Sir

Although I read with interest your news story “China launches plans for space exploration as taikonauts touch down” (Nature 437, 1075; 200510.1038/4371075b), you do not mention a great change that is taking place in China with regards to space missions — a prompt and thorough openness to the public.

Unlike China's last manned space flight in 2003, the recent mission included a live television broadcast from launch to landing that was made widely available to the public. You could watch images from the electronic cameras installed on the interior and exterior of the module in real time.

Journalists, including those from Taiwan, were also given free entry to the Jiuquan satellite launch centre, the Beijing aerospace command and control centre, and the landing site in Inner Mongolia. Some journalists were even invited to take part in astronaut training, and try out space suits and food; recording the details of such secret places and instruments would have been inconceivable not so long ago.

More officials have been interviewed by the mass media and openly discussed details of Chinese space exploration technology and plans than ever before. This openness represents a new confidence and self-assurance among scientists in China.