(Last edited: Tuesday, 26 September 2023, 5:19 PM)
Short
Definition
Liu Yang is a taikonaut, a term used for Chinese astronauts, and a military
transport pilot. She was born on October 6, 1978, in Zhengzhou, China. Today
she is known for being the first Chinese woman to venture into space, achieving
this milestone on June 16, 2012, as part of the Shenzhou 9 mission.
Detailed Definition
Liu Yang is an only child who was born into a working-class family with roots
in Linzhou, Anyang. Her journey towards the skies began soon after high school when she was
encouraged by a teacher to pursue aviation. Joining the People's Liberation
Army (PLA) Air Force in 1997, she amassed an impressive 1,680 hours of flight
experience, rising to the rank of major and deputy head of a flight unit. Notably,
Liu Yang showcased her courage and skill when she successfully landed her
fighter jet after a bird collision, an event that earned praise from state
media.
In May 2010, Liu Yang was recruited into China's second class of prospective
astronauts. Following two years of rigorous training, she demonstrated
exceptional skills during testing, leading to her selection in March 2012 as a
crew candidate for the Shenzhou-9 mission.
Soon
after, on June 16, 2012, Liu Yang launched into space, accompanied by commander
Jing Haipeng and operator Liu Wang.
This milestone
mission marked China's first successful crewed space docking with the Tiangong
1 space module. During the mission, Liu Yang took charge of conducting medical
experiments.
Etymology N/A
Sample Sentence(s)
"[…] having Liu Yang on board will not only help the country's aspiring
space program test equipment designed for women in preparation for the building
of an orbiting space station, but it will also expand the social impact of
human space missions." Wolchover, N. (2012, June 15). Who Is China’s First
Female Astronaut? livescience.com. https://www.livescience.com/34002-china-female-astronaut.html
