"Enhancing China's Comprehensive Power"

China's Shenzhou-9 manned space mission ended successfully, with important tests of both automatic and manual dockings, as well as testing of their Tiangong-1 mini-space station module. This is their most complicated space mission so far, and will help advance their plans for their next space stations, Tiangong 2 and 3.

Want a peek at how the Chinese view the purpose of this mission and their broader space program?

Here's Premier Wen Jiabao: "It has profound significance in enhancing China's comprehensive power and inspiring the national spirit."

Americans would be wise to understand the same benefits would accrue to the US with a bold new space program.

http://www.redorbit.com/news/space/1112648277/chinese-astronauts-land-safely-in-mongolia/