SPORTS
China appoints basketball star as ambassador to Mars
Baku, October 11, AZERTAC
Basketball star and internet celebrity Yao Ming has been appointed China's ambassador to Mars. Ming won't have to pack his bags though, instead carrying out his duties from Earth, as he promotes the country's first mission to the Red Planet in 2020, according to Russia Today.
The 2.29 meter (7ft 6 in) tall sportsman will help to generate interest and support for China's bid to send a rover to Mars to join NASA's Curiosity spacecraft. Eleven ambassadors have been recruited by China, including science-fiction writer Liu Cixin and coach of the women's Olympic volleyball team Lang Ping, reported the South China Morning Post.
Boyband TFBOYS are also enrolled as ambassadors. Here's hoping they're still considered boys by 2020.