Beijing Launches First Lunar Probe.

Embarking on an ambitious 10-year moon exploration program, China launched its first lunar probe Wednesday — a leap forward in the Asian space race that gave a boost to national pride, and the promise of scientific and military payoffs.

Just a week ago, Japan put a probe into orbit around the moon, and India is likely to join the rivalry soon, with plans to send its own lunar probe into space in April. [...]

However, Vincent Sabathier, director of space initiatives at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said China's probe poses a military concern.

"You cannot make the distinction between civil space and military space," he said, adding that civil space involves projects done in the open. "The more you show the capability in civil space, the more you tell the potential adversaries you have the same thing on the military side. That you are mighty."

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