Following the success of its second mission that sent a manned spacecraft into space, China aims to conduct a spacewalk in 2007 and is looking to recruit female astronauts in the next selection round, according to a senior official from the China National Space Administration.
On the morning of October 17, Mr. Tang Xianming, a senior official from the China National Space Administration, announced that the Shenzhou VI mission had completed the first phase of China’s manned space development plan. The country will focus on conducting spacewalks and enhancing the capability for docking and rendezvous between Chinese spacecraft and other vessels in the next phase.
He also expressed hopes to see Chinese female astronauts in the near future and indicated that they might include some women in the next selection round, although currently, China does not have any female candidates among its astronaut applicants.
In the future, the China National Space Administration hopes to conduct exploratory missions and land on the Moon, and they are currently outlining plans for this endeavor.
