Summary

Guo Ming, Director of the China National Space Administration, is leading the launch of the Taiyang Shen, an unmanned probe that will be in Earth’s orbit for two days. It was China’s first heliology probe to orbit the sun. Zhu Tao tells Guo Ming that the launch is on schedule. They discuss the Iris failure.

Zhu Tao suggests that there is enough fuel to get the probe to Mars in 419 days. Details about China’s launches are all kept secret. NASA has no idea that they could help. Guo Ming wouldn’t want reimbursement; he would want NASA agree to send a Chinese astronaut to Mars. He is sure the State Council will go for it – save an American and put a Chinese man on Mars!

Bruce announces to the JPL team that they are being given another chance with the...