Liu Yang: From "Dink" to "Space Mom", China's First Female Astronaut Embodies the Meaning of Chasing Dreams

Liu Yang: From "Dink" to "Space Mom", China's First Female Astronaut Embodies the Meaning of Chasing DreamsLiu Yang, a name not uncommon in China's vast population, shines brightly when paired with the title "China's first female astronaut." She is a source of national pride, and her success wasn't luck it's a testament to unwavering dedication, countless sacrifices, and a relentless pursuit of her dream

Liu Yang: From "Dink" to "Space Mom", China's First Female Astronaut Embodies the Meaning of Chasing Dreams

Liu Yang, a name not uncommon in China's vast population, shines brightly when paired with the title "China's first female astronaut." She is a source of national pride, and her success wasn't luck it's a testament to unwavering dedication, countless sacrifices, and a relentless pursuit of her dream.

From a Childhood Dream, She Cultivated a Bud of Hope with Sweat

Born into an ordinary family in Henan, Liu Yang's destiny took a turn when she was presented with an opportunity to become a pilot. That moment ignited a passion within her, taking root and growing. While her family expressed both anxiety and support, their mixed emotions fueled her determination. In 1997, a mix of trepidation and anticipation accompanied her as she auditioned for the Air Force Aviation Academy in Changchun, where she secured admission with her outstanding performance.

Honour was not a badge to be displayed, but a constant motivator for self-improvement. The demanding academic workload and rigorous physical training didn't deter her; they fueled her drive to push harder. Beyond the assigned tasks, she voluntarily added extra practice, nurturing her dream with sweat. This grueling experience forged her resilience and laid a solid foundation for her future achievements.

Eight "Dink" Years, Sacrificing Family for a Greater Cause, She Demonstrated her Undying Commitment to her Dream

Within the military, Liu Yang met Zhang Hua, a fellow soldier who shared her military spirit. They married in 2004, embarking on a new chapter in their lives. After their wedding, Zhang Hua showered her with unwavering support, respecting her choices and encouraging her to chase her dream. To ensure she wouldn't miss the opportunity to become an astronaut, they decided to postpone having children, defying pressure from family and society, writing their own "Dink" story.

In 2009, when the nation launched its search for female astronauts, Liu Yang boldly submitted her application. During the two-year preparation period, she dedicated nearly all her time to training, barely even seeing her family. However, her dedication paid off when she earned her place as China's first female astronaut. In 2012, Liu Yang realized her lifelong dream, embarking on her journey to space.

Two Last Words, Filled with Love, She Embodied the Meaning of Family

Standing at the precipice of her dream, Liu Yang's heart overflowed with a mixture of excitement and trepidation about the unknown. Eight years of marriage with Zhang Hua, his unwavering support and love, filled her with deep affection for her family. As China's first female astronaut, she was about to confront unparalleled challenges and unforeseen risks, making her anxious about the future.

To express her love for her husband and her longing for her family, Liu Yang solemnly confided two things to Zhang Hua: if something were to happen to her, she asked him to take care of her parents, and she expressed her hope that he could find a wife who knew how to cook. These heartfelt words were imbued with a blend of longing and reluctance. Zhang Hua embraced his wife, assuring her with unwavering conviction that she would return safe and sound.

Exceptional Example, Reigniting the Journey, She Embodied her Passion for her Career

After realizing her 2012 dream of spaceflight, Liu Yang decided to briefly return to family life, embracing the simple pleasures of everyday life. Two years later, she and Zhang Hua welcomed their first child.

Returning to family didn't mean abandoning her dream; instead, she adopted a more disciplined lifestyle, embarking on a new journey. Over four years, she completed her Doctor of Law degree at Tsinghua University, achieving her academic goal while welcoming her second child. From student to lecturer, she transformed her own experience into a valuable resource, spreading seeds of hope.

These transitions didn't dim her passion for space exploration. In 2022, Liu Yang once again took flight, realizing her dream a second time. She participated in a spacewalk, conducting space science outreach with other astronauts, showcasing the cultivation of rice in the space station to a wider audience.

Women Can Achieve Anything, She Embodied the Strength of Women

As a mother, Liu Yang remained dedicated to the upbringing of the next generation. During the 2024 Children's Day Gala, she shared amazing facts about space with children, describing her life on the space station in simple terms, painting a picture of the universe's grandeur and conveying her love for her homeland and our planet. She also held the 187 stars she folded in space, symbolizing her affection for her fellow countrymen and her hopes for her children.

Liu Yang's story embodies the power of dreams, and her actions demonstrate the strength of women. With dreams in her heart and a sparkle in her eyes, she is kind, courageous, strong, and her light guides every dreamer along their path.

Conclusion

Reviewing Liu Yang's journey, we cannot help but be amazed by human potential. She has shown us that with a dream in our hearts, we should be courageous in pursuing it, undeterred by the challenges ahead. Her story will serve as an inspiration for generations to come, motivating them to chase their dreams. Her brilliance will continue to shine brightly in the vast universe. We eagerly anticipate her new missions and look forward to witnessing her creation of even more wonders in the world to come.

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