By 
April 14th, 2019
Credit: CGTN
China is on the verge of selecting new crew members for its space station program.
To date, a total of 11 taikonauts or Chinese astronauts have gone into space.
Credit: CGTN
As reported by China Global Television Network (CGTN), Huang Weifen, who is in charge of training taikonauts, explains that China plans to select three individuals for its first crewed space station mission.
There are 16 active taikonauts in the current two groups. Only three will be selected to take part in the first piloted space station mission.
Credit: CGTN
Huang said as Chinese future space missions expand, they can even help train and cultivate other countries’ astronauts. She believes there will be more international cooperation on astronauts training and selection.
Credit: CGTN
China is planning to assemble its crewed space station next year. The orbital outpost is scheduled to become fully operational around 2022, according to the CGTN video. Since Chinese astronauts will spend at least three months on a space station mission, they are also expected to solve more emergencies.
To view the CGTN video on taikonaut training, go to:
https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d414e3363544f33457a6333566d54/index.html
Posted in Space News
