Zhang Zhiyuan

Former PLA Air Force pilot from Gansu and member of China's third taikonaut batch, making his first spaceflight as pilot of Shenzhou 23.

30d

Days in Space

Missions

EVAs

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EVA Time

Biography

Former PLA Air Force pilot from Gansu and member of China's third taikonaut batch, making his first spaceflight as pilot of Shenzhou 23.

Before NASAColonel and fighter pilot in the People's Liberation Army Air Force, selected into China's third taikonaut group in 2020 alongside engineers and scientists for China Space Station operations.

Mission Timeline

Shenzhou spacecraft
Shenzhou 23
Pilot
Launch: May 24, 2026
Landing: Ongoing
Duration: 180 days
- First spaceflight, supporting Tiangong operations

Beyond the Mission

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin)

Fun fact

Born in Baiyin, Gansu Province — a city on the banks of the Yellow River — Zhang said his greatest wish upon reaching orbit was to look down and see the "Mother River that nurtured me," the Yellow River winding through his home province.