Candidates from Hong Kong, Macao shortlisted for China's new taikonaut selection
JIUQUAN, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 candidates have been shortlisted for the final selection of China's fourth generation of taikonauts, including several candidates from Hong Kong and Macao, the China Manned Space Agency announced at a press conference on Wednesday.
The selection process was launched in 2022, with the aim of selecting 12 to 14 reserve taikonauts. The selection will include different fields of expertise, such as spacecraft pilots, spaceflight engineers and payload specialists.
Lin Xiqiang, the agency's spokesperson, said the spacecraft pilots will be selected from aviators now serving in the armed forces. The flight engineers and payload specialists will be chosen from those in relevant industries, universities and scientific research institutions.
"For the first time, the post of payload specialist is open to candidates from Hong Kong and Macao," Lin added.
In March 2023, the first round of the new taikonaut selection was completed, with 100-plus candidates being picked. The second round wrapped up in August, and more than 20 candidates advanced to the finals.
According to Lin, the selection work is set to wrap up before the end of this year. If they can pass the final selection, the candidates from Hong Kong and Macao will enter the taikonaut research and training center early next year.
"Let's look forward to their good news," Lin said.
Related articles
Shooting injures 2 at Missouri high school graduation ceremony
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) — Two people were injured when gunfire broke out during a high school gradu2024-05-21SAS legend Chris Ryan warns Britain needs a bigger 'professional Army
SAS legend Chris Ryan said Britain needs to build its army up 'fast' - and hinted he'd be prepared t2024-05-21Global obesity deaths rise by 50 percent since 2000, major report shows
The number of people dying from obesity-related diseases like heart conditions and stroke has risen2024-05-21Chinese premier congratulates Mishustin on reassuming office as Russian PM
BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday congratulated his Russian counterpart2024-05-21Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines blamed Chinese fishermen on Monday for a massive loss of2024-05-21Jake Paul and Mike Tyson trade insults as they hype planned summer fight in Texas
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Jake Paul and Mike Tyson traded insults and expletives as they previewed the2024-05-21
atest comment