Who Is Wang Yaping? Age, Biography and Wiki
Wang Yaping, born on January 1, 1980, is a prominent Chinese taikonaut who has made significant strides in space exploration. As of 2025, she is 45 years old. With a background in engineering and a career as a pilot, Wang has become a symbol of progress in the Chinese space program, known for her historic missions and contributions to scientific research. She gained international notoriety as the second Chinese woman to enter space when she flew aboard the Shenzhou 10 in 2013.
| Occupation | Astronaut |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Yantai, Shandong, China |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | China |
Popularity
Wang Yaping's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Wang Yaping stands at an approximate height of 1.65 meters (5 feet 5 inches) and weighs around 54 kilograms (119 lbs). Her athletic build is complemented by her rigorous training regime, which includes physical fitness and endurance training that are essential for taikonauts.
On 15 October 2021, the three Shenzhou 13 crewmembers arrived at the Tianhe space station module, hours after launch.
On 7 November, the China Manned Space Agency announced that a spacewalk was underway and it was being performed by astronauts Zhai Zhigang, the Shenzhou 13 mission commander, and Wang Yaping, who was now China's first female spacewalker. EVA operations started at 6:21 p.m.. Wang exited from the node cabin of the Tianhe Core Module at 8:28 p.m..
Zhai and Wang completed their EVAs and returned to Tianhe by 1:16 a.m. on 8 November, the entire operation having lasted 6 hours and 25 minutes. Wang wore a new spacesuit, delivered to the station by the Tianzhou 3 cargo resupply craft in September. According to Chinese state media, this suit was optimized for her shorter height.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Wang Yaping is known to keep her personal life private. However, it has been reported that she is married to fellow astronaut Zhang Xiaoguang, who is also a celebrated figure in the Chinese space program. Together, they embody a partnership where both are committed to their careers in aviation and space exploration. Details regarding children or any other significant relationships remain scarce, as the couple tends to prioritize their professional endeavors over public exposure.
Net Worth and Salary
Wang Yaping's estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $5 million. Her earnings are primarily derived from her illustrious career as a taikonaut, including salaries, bonuses, and various endorsements. As a national figure, her contributions to science and technology have also led to public speaking engagements and other opportunities that further enhance her financial portfolio.
Career, Business and Investments
Wang Yaping's career trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. After earning her degree in aircraft maintenance engineering, she became a pilot and later trained as a taikonaut. To date, she has participated in multiple space missions, including educational outreach programs where she communicates the wonders of space to the youth.
In addition to her taikonaut duties, Wang has also invested in various initiatives related to science education and technology. She actively promotes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education among young students in China and advocates for space exploration as a means to inspire future generations.
Social Network
Wang Yaping maintains a presence on social media, which she utilizes to share insights from her journeys and inspire her followers. You can find her on platforms like Weibo, where she engages with fans, posts updates from her missions, and shares her thoughts on various scientific endeavors. Her social media presence showcases both her professional achievements and her efforts to connect with the public on issues related to space exploration and education.
Education
Wang Yaping pursued her education in aviation and engineering, earning a degree in aircraft maintenance engineering from the Civil Aviation University of China. Following her graduation, she underwent extensive training to become a pilot and ultimately a taikonaut, which includes studies in space flight, survival training, and science research techniques. Her commitment to continuous learning plays a significant role in her successful career as one of China's foremost space explorers.
In September 1991, she entered junior high school in Yantai, and in 1994 entered Yantai Yizhong High School, graduating in 1997. She was admitted to the Changchun Flight College of the People's Liberation Army Air Force.
