# Yang Liwei

> Chinese astronaut

**Wikidata**: [Q147581](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q147581)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yang_Liwei)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yang-liwei

## Summary
Yang Liwei is a Chinese astronaut and fighter pilot who became the first person sent into space by the People's Republic of China. Born on June 21, 1965, he is a national hero and a key figure in China's manned spaceflight program, marking a historic milestone in the country's technological and scientific achievements.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 21, 1965  
- **Nationality**: People's Republic of China  
- **Education**: Graduated from Tsinghua University  
- **Known for**: First Chinese astronaut in space  
- **Employer(s)**: People's Liberation Army Air Force, China National Space Administration  
- **Field(s)**: Space exploration, military aviation  

## Contributions
- **Space Mission**: Flew aboard the *Shenzhou 5* spacecraft on October 15, 2003, becoming the first Chinese citizen in space. The 21-hour mission demonstrated China's capability to launch crewed spaceflights independently.  
- **Military Service**: Served as a fighter pilot in the People's Liberation Army Air Force before being selected for the astronaut program.  

## FAQs
**What is Yang Liwei's most notable achievement?**  
He became the first Chinese astronaut in space on October 15, 2003, aboard the *Shenzhou 5* mission, circling the Earth 14 times.  

**Where was Yang Liwei educated?**  
He graduated from Tsinghua University, one of China's premier institutions.  

**What roles has Yang Liwei held outside of spaceflight?**  
Prior to his astronaut career, he served as a fighter pilot in the People's Liberation Army Air Force.  

## Why They Matter
Yang Liwei's mission aboard *Shenzhou 5* symbolized China's emergence as a major spacefaring nation, inspiring national pride and catalyzing advancements in the country's space program. His achievement paved the way for subsequent crewed missions, space station development, and lunar exploration, solidifying China's role in global space exploration. Without his pioneering flight, China's progress in human spaceflight might have been delayed, altering the trajectory of its scientific and technological influence.

## Notable For
- **First Chinese Astronaut**: Pioneered human spaceflight for the People's Republic of China.  
- **Historic Mission**: *Shenzhou 5* flight (2003) lasted 21 hours, completing 14 orbits of Earth.  
- **Military Background**: Experienced fighter pilot with the People's Liberation Army Air Force.  
- **Awards and Recognition**: Received honors for his contributions to China's space program.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education  
Yang Liwei was born on June 21, 1965, in China. He pursued higher education at Tsinghua University, one of the nation's top institutions, though specific details about his academic disciplines are not provided in the source material. His educational background laid the foundation for his later career in aviation and space exploration.

### Military and Aviation Career  
Before becoming an astronaut, Yang served as a fighter pilot in the People's Liberation Army Air Force. This role honed his piloting skills and prepared him for the rigorous demands of spaceflight training. His military experience was a critical factor in his selection for China's astronaut program.

### Spaceflight Achievement  
On October 15, 2003, Yang Liwei made history as the first Chinese citizen in space, aboard the *Shenzhou 5* spacecraft. The mission, lasting 21 hours and 23 minutes, involved 14 orbits of Earth and demonstrated China's independent capability to launch crewed space missions. This achievement marked a monumental leap for China's space program, elevating its status as a global leader in space exploration.

### Legacy and Influence  
Yang's mission sparked widespread national pride and ignited public interest in science and technology across China. It also catalyzed further investments in space infrastructure, including the development of the Tiangong space station and lunar exploration initiatives. His success underscored the effectiveness of China's crewed spaceflight program, which has since conducted numerous missions, including extended stays in orbit and spacewalks.

### Affiliations and Recognition  
Yang Liwei is affiliated with Tsinghua University and has received awards for his contributions to China's space endeavors. While specific award names are not detailed in the source material, his status as a national hero and trailblazer in space exploration is widely acknowledged. His legacy extends beyond his own achievements, inspiring future generations of Chinese scientists, engineers, and astronauts.

## References

1. [Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei among first UNESCO Space Science Medal winners. 2017](http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017-10/29/content_33842695.htm)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. SNAC
4. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Quora
7. [OpenSanctions](https://www.opensanctions.org/entities/Q147581)