Granted a brief baseball respite from season three's reviews, let's back up a week to consider a tremendously important event that almost skipped past history without receiving a fraction of the attention it deserved (outside China of course). This refers to taikonaut Yang Liwei introducing the People's Republic into the orbital club, as previously Gagarin and Glenn did for the Soviet Union and United States. Each of these three nations has now lofted (at least one of) their citizens outside the gravitational grip of launch point Earth.

The Chinese accomplishment wasn't exactly exciting technically but remained a 21-hour fingernail-biter all the same, and certainly represents no trivial feat, acknowledged silently by the earlier Shenzhou menagerie that didn't return as safely. Further, Yang gets credit for making not only one orbit but many, almost a full day's worth (John made three, Yuri one). And every lowly terrestrial can't help but admire the foresight to bring take-out food along as well!

So while the west takes a break from exploration to bully their miracles of profit and expense, the Chinese take one bold step forward towards the future. My understanding is that Yang deployed a small United Nations flag during his mission, proclaiming the peaceful intent of the Chinese effort in a demonstrably encouraging manner. This must find resonance with the spirit that propels the International Space Station - it is imperative Alpha brings the Chinese aboard both literally and figuratively, and sooner rather than later.

Picard observed in "Tin Man" that sometimes it's not about getting there first. In the long run of space what's going to matter is a steadfast commitment. Centuries ago China sent forth a great armada mapping the world only to abandon their success in a complacent embrace of isolation. Having dropped the baton the west picked it up and, readied with the drive to expand, managed to run all the way to the moon - only to go complacent. Sound familiar? (Perhaps the center of human adventure never discontinues, it only relocates.)

But this isn't a zero-sum game, and there is always room for more. Beyond three is five, the current complement aboard Alpha after Soyuz brought a replacement crew (American Michael Foale and Russian Aleksandr Kaleri, plus the Spaniard Duque) to help secure our heavenly foothold. Malenchenko and Lu, Expedition Seven, will soon hand over the keys (as in, piano?) and leave the station behind that has been their home since March. Safe journey homewards, Expedition Seven, and thanks for a good job. Godspeed Expedition Eight!