China's Fourth Batch of Astronaut Candidates.

China's astronaut selection process has become more sophisticated and well-established over the years. Here's a breakdown of the details:

Announcement: June 11, 2024

Number Selected: 10

Selection Focus: Candidates were chosen to support China's ambitious space goals, including a potential crewed lunar landing by 2030.

Breakdown of Candidates:

• Eight Space Pilots: This marks the first time pilots from outside the air force were included, encompassing the ground force and navy wings of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
• Two Payload Specialists: These are the first astronauts ever chosen from Hong Kong and Macao.

Training Process:

• The selected candidates will undergo a rigorous training program lasting about two years at the Astronaut Center of China (ACC).
• Upon successful completion, they may be eligible for missions to China's Tiangong space station.

Significance of Selection:

• This signifies China's expanding space program and its efforts to broaden participation.
• The inclusion of Hong Kong and Macao reflects China's growing focus on national unity and regional involvement in space exploration.

This selection marks a significant milestone for China's space program, with a more diverse group of astronauts poised to contribute to the nation's future space .