DC Think Tankers Testify On That China Space Race Thing

Subcommittee Examines China's Space Exploration Capabilities and Achievements, House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Democrats

"Now, almost 50 years since that historic event, some are asking if we are again in a space race, but this time with China. Two weeks ago, China successfully placed in orbit its Tiangong-2 experimental orbiting space lab. And that accomplishment comes on the heels of China's landing a robotic rover on the Moon, with plans announced to do the same on Mars. So, should we be concerned that China is may be closing the gap in spaceflight capabilities?"

Chairman Smith Opening Statement: Are We Losing the Space Race to China?

"China continues to make progress. We cannot resign ourselves to the remembrance of past achievements. It is time for the United States to reassert its leadership. For over fifty years, the United States has been committed to the peaceful use and exploration of outer space. Our philosophical principles of freedom, the rule of law, and transparency are evident in the actions we take. The United States shares scientific data and findings, promotes international cooperation, and maintains international peace and security in outer space. The world has benefited from U.S. space leadership."

Witness Statements: Dennis Shea, Mark Stokes, Dean Cheng, James Lewis

Earlier China postings

It is obvious that @HouseScience deliberately invited 4 witnesses who are against any U.S. interaction with China in space — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) September 27, 2016

Rep Perlmutter @Ed4Colorado just noted that all of the witnesses "nod in agreement with each other". Duh. That was done on purpose. — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) September 27, 2016

If you watched China Space Race hearing you saw the DC think tank echo chamber in action. Where you stand depends on where you sit. $$$ — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) September 27, 2016

James Lewis @CSIS "China's goals are political ours are scientific" Another space expert who does not know how NASA works. — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) September 27, 2016

(sigh) @RepJBridenstine is attacking China for its bad behavior - yet he ignores exactly the same bad behaviors by Russia. #Bias — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) September 27, 2016

Rep. Bridenstein "the space race is over and we won" OK - If we "won" then why is everyone complaining that we are losing the race? — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) September 27, 2016

from NASA Watch http://ift.tt/2cJPnix
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