Author Topic: Corruption in PRC's Rocket Force and Influence on Space Program (Read 7692 times)

darkenfast · « **on:** 01/14/2024 02:55 pm »

There have been multiple articles in various media outlets regarding what appears to be a serious case of corruption at the highest levels of People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). Leaving aside the PRC political and military aspects, does anyone here think this could have an effect on China's Space Program, or its supply chains? If so, does this affect the U.S., and/or other countries in their responses to that Space Program, either as a competitor or as a collaborator?

laszlo · « **Reply #1 on:** 01/14/2024 04:58 pm »

For all Mankind, Apollo 23

Robotbeat · « **Reply #2 on:** 01/19/2024 01:12 am »

Quote from: darkenfast on 01/14/2024 02:55 pm

There have been multiple articles in various media outlets regarding what appears to be a serious case of corruption at the highest levels of People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). Leaving aside the PRC political and military aspects, does anyone here think this could have an effect on China's Space Program, or its supply chains? If so, does this affect the U.S., and/or other countries in their responses to that Space Program, either as a competitor or as a collaborator?

"Corruption" or maybe just insufficient subservience to Xi.

etudiant · « **Reply #3 on:** 01/19/2024 01:21 am »

Quote from: darkenfast on 01/14/2024 02:55 pm

There have been multiple articles in various media outlets regarding what appears to be a serious case of corruption at the highest levels of People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF). Leaving aside the PRC political and military aspects, does anyone here think this could have an effect on China's Space Program, or its supply chains? If so, does this affect the U.S., and/or other countries in their responses to that Space Program, either as a competitor or as a collaborator?

Judging by the performance to date, corruption has not damaged the vitality of the Chinese space program.
Perhaps the sunshine of publicity is proving to be an effective disinfectant.

edzieba · « **Reply #4 on:** 01/19/2024 03:59 pm »

PLARF is no more related to the activities of CNSA than Strategic Air Command influences the activities of NASA.

RedLineTrain · « **Reply #5 on:** 01/19/2024 04:33 pm »

I thought that this aerospace industry purge was broader than the military. Recent reports suggest that the following were purged.

*Wu Yansheng, chairman of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC),
*Liu Shiquan, chairman of the board of the China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco), and
*Wang Changqing, deputy manager of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC)

I have the vague impression that some of this is an expression of dissatisfaction with progress compared to SpaceX (Starship + Starlink). They seem to think that they are on the back foot. Maybe they are clearing out the old guard, or these actions are multipurpose.