The launch of China's second manned space mission is only a few weeks away. In parallel to the recent launch of the space shuttle Discovery, another Return to Flight program has been taking place. But the differences in media and public relations between the programs could not be any more dramatic. China has invested substantial amounts of capital in its human spaceflight program, but is still failing to promote the upcoming Shenzhou mission to the world.
Secrecy has always encompassed the Shenzhou program, even to the extent that the launch of China's first astronaut in 2003 was not broadcast live on television, despite obvious public interest.
Yang Liwei was given lavish media treatment after his return to Earth, but the overall level of publicity for Shenzhou has remained generally low. Even dedicated space enthusiasts find it hard to access information on the program.
Shenzhou has been in the public arena since 1999, when the first Shenzhou test mission lifted off. It's about time that China opened up its program. If China fails to adequately promote its achievements in space, much of the potential value of the program will evaporate.
Space exploration is a wonderful, inspirational part of modern culture. It attracts the interest and admiration of people around the world. Images of distant worlds and explorers in space are particularly cathartic in these troubled times, when regular life is plagued with difficulties ranging from fears of terrorism to unsettled economic conditions.
Young people are drawn to science and technology studies by the attractions of spaceflight, but space is a subject that seems to generate energy and drive for life in general. It's no coincidence that motivational posters urging people to do their best regularly feature images of space shuttles ascending, or astronauts on the moon.
Spaceflight is also a matter of national pride. The whole nation of China has reason to feel pride at entering the exclusive ranks of human spaceflight powers. Indirectly, through their individual contributions to the economy, it's something that most Chinese can also claim to have built.
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