Major General Nie Haisheng of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force (PLASSF) is in active service as a taikonaut and the third commander (unit chief) of the PLA Astronaut Corps (PLAAC). After graduating from high school, he was enrolled as a fighter pilot trainee by the People's Liberation Army Air Force in 1984. Nie Haisheng is a recipient of this year's August 1 Medal.

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