First Chinese Astronaut Was Trained In Russia – Rosaviakosmos

MOSCOW. Oct 1 (Interfax-China) – The first Chinese astronaut, whose flight is reported to be scheduled for October 7, underwent pre-flight training at the Russian training center in Star City outside Moscow.

Two Chinese astronauts underwent training in Russia in 1997. One of them will fly to space, spokesman for the Russian Aviation and Space Agency Sergei Gorbunov told the press on Wednesday.

“This is not surprising. Russia has amassed vast experience in training astronauts,” Gorbunov said.

He also said that Russia has been rendering all-round assistance to Chinese colleagues in preparing its first manned fight.

In addition to training the two Chinese astronauts, Wu Ze and Li Qinglong, underwent at the Russian training center “at China’s private request,” Russia has also rendered China technical assistance in building the spaceship. “The spaceship’s design is 100% Russian. It even looks like a Russian spacecraft,” Gorbunov said.