Li Qinglong accumulated 1,230 flight hours as a fighter pilot within the People's Liberation Army Air Force before transitioning his career toward space exploration. As a representative of the People's Republic of China, he served as a key participant in the early stages of the nation's human spaceflight development during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Military Foundation and Training
Born in 1962 in Chuzhou, Dingyuan, Anhui province, Li Qinglong pursued a military education to establish his career. He graduated from the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Missile College in 1987, subsequently completing studies at the PLAAF Flight College. His technical proficiency as a fighter pilot prepared him for his later selection into the national space program.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Cooperation
In November 1996, Li Qinglong and Wu Jie were dispatched to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center in Russia. This international assignment provided the foundational experience necessary for the People's Liberation Army Astronaut Corps. Upon their return, they were integrated with the 12 candidates selected in 1998 to form the first group of Chinese astronauts.
Shenzhou Program Involvement
As the Shenzhou program progressed toward its first manned mission, Li Qinglong emerged as a potential candidate for the inaugural flight. Media reports in early 2003 identified both 'Chen Long' and Li Qinglong as primary options for the mission. It was eventually determined that the earlier report regarding 'Chen Long' was a misspelling of his name. Although he remained a central figure in the training program, the first manned mission, Shenzhou 5, was ultimately piloted by Yang Liwei.
Retirement and Legacy
Following his extensive service to the state and the space program, Li Qinglong remained a member of the astronaut corps for over a decade. He officially retired from the People's Liberation Army Astronaut Corps in 2014. His career remains a component of the early development of China's human spaceflight capabilities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1962
- Birthplace: Chuzhou, Dingyuan, Anhui, China
- Education: PLAAF Missile College, PLAAF Flight College
- Graduation Year: 1987
- Military Branch: People's Liberation Army Air Force
- Flight Experience: 1230 hours
- Retirement: 2014
Questions readers ask
Did Li Qinglong fly on the Shenzhou 5 mission?
No, while he was considered for the first manned flight, the mission was piloted by Yang Liwei.
Where did Li Qinglong receive his astronaut training?
He trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center in Russia starting in 1996.
Achievements
- Recorded as astronaut
