Speculative Fact #208: The Future of China in Space

In 2003, China became the third nation to independently place a human in space. The planned Chinese space station Tiangong is scheduled for completion in 2020. China has publicly expressed interest in a manned mission to the Moon and Mars. In comparison, USA, with the loss of the retired Space Shuttle, has lost its space launch vehicle and means into orbit.
            Given proper planning and funding, the Chinese space program might take them to Mars or beyond. What if China becomes the first nation to permanently colonize another world and becomes the de facto leader in extra-planetary settlement?

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