Personal: Male. Born in Changde, Hunan, China.

Astronaut Career

Astronaut Group: Shuguang Group - 1970.

Lu Xiangxiao, an astronaut in the first Chinese training group of 1971-1972, was later commander of the Air Force Third Aviation Squadron, and finally Deputy Chief of Staff for the Seventh Armed Force. On 3 January 1966 Lu, flying a MiG-17, shot down a high-altitude American AQM-34 drone. He was one of several astronauts with combat experience against American aircraft invading Chinese airspace during the Vietnam War. He was a PLAAF squadron commander when selected.

1 May 1970 - Shuguang Group selected.. China approved Project 714 on July 14, 1970 to develop the Shuguang manned spacecraft, to be launched in 1973. Shuguang group selection bagan in late 1970. Initial screening resulted 88 candidates from PLA pilots. After further medical and political testing in the first half of 1971, 20 finalists were selected. One candidate did not report for training for reasons that were never divulged. The program was cancelled in late 1971.