China's first woman in space gets 'special care'

(Ecns.cn)--At around 2:00 p.m. Monday the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft, carrying three astronauts, successfully docked via automated procedure with the Tiangong-1 space lab module.

The latest Shenzhou mission has made history by sending 34-year-old Liu Yang, China's first female astronaut, into orbit--a move that has required some special adjustments by the space program, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reports.

"We developed a new series of spacesuits for female astronauts," Li Tanqiu, deputy chief designer of the astronaut system department, told Xinhua. Li added that the new suits fit well and enable swift movements, especially for the fingers.

The Tiangong-1 also features a toilet specially designed for women, as well as a separate bedroom area.

The Beijing Morning Post quotes Pang Zhihao, a space technology expert, as saying that the female astronaut will enjoy plenty of privacy and special care on the Tiangong-1. In accordance with international practice, more water has been rationed for her use; she has also been allowed to bring along simple cosmetics.

Chen Shanguang, general director of the astronaut system department, has introduced low-fat food and added more vegetables to the menu to cater to Liu's dietary needs.

Liu used to be an advanced fighter pilot, and has racked up 1,680 flying hours since joining the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 1997. She was recruited as a prospective astronaut in May 2010 and confirmed as one of six shortlisted candidates three months ago for Saturday's mission, reveals Xinhua.

"From day one I have been told I am no different from the male astronauts," Liu told reporters before the launch.

"As a pilot, I flew in the sky. Now that I am an astronaut, I will fly in space. The flight will be much higher and further away." Yet, "as much as possible, I would like to experience the weightless environment of space, appreciate the beauty of Earth, and see our beautiful home," she noted, adding that "I will record my feelings and experiences, and bring them back to share with everyone."

As a child Liu reportedly did not dream of going to space. Instead her sights were set on positions such as a bus conductor or a lawyer.

It was a visit by the PLA to her high school in central China that caused Liu to realize she wanted to become a pilot—"a decision that eventually saw her take on the historic role," commented AFP.

An outstanding student during her teenage years, Liu impressed her teachers as a quiet yet courageous girl who always dressed simply. Now, banners have been raised at her former high school in Henan Province to celebrate her selection as the country's first female "taikonaut," AFP quoted Chinese media as saying.

According to state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), Liu was selected for her "excellent skills and psychological qualities."

She has been praised for her cool handling of an incident involving a collision with a flock of pigeons, when she was able to land a damaged aircraft.

Though little is known about their personal lives, China Daily reveals that female astronauts must be married and that mothers are preferred, due to fears that potential exposure to radiation could harm fertility.

Liu is married, but has no children. Speaking of her family, she once expressed her gratitude as well as guilt toward her husband in an interview with CCTV, as she had spent very little time at home during months of training.

"He has been very supportive of me. I am very thankful to him," she said. Liu added that she loves children and would consider having one after her return from space.