US female astronaut praises China's space program

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A female astronaut from the United States has spoken highly of the development of China’s aerospace program, and of the nation's first female astronaut, Liu Yang.

In an exchange between female astronauts from China and the US held on Thursday at Beihang University, or Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics, Sandra Magnus, a US astronaut, said she was impressed by the progress China has made.

"The space program in China is very impressive," she said. "You have had a space station module and have done an amazing docking since flying the first person to space 10 years ago.

"China has accomplished so much in such a short period, and I think China's program is very strong and has a bright future."

In October 2003, China's first manned spacecraft, Shenzhou V, was sent into space with astronaut Yang Liwei on board.

Last June, three Chinese astronauts piloted Shenzhou IX to link up with Tiangong-1, China's first space station module. Liu, the only female of the three, became the first female astronaut from China to travel to space.

Magnus said she had been looking forward to seeing her Chinese peer at the event and praised Liu as "a wonderful representative for China."

"We are all in one group and we are all kind of sisters, and it felt good to be together and share our experiences.

"It's very difficult to be a woman for anything, and I think she has done a wonderful job," Magnus said.

Magnus, who arrived in China on Saturday, said she came to talk about aeronautics with Chinese experts and students.

Questions:

1. Who is the US female astronaut visiting Beihang University?

2. How did she describe China’s space program?

3. Who is China’s first female astronaut?

Answers:

1. Sandra Magnus.

2. As “very impressive.”

3. Liu Yang.

About the broadcaster:

Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.