed on October 16 Beijing time (October 15 EDT) after making 14 orbits (21 hours and 23 minutes).
China's Space Program: Options for U.S.-China Cooperation
China has a determined, yet still modest, program of civilian space activities planned for the next decade. The potential for U.S.-China cooperation in space -- an issue of interest to Congress -- has become more controversial since the January 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test. Some argue that Chinese capabilities now threaten U.S. space assets in low earth orbit. Others stress the need to expand dialogue with China. This report outlines recent activities and future plans in China's civilian space sector. It also discusses benefits and trade-offs of possible U.S.-China collaboration in space, as well as several options to improve space relations, including information exchange, policy dialogue, and joint activities.
Space Launch Vehicles: Government Activities, Commercial Competition, and Satellite Exports
No Description Available.
Space Shuttle
The national Aeronautics an6 Space Administration's major manner program of the post-Apollo era is the development of a space transportation system (STS) based on a reusable space shuttle launch vehicle. Funded since FY71, the shuttle program is coming to fruition: the space shuttle successfully completed its series of four test flights on July 4, 1982. The first operational f1ig; fit was successfully completed in November 1982. The next shuttle flight has been delayed because of leaks in one of the orbiter's main engines. NASA hopes to be ready for launch on Apr. 4, 1963.
Space Stations
Congress continues to debate NASA's Europe, Japan, and Canada to build the plan to build a permanently occupied space station. They plan to provide station. Controversial since its inception in 1984, the space station, called Freedom for many years, was redesigned several times. Now it is tentatively called Alpha.
U.S. Space Programs: Civilian, Military, and Commercial
No Description Available.
U.S. Space Programs: Civilian, Military, and Commercial
No Description Available.
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