In the history of China's space program, the rise of female astronauts marks a remarkable and inspiring chapter. With extraordinary courage, outstanding skills, and relentless dedication, they have carved their own legends among the stars. Among them, three trailblazers, Liu Yang, Wang Yaping, and Wang Haoze, continue to inspire countless dreamers.

Liu Yang: China's first woman in space

Born in 1978, Liu Yang has become a defining figure in China's aerospace journey. She joined the Air Force in 1997, logging 1,680 hours of safe flight time before being selected as part of China's second batch of astronauts in 2010.

On June 16, 2012, Liu made history aboard Shenzhou-9, flying with Jing Haipeng and Liu Wang to become China's first woman in space. Afterward, she pursued a doctorate in sociology at Tsinghua University.

In 2019, Liu was chosen for the Shenzhou-14 mission to help build China's space station. On June 5, 2022, she entered space for the second time, continuing to expand her legacy.

Wang Yaping: First Chinese woman to walk in space

Wang Yaping became the first female Chinese astronaut to walk in space. Born in 1980, she served as an Air Force transport pilot and participated in major operations, such as weather modification during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and disaster relief efforts after the Wenchuan earthquake.

Selected as an astronaut in 2010, Wang flew aboard Shenzhou-10 in 2013, delivering China's first space lecture to millions of students on Earth. In 2021, she went to space again for Shenzhou-13 mission, becoming the first woman to enter China's space station and to perform an extravehicular activity. She also earned a doctorate in journalism from Peking University, combining academic achievement with her aerospace career.

Wang Haoze: China's first female flight engineer

While Liu Yang and Wang Yaping pioneered China's first female spaceflights, Wang Haoze represents a new generation of aerospace professionals. Born in 1990, she studied at Southeast University's School of Energy and Environment, later joining the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation to work on new rocket engine development.

She applied during the third round of astronaut selection in 2018 and, after rigorous training, was chosen for the Shenzhou-19 mission in 2023, becoming China's first female flight engineer. On October 30, 2024, Wang entered space with her crewmates and returned safely on April 30, 2025.

Women reaching for the stars

From Liu Yang's historic first flight to Wang Yaping's spacewalk and Wang Haoze's role as a flight engineer, these pioneers prove that women shine just as brightly in the demanding world of space exploration. Their achievements are not only personal triumphs but also milestones in China's aerospace progress and in the advancement of gender equality. Together, they embody the spirit of building a shared dream among the stars.