China open to foreign involvement in its space station

Yang Liwei, deputy director of China Manned Space Engineering Office, has gone on-record saying that China welcomes more countries to participate in the construction and operation of its new manned space station.

A group of 16 Chinese and two European astronauts conduct sea survival training in the ocean off the coast of Yantai, Shandong Province, during a 17-day joint program from August 5 to 21, 2017. [Photo: VCG]

The suggestion comes after a group of 16 astronauts, including Yang Liwei and Jing Haipeng, as well as two European astronauts, completed sea survival training in the ocean off the coast of Yantai, Shandong Province, on August 21, 2017.

Organized by the Astronaut Center of China (ACC), the 17-day joint training program was the first time Chinese astronauts have conducted survival training at sea.

A group of 16 Chinese and two European astronauts conduct sea survival training in the ocean off the coast of Yantai, Shandong Province, during a 17-day joint program from August 5 to 21, 2017. [Photo: VCG]

For the Europeans, it was the first time the European Space Commission has taken part in space-related training in China.

After the completion of the sea survival training, Yang Liwei told China Youth Daily that so far more than 10 countries worldwide have expressed interest in having the astronauts train with China. Yang added that Chinese authorities intend to select a third group of astronauts this year. Aside from air force pilots, the selection of the third group will also include engineers.

Germany astronaut Matthias Maurer joins a 17-day sea survival training course with 16 Chinese astronauts in waters off the coast of Yantai, Shandong Province. [Photo: VCG]

According to the China Manned Space Engineering Office, China has signed multiple cooperation agreements with countries such as Russia, Germany and France, and organizations including the European Space Agency (ESA) and United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.