Intl. Day of Human Space Flight: China plans to select next crew members for space station mission

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02:46

Today also marks the International Day of Human Space Flight. So far, a total of 11 Chinese astronauts have gone into space. More manned missions are coming, but getting there won't be easy. CGTN's Wu Lei shows us the intensive physical and mental preparations.

Traveling to outer space may sound like fun, but preparing for the journey is very difficult. These Chinese taikonauts are currently undergoing strenuous exercises. Underwater training, listening tests, landing impact training and vibration training are just some of rigorous projects they must complete. Those in charge say there's no room to cut corners.

HUANG WEIFEN, DEPUTY CHIEF DESIGNER ASTRONAUT CENTER OF CHINA "We plan to select the new crew this year. There will be 3 taikonauts selected from the current two batches of Chinese astronauts."

There are 16 active taikonauts in the current two groups. Only 3 will be selected to take part in the first manned space station mission.

WU LEI ASTRONAUT CENTER OF CHINA "Manned space missions can be unpredictable. In addition to the indoor trainings, Chinese astronauts also need to take outdoor exercises including desert drills and sea survival courses, which are expected to ensure that astronauts are prepared for anything."

Those chosen need basic physical and mental requirements. But according to Huang Weifen, one of the most challenging parts is their cross-sector knowledge capability.

HUANG WEIFEN, DEPUTY CHIEF DESIGNER ASTRONAUT CENTER OF CHINA "Because there will be various space experiments including medical, biological and engineering ones, these taikonauts need to grasp as much related knowledge as possible."

And since astronauts need to spend at least 3 months on a space station mission, they are also expected to solve more emergencies. After years of research and training, China has become the world' s 3rd country to independently cultivate its own astronauts.

HUANG WEIFEN, DEPUTY CHIEF DESIGNER ASTRONAUT CENTER OF CHINA "As our future space missions expand, we can even help train and cultivate other countries' astronauts. I believe there will be more international cooperation on astronauts training and selection."

China is planning to assemble its manned space station next year. The station is scheduled to become fully operational around 2022. WU LEI, CGTN, BJ.