spacetoday.net: News briefs: October 9

Posted: Wed, Oct 10, 2001, 12:11 AM ET (0411 GMT)
China is planning an unmanned mission to the Moon, the Chinese news agency Xinhua reported Tuesday. The report quoted Chinese National Space Administration chief Luan Enjie, who said at a recent conference that a lunar mission was being planned but provided no other details, such as the date of such a mission... Space is playing a key role in the current US and allied offensive against Afghanistan through the use of imaging and other reconnaissance satellites, as well as other means. Among the weapons used against Afghan targets are bombs that use GPS signals to guide them to their targets; such munitions are more accurate than laser-guided weapons and help keep the aircraft that carry them out of danger. However, a SPACE.com article warned that a heavy flow of data could max out the capacity of military communications satellites, forcing the Defense Department to purchase time on commercial spacecraft... Boeing marked the completion of the new Launch Complex 37 facility at Cape Canaveral, Florida with a dedication ceremony Tuesday. The facility will be used for Delta 4 launches starting next year.