China started the selection process of the fourth batch of astronauts to join the subsequent space missions of the China's Manned Space Program.

A total of 12 to 14 preparatory astronauts will be chosen, including 7 or 8 pilots. Engineers, 3 or 4, will also be selected as well as 2 payload experts. The pilots will be selected among active pilots of China's armed forces. The engineers will be picked from researchers and technicians in aerospace or related industries. And the payload experts will be picked from the scientific research personnel engaged in the fields related to space science research and application.

The China Manned Space Agency will carry out the selection process of preparatory astronauts, which is expected to last about 18 months. The posts of payload experts are also open to applicants from Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions for the first time.