Another new face in the Shenzhou 18 flight crew this time is astronaut Li Guangsu, who is also the only liberal arts student in the third batch of 18 astronauts. After more than three years of hard training, Li Guangsu has completed the transformation from a fighter pilot to an aerospace pilot. In our interview with him, we can feel that rigor, meticulousness, and calmness are Li Guangsu's greatest characteristics.
Li Guangsu, 36 years old this year, was born in Pei County, Jiangsu Province in 1987. In 2005, for Li Guangsu, who was in high school, it was his dream to become an Air Force pilot and fly a war eagle to the blue sky to defend the motherland. After strict selection, Li Guangsu was admitted to the Air Force Aviation University and joined the ranks of flight cadets.
Astronaut Li Guangsu: I used to fly a domestically made third-and-a-half-generation aircraft. I've done a lot of tasks and I feel like they're all treasures in my life.
In May 2018, the mainland launched the selection of the third batch of reserve astronauts, which was full of excitement and challenges for Li Guangsu, who met the selection conditions. In September 2020, after layers of selection, Li Guangsu stood out from many pilots who signed up for the election and became one of the third batch of astronauts in the mainland.
Astronaut Li Guangsu: I was quite surprised when I heard the news, and I felt a little unreal, and then I repeatedly confirmed that it was indeed passed, or I joined our glorious team as I wished.
The only liberal arts student
The pressure is comparable to "re-taking the college entrance examination"
From pilots to astronauts, with the change of identity, the pressure of many aspects also comes. As the only liberal arts student in the third batch of 18 astronauts, the basic theory course of aerospace made Li Guangsu feel the pressure comparable to "re-preparing for the college entrance examination". Li Guangsu said that it was difficult to study science at the beginning, so he chose liberal arts, but he didn't expect that many years later, he still couldn't escape the fate of studying science.
Astronaut Li Guangsu: When I was learning the theory of modified models, our theory had a passing line, but no one told you how much more than you were passing in the aerospace theory, or how many points you got or more that you met the standard, everyone was rushing for 100 points, and if you could get 100 points, you would never score 99 points. In addition to the basic theory, I think the training of vestibular function is also a challenge for me, after becoming an astronaut, these movements are compulsory subjects, and you have to go through this stage. What to do? Endure it, spin it around again and again, let yourself get used to it, and finally calmly complete this belief.
According to the astronaut training program, the third batch of astronauts carried out more than 100 training items in eight categories. From the tempering of the body to the will, from the endurance to the improvement of professional knowledge, these are the only ways to become an astronaut. Li Guangsu completed systematic study and training, and Li Guangsu, together with Ye Guangfu and Li Cong, was selected into the Shenzhou 18 crew.
Astronaut Li Guangsu: After basic theory, professional theory, and professional training in all aspects, it can be said that the foundation has been laid relatively firmly, and coupled with the running-in training of the entire crew, the confidence to carry out the mission has become more and more sufficient.
From guarding the airspace of the Motherland
to explore the vastness of space
The Shenzhou-18 manned mission is the third manned mission in the application and development stage of the space station. During the mission, astronauts will be out of the capsule, space science experiments and technical tests will be carried out. In order to complete these tasks, the Shenzhou-18 crew conducted targeted intensive training.
Astronaut Li Guangsu: Our space station has been attacked by space debris during operation, and our mission this time involves protecting our entire space station as much as possible. When it comes to the training of out-of-cabin activities, one of our most important places is the weightless tank training, as well as our Eva (out-of-cabin activity program) training.
For Li Guangsu, from guarding the motherland's airspace to exploring the vast space, the pace of going out for the country is equally firm.
Astronaut Li Guangsu: I used to be a pilot, I have 11 years of flying career, and the sky of the motherland has also had my footprints, and there are many corners of the motherland, and there are also footprints that I have struggled for. But whether it is a pilot or an astronaut, they are all contributing to the country in different positions. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of starry sky it looks like after leaving the atmosphere? When I get out of the capsule, I must be even more excited, there should be a feeling that the sky is high and the birds are flying, and the field of vision should be very open, and then follow the space station outside the cabin to welcome the sunrise and sunset. Watching the earth turn in circles under our feet, I think it should be a very beautiful scene.
The "snail running wild" rushed into space
From a liberal arts student to a flight cadet, and then to being selected for the 18th Crew of God, Li Guangsu's career resume, in the eyes of outsiders, may be soaring and exceptionally smooth. But he said that he had ordinary talents, just like his WeChat name "Running Snail", and he had to take every step steadily, even if it was a snail, he had to run as hard as he could towards space.
(Source: CCTV News)