Shenzhou 19 marked a milestone for the Chinese space programme as Wang Haoze became the nation's third female astronaut to reach orbit. Selected as part of the country's third cohort of space travelers, she distinguishes herself as the first woman to serve as an aerospace flight engineer for the People's Liberation Army Astronaut Corps.
Academic and Professional Background
Born in 1990 in Luanping County, Hebei Province, Wang pursued her undergraduate studies at Southeast University. Majoring in Thermal and Power Engineering, she maintained a strong academic record while competing as a member of the university's track and field team. In December 2009, she joined the Chinese Communist Party. Her commitment to engineering continued at the graduate level where she focused on Engineering Thermal Physics, specifically specializing in plasma detonation. Before finalizing her master's degree, she began working at the 11th Institute of Aerospace Propulsion Technology within the China Aerospace Science and Technology Group.
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Her transition from ground-based engineering to spaceflight commenced in September 2020 when she was selected for the third cohort of Chinese astronauts. Within the People's Liberation Army Astronaut Corps, she holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. Her technical classification is that of a fourth-class astronaut, reflecting her role as a flight engineer rather than a pilot. As a member of the Manchu ethnic minority, she is the second individual from this group to enter space, following Zhang Xiaoguang.
Spaceflight Contributions
As a senior engineer, Wang represents the intersection of specialized technical expertise and human spaceflight. Her involvement in the preliminary research of rocket engines provided the foundation for her later mission roles. For her service and achievements, she has been awarded the Spaceflight Exploit Medal, reflecting her contributions to the advancements of the People's Republic of China in orbit.
Fast facts
- Born: 1990, Luanping County, Hebei
- Citizenship: People's Republic of China
- Education: Southeast University
- Military Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
- Mission: Shenzhou 19
- Award: Spaceflight Exploit Medal
- Languages: Chinese, Mandarin
Questions readers ask
What is Wang Haoze's professional background?
She is an aerospace engineer who worked at the 11th Institute of Aerospace Propulsion Technology before becoming an astronaut.
What historic role does she fill in the Chinese space program?
She is China's first female aerospace flight engineer and the third woman from China to travel into space.
Achievements
- Spaceflight Exploit Medal
- Recorded as astronaut and senior engineer
