Wang Yaping became the first spacewoman to enter Tiangong space station on Oct 16, 2021, aged 41.
Wang's space dream started in 2003, when China sent its first astronaut Yang Liwei into space. At that time, Wang was a pilot in the Chinese army. After having safe flights for 1,600 hours over nine years, Wang was a strong candidate (候选人) to become an astronaut in 2010. She pushed herself hard, getting the same training as men. "The space environment won't change because you are a woman," she told Xinhua.
The hardest part is the high-G training. Sitting in a spinning (旋转的）machine, Wang would become blind for a while because her brain was short of blood. "There's a red button（按钮）, "said Wang. "If you can't bear it, you can press it to stop." But Wang never used it. "There is no such red button in my heart." That strong spirit finally made her dream come true in 2013. She joined the team for the Shenzhou X mission.
Wang said that as astronauts, women have their own advantages. "Women may be more patient and can better deal with loneliness. Women's hearts are also easier to adapt (适应) to the weightless environment, making them more suitable for long-term tasks. "
Wang Yaping went a long way before becoming the first woman to enter the Tiangong space station. She sets a good example for all women who dream of going to space.
a. Less weight. b. More patience.
c. More problem-solving skills. d. Better ability to deal with loneliness.
