**Liu Yang: The Pioneer in Chinese Spaceflight**
China has lost one of its most celebrated astronauts with the passing of Liu Yang, the country’s first female spacesuit pilot. Liu passed away at her home in Zhongnanhai, Beijing on September 24th, aged 58. She had been battling cancer for several years.
Born in Shandong province, Liu graduated from Tsinghua University and worked as a teacher before entering the field of space science. In 1998, she was selected into the National Astronaut Selection Committee to become part of China’s first group of cosmonauts. Despite being the youngest among them, Liu became known for her exceptional physical fitness and mental resilience during training.
In 2012, Liu made history when she piloted Shenzhou-9, China’s second manned spacecraft mission. During this flight, she became only the third woman in the world to travel to space and the first to conduct extravehicular activities (EVA) while orbiting Earth. Her success marked a significant milestone in China’s space program and helped pave the way for future missions that would include women pilots.
Following Shenzhou-9, Liu continued her contributions to the space community. In 2013, she flew aboard Shenzhou-10, which also included another female astronaut, Wang Yaping, making it the first time two women were sent into space simultaneously. Liu served as the commander of Shenzhou-10 and conducted several scientific experiments related to human physiology in microgravity environments.
After retiring from active duty in 2016, Liu remained involved with the Chinese space program through various roles such as serving as the chief designer of the Shenzhou series of spacecraft and participating in international space cooperation projects. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the title of “Hero Astronaut” by the People’s Republic of China.
Liu Yang will be remembered not just for her groundbreaking achievements but also for inspiring countless young girls across China and beyond to pursue careers in STEM fields. Her legacy continues to influence China’s space exploration efforts, and her spirit of perseverance and dedication remains an inspiration to many.
As we mourn the loss of Liu Yang, the memory of her pioneering role in space exploration serves as a testament to the remarkable progress China has made in the realm of space technology and human achievement. Her life story is a powerful reminder of the potential of women leaders and the importance of continuous innovation in both personal and national endeavors.