Rocket's red glaring error: China sets space launch to America the Beautiful

The Guardian ^ | Thursday 29 September 2011 | Warren Murray

[Sawdring]

The lift-off was flawless. The orbit immaculate. But while China's leaders were celebrating the triumphant launch of Tiangong-1 space lab on Thursday, viewers of state television footage were treated to a bizarre choice of soundtrack: America the Beautiful.

To mark the launch, the Chinese space agency and China Central Television (CCTV) released a proud animation, set to rousing orchestral strains, of the "Heavenly Palace" thrusting skyward, lofting above the Earth and docking with a Shenzhou crew capsule.

[Doc91678]

I thought it appropriate given the fact that Clinton and Gore gave the Chinese enough space technology to launch rockets not only into space but into Continental United States.

[Doc91678]

I thought it appropriate given the fact that Clinton and Gore gave the Chinese enough space technology to launch rockets not only into space but into Continental United States.

[Gene Eric]

Damn, they discovered the launch score and frequencies.

Superstitious much?

[GraceG]

[ The playing of “America The Beautiful” was their way of saying “Thank You!” to us for allowing Bill Clinton to sell them the technology for a sucessful launch. ]

America the Beutiful, but dumb rubes who will sell us their most precious millitary secrets for some campaign money....