A total of 1100 flight-hours logged as a fighter pilot provided the operational foundation for Wu Jie to transition from the People's Liberation Army Air Force to the burgeoning Chinese space program. His early career path established him as a central figure in the initial cadre of personnel tasked with developing the nation's human spaceflight capabilities.
Early Career and Training
Born in 1963 in Zhengzhou, Henan province, Wu Jie pursued a military education trajectory within the People's Liberation Army Air Force. He completed his studies at the PLAAF Engineering College in 1987, followed by instruction at the PLAAF Flight College. This rigorous academic and technical background served as the prerequisite for his selection into the elite ranks of pilots designated for specialized aviation roles.
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In November 1996, Wu Jie and Li Qinglong were dispatched to the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center in Russia to undergo advanced preparation. This international exchange program was pivotal for the development of the Shenzhou program. Following this training, Wu Jie was integrated into Group 1 of the People's Liberation Army Astronaut Corps, alongside 12 additional candidates selected in 1998.
Mission Assignments and Retirement
As the Shenzhou program progressed toward its initial crewed flight, Wu Jie remained in close contention for flight assignments. Prior to the successful launch of Shenzhou 5, he was widely considered a primary candidate to pilot the mission, though the selection ultimately went to Yang Liwei. Wu continued his active role within the program as one of the final six astronauts prepared for the Shenzhou 6 mission. His tenure with the Astronaut Corps concluded in 2014 when he retired from active service.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Zhengzhou
- Nationality: People's Republic of China
- Education: PLAAF Engineering College
- Flight Experience: 1100 hours
- Primary Group: Group 1, PLA Astronaut Corps
- International Training: Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center
- Career End: Retired from Astronaut Corps in 2014
Questions readers ask
Did Wu Jie fly on the Shenzhou 5 mission?
No, although he was a finalist for the mission, it was eventually flown by Yang Liwei.
Where did Wu Jie receive his initial astronaut training?
He began his training in November 1996 at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonauts Training Center in Russia.
Achievements
- Recorded as astronaut
