Uh oh. It seems that an Indonesian communications satellite launched yesterday from the Xichang launch site in Sichuan province didn't quite make it to its predestined orbit. While the launch made it into space, it failed to ignite in its third stage, and is now floating somewhere where it shouldn't be - a pretty bad deal for a communications satellite. China has been trying to build up its space program, but keeps suffering from setbacks: another satellite, launched in 2007, failed earlier this year after just 18 months in orbit. It would probably be good for the country to learn how to properly launch things - If we know anything about deadlines in China, then their plan to have a moon landing in 2012 means a moon landing in 2012, by hook or crook. We can't help but chew our nails nervously, and be grateful that we're not Chinese astronauts. more ›