All local secondary schools can now nominate no more than two full-time students aged 12 or above by May 31 to join the seven-day Young Astronaut Training Camp from late July to early August in Beijing. The camp quota is 30.

Following the first camp's success last year, the organisers are running it again, to provide an opportunity for secondary school students to appreciate China's remarkable achievements in space technology, motivate and educate them in astronomy and space science, and undergo Chinese astronaut training.

The candidates should be 1.4 to 1.75 metres in height and in good health, independent, outgoing, confident and interested in space science. Those who are proficient in Putonghua will be given priority.

There will be three rounds of selection including a quiz, fitness test, communication skills and overall performance assessment. Those who perform well in these areas will be selected as young astronauts.

Camp participants can visit the Mainland's major space facilities, including the China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing Aerospace Command & Control Centre, the National Astronomical Observatories, and Xichang Satellite Launch Centre.

They will be taught basic space science and technology, and undergo astronaut training, including donning and doffing of a spacesuit, space kitchen, psychological training, escape and survival training and blood redistribution adaptability training. They will be given an examination and presented with certificates after the training.

Visit the Space Museum website or call 2721 0226 for details.