【CMSE news June 13】A series of activities celebrating World's first female astronaut space flight 50th anniversary opened in Vienna, Austria on June 12. The first Chinese female astronaut Liu Yang was invited to attend it. The first event entitled “Space: Building the Future Today” was held during the 56th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space(COPUOS). Liu Yang and Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman astronaut, and many other outstanding space pioneers from Argentina, Canada, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Russia, and the United States held discussions on women’s contributions and future role in space industry.

Liu Yang started by presenting a video to vividly demonstrate her working experiences and feelings during the rendezvous and docking mission of Shenzhou 9 spaceship/ Tiangong 1 target vehicle. She interacted actively with the anchor and representatives from different countries. Based on vivid examples, she illustrated the important contributions of manned space to human society development, expressed China’s open-mindedness on international cooperation and exchange, and looked into the future of human space industry as well as women’s greater role in it. Liu Yang’s excellent speech and graceful style were well received with applause. After the event, she was also present at the 50th anniversary photo exhibition.

When interviewed by domestic and international press, Liu Yang said she was excited to communicate with worldwide outstanding women in space and sent Wang Yaping good wishes for her successfully completing the entire mission after smooth space launch on June 11.

Chinese Ambassador in Vienna Cheng Jingye said, at times when every country is accelerating its space development, UN Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) is highly regarded by all countries as an important multilateral platform in peaceful use of outer space. Chinese delegation in Vienna will coordinate related domestic departments to promote China’s international cooperation and advance China’s long-term space development. (Translated by Yu Yanjuan)