Deng Qingming

A fighter pilot in the People's Liberation Army Air Force, Deng Qingming was selected to join the Chinese People's Liberation Army Astronaut Corps in 1998. He spent 24 years in training and served as a backup crew member for four separate missions before his first successful flight into orbit at the age of 56.

Early Life and Military Service

Born on 16 March 1966 in Yihuang County, Jiangxi, Deng grew up in a family with a farming background. He is the eldest of five children. Before joining the nation's space program, he served as an aircraft pilot and fighter pilot in the People's Liberation Army Air Force, achieving the rank of Da Xiao.

Mission Preparation and Selection

Deng participated in the Shenzhou program for over two decades. Between his selection as an astronaut in 1998 and his eventual spaceflight, he was designated as a backup member for the Shenzhou 9, Shenzhou 10, Shenzhou 11, and Shenzhou 12 missions. This extended period of readiness preceded his eventual assignment to a flight crew.

Shenzhou 15 and Tiangong Space Station

In November 2022, Deng was selected as one of the three crew members for the Shenzhou 15 mission. He successfully launched to the Tiangong space station, where he lived and worked for 183 days. His mission concluded with his return to Earth in June 2023. Following this achievement, he received the Spaceflight Exploit Medal.

Fast facts

• Born: 16 March 1966
• Birthplace: Yihuang County, Jiangxi
• Selected as astronaut: 1998
• Military rank: Da Xiao
• Mission: Shenzhou 15
• Duration in space: 183 days
• Awards: Spaceflight Exploit Medal (2023)

Questions readers ask

How long did Deng Qingming train before his first space mission?

He trained for 24 years, from his selection in 1998 until his flight in 2022.

What space station did the Shenzhou 15 mission visit?

The mission docked with the Tiangong space station.

Achievements

• Worked as astronaut, aircraft pilot and fighter pilot