Super Human Beings

The term used to describe those qualified to become China’s next astronauts.

Chinese candidates hoping to go into space must meet more than 100 health requirements, according to the BBC. Under the rules, prospective “taikonauts” with bad breath or ringworm will find themselves ineligible for service far, far away:

The list, intended to recruit “super human beings,” also prohibits those with body odors, tooth cavities or scars which may “burst open” in space.

Explaining exclusion on the grounds of halitosis, Shi Bingbing, one of the doctors responsible for screening the candidates, said:

“The bad smell would affect their fellow colleagues in a narrow space.”

According to The Guardian, Shi Bingbing revealed one further requisite:

“After both their physical and mental conditions pass the tests, they still need to pass the last requirement – permission from their wives. … If a wife has concerns or disagrees with it, she can decide the husband should not go into space.”