On 27 September 2008, Zhai Zhigang became the first citizen of the People's Republic of China to perform a spacewalk, exiting his spacecraft during the Shenzhou 7 mission. This feat marked a critical point in the nation's space exploration program, establishing his role as a commander in the advancement of extravehicular activity for the Chinese astronaut corps.
Military Foundation
Born in 1966 in Longjiang County, Zhai began his professional life as a member of the People's Liberation Army. He attended the PLA Air Force Aviation University, where he received training as a fighter pilot. Throughout his tenure in the Air Force, he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel, served as a pilot trainer, and accumulated over 1,000 hours of flight time in his role as a squadron leader.
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The transition to space exploration began in 1996 when Zhai was selected as a candidate for the national taikonaut program. He was officially appointed to the inaugural group of fourteen in 1998. During his initial years in the program, he participated in final training cycles for both the Shenzhou 5 and Shenzhou 6 missions. Despite being ranked highly in selection processes, his participation in these specific flights did not occur.
Commanding Shenzhou 7 and 13
Zhai served as the commander for the Shenzhou 7 mission, which launched on 25 September 2008 as the third human spaceflight for the People's Republic of China. Alongside crew members Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng, he executed a successful spacewalk. Later, in his capacity as a Shao Jiang, he returned to orbit as the commander of the Shenzhou 13 mission to the Tiangong space station. Accompanied by Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu, he conducted two additional spacewalks in November and December 2021.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 October 1966, Longjiang County
- Military Rank: Shao Jiang
- Education: PLA Air Force Aviation University
- Selected for taikonaut program: 1996
- First spacewalk: 27 September 2008
- Spouse: Zhang Shujing
Questions readers ask
What missions did Zhai Zhigang command?
He served as the commander for the Shenzhou 7 mission and the Shenzhou 13 mission to the Tiangong space station.
How many spacewalks has Zhai Zhigang completed?
He has performed three spacewalks in total: one during the Shenzhou 7 mission in 2008 and two during the Shenzhou 13 mission in 2021.
Achievements
- Educated at PLA Air Force Aviation University
- Worked as astronaut and fighter pilot
