Reading Comprehension Questions:

1. What three nations have sent manned missions into orbit? List them in order.
   
   
   
   
2. Describe the Chinese space mission. What is the goal of the mission? What is the name of the participating astronaut?
   
   
   
   
3. According to the article, why is China actively pursuing a manned space program?
   
   
   
   
4. Which neighbors are concerned about the secrecy of China's space program? Why?
   
   
   
   
5. If China's mission is successful, what are the nation's future space goals?

Discussion Activity (more research might be needed):

1. Are manned missions in space important? Why or why not?

2. Research the economic situation in China. Do you think that the growth of the space program there will help or hinder the lives of the majority of Chinese? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.

Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site.