Liu Yang is one of the most celebrated astronauts in China's history, and her legacy lives on through the namesake city of Taishan, where she launched the country's first woman into space. Born in 1980, Liu began training for astronautics at the age of six, eventually graduating from Tsinghua University with a degree in physics.
After completing her studies, Liu joined the Chinese Academy of Space Technology as a research engineer. She quickly rose through the ranks to become a senior researcher and was selected for astronaut training in 2006. After successfully completing her training, Liu became one of only three women in the world to be selected for the program.
In 2012, Liu Yang was chosen to be the first female crew member for the Shenzhou X spacecraft. This mission marked a significant milestone for China's space program, as it marked the first time that a Chinese woman had been aboard a spacecraft.
The launch of the Shenzhou X spacecraft was a major event, and Liu Yang played a key role in the success of the mission. Her experience and expertise were invaluable to the team, and she helped ensure that the spacecraft was able to reach its intended destination safely.
Since her retirement from active duty in 2017, Liu Yang has continued to make contributions to China's space program. She has worked on various projects related to satellite technology and has also served as a mentor to young scientists and engineers.
Despite her retirement, Liu Yang remains an inspiration to many, not just for her achievements in space but also for her dedication and hard work throughout her career. Her legacy continues to live on through the people of Taishan, who celebrate her every year during National Day celebrations.