China's new team of astronauts ready rigorous training in Beijing

China's fourth group of astronauts have been training in Beijing since August, according to Lin Xiqiang, deputy director of the China Manned Space Agency.

Lin told reporters at a news conference on Tuesday morning at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center that the 10 new astronauts, including two from the country's Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, have been given lectures about manned spaceflight knowledge and specifically designed physical training.

In addition, they have taken part in guided tours, workshops and cultural activities, all of which were intended to help them fit into their new role as soon as possible, according to Lin.

In their next session of training, the new astronauts will gradually be exposed to more than 200 programs in eight categories and will be taught about how to work on the lunar surface because they will be tasked with realizing the country's manned lunar exploration, the official said.

Talking about the two new astronauts from Hong Kong and Macao, Lin said they reported to the Astronaut Center of China, located in a northwestern suburb of Beijing, on Aug 8.

"In addition to common training, trainers have arranged targeted lectures for the two, ranging from the history and spirit of China's manned spaceflight programs to spoken Mandarin. Both of them have fitted well in the team and trained with passion and energy," he said.

China started selecting the country's fourth generation of astronauts in October 2022 and announced in June this year the completion of the procedure with 10 on the final list — eight spacecraft pilots and two science payload specialists.

Both of the science payload specialists were chosen from applicants from Hong Kong and Macao.

This is the first time that people from Hong Kong and Macao have had the opportunity to join the nation's astronaut team.