Finally started: China's taikonaut selection
23 April 2018
China officially launched the selection of its third batch of astronauts on Monday, and is expected to select about 17 to 18 trainees, including women, an official closely related to manned space announced. "The selection consists of three periods, and we will select not only males but also female candidates for the third batch of astronauts," said Yang Liwei, deputy head of the China Manned Space Agency and the nation's first astronaut.
MORE...
CCTV report...
China's ambition for hypersonic vehicles
21 April 2018
China is drawing up plans for an aerospace engine plant that would pave the way for the mass production of “hypersonic” planes or spacecraft capable of travelling at more than five times the speed of sound, boosting the country’s competitiveness in defence, space, business and other sectors, according to scientists familiar with the project.
MORE...
Wenchang rocket launch centre brings back fortune to locals
20 April 2018
Wenchang space launch center on the island province of Hainan sees a boom of space tourism. Since it opened to the public in March 2016, the launch center has seen 300,000 visitors. Wenchang has been seeking to develop tourism related to aerospace, benefiting local farmers. According to a government plan, Wenchang City will develop six sectors related to aerospace, including technology exhibitions and trades, and cultural and educational tourism.
MORE...
Underwater training suit for astronauts makes debut in Beijing
20 April 2018
A domestically designed underwater training suit for China's astronauts was shown to the press in Beijing on 20 April. The Astronaut Center of China (ACC) unveiled the suit during a summit on aerospace medical engineering. The ACC has been working on the suit since 2014. The suit is used underwater in simulated weightlessness as part of extra-vehicular training.
MORE...