Zhai Zhigang (Chinese: 翟志刚; pinyin: Zhái Zhìgāng; born 11 October 1966[2]) is a Chinese major general of the People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force (PLASSF) in active service as a People's Liberation Army Astronaut Corps (PLAAC) taikonaut.

[4] He enrolled at the PLA Air Force Aviation University and studied to be a fighter pilot and then as a squadron leader.

Zhai became a lieutenant colonel and pilot trainer in the PLAAF after logging 1000 hours of flying time.

Yang Liwei was picked for the flight, with Zhai Zhigang ranked second ahead of Nie Haisheng.

Zhai was selected as commander to fly on the Shenzhou 13 alongside Wang Yaping and Ye Guangfu as his second spaceflight mission to the Tiangong space station.