Kenya Selected to Join China’s Space Mission

China recently released the list of countries that will form the first batch expected to carry out research for China’s special space mission under the Tiangong Space Station.

Chinese Government affiliated media outlet, T-House Opinions, reported that 17 countries form the first batch expected to carry out research at the space station. Kenya is the only African country to be included in the batch.

Russia, China, Germany, Italy, and France were among the developed countries selected. Other nations included Poland, Switzerland, Norway, the Netherlands, India, Belgium, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Mexico and Peru.

“The first batch of 17 countries will cover a wide range of research. Tiangong is ready for the final assembly,” reported the Chinese outlet.

Tiangong Space Station, popularly known as Heavenly Palace, is a station in China that wields its own power, propulsion, life support systems and living quarters.

China seeks to complete the space station, send its first persons to the moon by 2030 and have a team sent to Jupiter and Mars to collect samples.

China was barred from participating in the International Space Station (ISS) as US laws prevent Americans from sharing information with their Asian rivals.

In September 2020, the US also raised alarm over the planned partnership between Kenya and China, arguing that it would put its own space expansion plans at risk.

Then National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) administrator, Jim Bridenstine, told the US Congress that the deal would further undercut Washington’s relations with Kenya.

Kenya has continued fostering relations with China, one of the East African country’s major infrastructure developers and creditors.

China was wary of this relationship dwindling down upon President William Ruto’s inauguration. The President, who had pledged to review Kenya’s ties with the Chinese, however, allayed the fears after assuming office.