China is set to send its first civilian astronaut into space as part of a crewed mission to the Tiangong space station, according to the country’s Manned Space Agency. The astronaut, Gui Haichao, is a payload expert and a professor at the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. This marks a significant milestone for China, as all previous Chinese astronauts have been members of the People’s Liberation Army.
Gui will have a crucial role in the mission, being primarily responsible for the on-orbit operation of space science experimental payloads. The commander of the mission is Jing Haipeng, and the third crew member is Zhu Yangzhu. The launch is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at 9:31 am local time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China.
Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has accelerated its efforts in space exploration, commonly referred to as its “space dream.” The country has made substantial investments, amounting to billions of dollars, in its military-run space program. The ultimate goal is to catch up with the United States and Russia and eventually send humans to the Moon.
In addition to the Tiangong space station mission, China has ambitious plans for lunar exploration. The country aims to establish a base on the Moon and has set a target of launching a crewed lunar mission by 2029, as announced by the National Space Administration. These initiatives signify China’s determination to expand its presence and capabilities in space exploration, solidifying its position as a major player in the global space arena.
