But for 25 years the United States space program has been doing just that.

CNN: On the space shuttle explosion

One edge that the United States does have in its space program, though, is its embrace of the private space industry.

FORBES: China To Launch Its Next Manned Spacecraft In June 2013

In the United States, NASA's space station program manager told reporters Monday that the timing of the rescheduled mission could force the temporary de-manning of the space station later this year.

CNN: Russia postpones new manned space station mission

It's time not for another government space race, but for expanded space cooperation and collaboration -- an effort the United States would lead, as it does today with the International Space Station program.

CNN: China's giant, quiet step in space

The success of the Shenzhou-8 mission moves China one step closer to having its own space station, a goal for their program after having been denied access to the International Space Station by the United States.

FORBES: Chinese Docking Mission A Success; Shenzhou-8 Returned To Earth