China to select new generation of astronauts

Source: People's Daily | 10-08-2008 14:51

China will start the second round of astronauts selection to replenish a more demanding mission after the Shenzhou-7 mission ends, according to Beijing Daily.

Excellent candidates from the fresh team may be involved in the Shenzhou-10 mission with some of China's first batch of 14 astronauts, including Yang Liwei, Zhai Zhigang, who are still capable of fulfilling the Shenzhou-10 mission as their average age is 40.

The new generation of astronauts, no more than 14 people to be recruited, will be selected from air force pilots and aerospace experts. And the selection criteria and methods would be improved. China has no plan to select women astronauts at present.

Editor:Zhang Ning