China completes preliminary selections for second-batch of astronauts

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The preliminary selection process for China's second-batch of astronauts has finished. The candidates included 30 male fighter pilots and 15 female aero-transport pilots. All have served in the PLA Air Force.

Five men and two women are among the final candidates. Women were allowed for the first time to enter the selection process for China's Space Program. Many of the candidates have conducted important flight missions, including rescue operations during the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, and various military drills.

The average age of the 45 candidates is 30, and all have college degrees and above that level. They will undergo another round of tests, including physiological and psychological checks.