Shenzhou 6 marked the second crewed spaceflight of the Chinese space program, with Fei Junlong serving as its commander upon the mission's launch on 12 October 2005. Since his selection for the national astronaut program in 1998, he has remained a central figure in the development of orbital operations, culminating in his command of the Shenzhou 15 mission to the Tiangong space station.
Early Military Career
Born in 1965 in Kunshan, Jiangsu province, Fei was recruited into the People's Liberation Army Air Force at age 17 in 1982. He pursued his education at the PLA Air Force Aviation University, subsequently graduating from the Changchun No.1 Flight College and the Air Force Flight Training School. Before his shift to astronautics, he served the air force as a pilot, flight instructor, and technical inspector, achieving the status of Command Pilot in 1982.
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Fei was among the final five candidates considered for the inaugural crewed mission, Shenzhou 5. He later led the Shenzhou 6 flight, accompanied by flight engineer Nie Haisheng. The craft launched on 12 October 2005 and successfully returned to Earth on 17 October 2005. Years later, he returned to space as part of the three-person crew for the Shenzhou 15 mission. This six-month endeavor began on 29 November 2022, with the crew docking at the Tiangong space station roughly seven hours after launch.
Personal Life and Recognition
He married Wang Jie in 1991, and they have one son, Fei Di, who eventually joined the development team for the Shenzhou spacecraft. Fei’s professional contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Spaceflight Exploit Medal awarded in both 2005 and 2023. His impact extended beyond terrestrial awards when Asteroid 9512 Feijunlong was named in his honor in 2007. He also maintains an interest in fine arts when not engaged in professional aviation duties.
Fast facts
- Born: 1965, Kunshan
- Military Rank: Shao Jiang
- Education: PLA Air Force Aviation University
- Space Missions: Shenzhou 6, Shenzhou 15
- Awards: Spaceflight Exploit Medal (2005, 2023)
- Named Entity: Asteroid 9512 Feijunlong
Questions readers ask
What rank does Fei Junlong hold?
He holds the military rank of Shao Jiang.
When did Fei Junlong travel to the Tiangong space station?
He launched for the six-month Shenzhou 15 mission on 29 November 2022.
Achievements
- Educated at PLA Air Force Aviation University
- Worked as fighter pilot and astronaut
