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China Wants Space Station By 2020

Fresh from its second manned space mission, China`s space program wants to be able to put a man on the moon and build a space station in 15 years, an official said Sunday. Nie Haisheng and Fei Junlong circled Earth for five days aboard the Shenzhou 6 capsule, traveling 2 million miles in 115 hours, 32 minutes. China`s first manned mission was in 2003, when astronaut Yang Liwei orbited for 21 1/2 hours.

"I think in about 10 to 15 years, we will have the ability to build our own space station and to carry out a manned moon landing," said Hu Shixiang, deputy commander of China`s manned space flight program. Hu was in Hong Kong with the two astronauts who conducted China`s second successful manned space mission in October. He spoke during a televised question-and-answer session with executives from various television stations and newspapers.

Hu stressed China`s intention to use space exploration for peaceful ends, saying the government "is willing to work hard with people around the world for the peaceful use of space." Hu dismissed suggestions the space program is too costly for a country that, despite rapid economic growth, is still struggling to eradicate rural poverty.