China picks first female astronaut candidates

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China aims to select its first two female astronauts in the near future. The preliminary selection process for China's second group of astronauts has finished. Women were allowed for the first time to be considered for selection.

Two women and five men will be selected. The 45 candidates have all served in the PLA Air Force. Many of them have conducted important flight missions. The average age of the candidates is 30, and all were educated to at least the college level. They are set to undergo another round of tests, including physiological and psychological checks. The tests include some specifically designed for women.