News ESA looking into cooperation with China for manned flights

[jedidia]

link

 

[garyw]

Interesting and it does make some sense but it makes me wonder what the ESA partners will say about Chinas human rights record. After all, thats allegedly the reason that NASA won't allow China access to the ISS.

 

[Urwumpe]

Interesting and it does make some sense but it makes me wonder what the ESA partners will say about Chinas human rights record. After all, thats allegedly the reason that NASA won't allow China access to the ISS.

If you take the German position as representative for Europe: We stopped talking loudly about human rights and instead act more subtile and friendly towards China for at least having small successes, instead of failing to score the big points. Yes, we are cowards.

 

[Cosmic Penguin]

Interesting and it does make some sense but it makes me wonder what the ESA partners will say about Chinas human rights record. After all, thats allegedly the reason that NASA won't allow China access to the ISS.

Nitpicking: I think it's the CONGRESS that won't allow China access to the ISS, not NASA's idea.

In any case, I think maybe if the East Asian political climate is a little bit calmer than today (see ASTP of the 1970's), maybe some kind of co-operation can really happen...

 

[jedidia]

Interesting and it does make some sense but it makes me wonder what the ESA partners will say about Chinas human rights record.

Yeah, that was my first thought. Then again, if Putin continues his policies, they might have to de-partner Russia for the same reasons in the future. Which I'm sure they won't if they don't have an alternative.

 

[SiberianTiger]

Yeah, that was my first thought. Then again, if Putin continues his policies, they might have to de-partner Russia for the same reasons in the future. Which I'm sure they won't if they don't have an alternative.

The ISS, as it is, can't exist without support from Russia. Throwing it away is really the price to pay for such a move.

 

[Codz]

The ISS, as it is, can't exist without support from Russia. Throwing it away is really the price to pay for such a move.

Exactly, not to mention it has been one of the few areas of stability in the turbulent relationship the US and Russia have had. I certainly hope we can maintain it. It would also be nice to see further, Lunar based cooperation with both Europe and Russia.