Reply #15: Incorrect [View All]

China has had ICBM development programs since the 1950's but it wasn't until the 80's that they developed the ability to fly 10,000 miles which would make them capable of reaching the US.

Even so they still only have around 10 of these missles, and their accuracy is highly suspect.

Of course, with the US willingly giving the Chinese all manners of technology that propel their ability to develop accurate guidance systems, it is clear that the numbers will US strike capable missles will increase.

This space flight is news because it signals the development of core competence in guidanance and control mechanisms that by definition apply to advanced ICBM capability, which the US will certainly move to counter in an escalated manner.

And we have been in space for 30 years, in case you missed the shuttle and skylab programs, not to mention exploration of Mars, Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn, and Pluto with unmanned craft.