**Liu Yang's Passing at Shandong Taishan: October 6, 2020**
On October 6, 2020, Liu Yang, the Chinese astronaut who had made history as the first Chinese person to walk in space, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 41.
Born on November 25, 1978, in Yichang, Hubei Province, Liu Yang grew up in a family with strong educational aspirations. His parents instilled him with a love for science and technology from a young age. After graduating from the University of Science and Technology of China, he joined the People's Liberation Army Air Force and began his military career.
In 2003, Liu Yang was selected as one of the first batch of astronauts for China's manned space program. He underwent rigorous training that included physical fitness tests, psychological evaluations, and specialized training in spacecraft operations. In 2008, Liu Yang successfully completed the three-day Tiangong-1 mission, marking the beginning of China's space station era. He was also chosen to participate in the second phase of the space station construction program, where he participated in multiple missions.
Liu Yang's contributions to China's space program were significant. As a member of the Shenzhou-9 crew, he conducted various experiments and tasks, including the deployment of the Tianzhou-1 cargo ship. During the Shenzhou-10 mission, he performed extravehicular activities (EVAs) and assisted in the assembly of the space station. His bravery and dedication earned him widespread praise from both domestic and international audiences.
After retiring from the military, Liu Yang continued to work in the aerospace industry. He became involved in the development of new spacecraft designs and technologies, aiming to further advance China's space capabilities.
The passing of Liu Yang is a great loss to China's aerospace community. He will be remembered not only for his achievements in space but also for his commitment to advancing China's technological prowess. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Chinese scientists and engineers to pursue their dreams and make significant contributions to the field of space exploration.