Aim High, Dream High: Graduates of Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Air & Space Programs

Time: March 31st-June 30th 2016

Place: Temporary Exhibition Hall

2016 marks the 120th anniversary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) and the 60th anniversary of China’s aerospace programs. To align with the special occasions, Qian Xuesen Library & Museum presents its new special exhibition: Aim High, Dream High:Graduates of Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Air & Space Programs this March. 

The exhibition was carefully planned for nearly one year. It’s a collaborative project with SJTU Archives, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and SJTU Alumni Association Office. Mainly in the chronological order, the exhibition tries to reflect SJTU’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics early start-up, trials and hardships, and the development process, with photographs, documents, and other multimedia forms. The detailed historical materials depict the development of China’s aerospace industry and portrait a group of SJTU talents in China’s air and space programs. These figures are highlighted by their innovation and dedication, pursuit of truth and ideals.

Recalling the 120 years, SJTU as China’s engineering education frontier, has not only made important contributions for the creation and development of the aviation discipline, but also has cultivated a large number of leading talents for the country’s space industry, fondly known as “cradle of talents for China’s aerospace industry”. SJTU has so many “firsts” that relate to aviation industry: China’s first School of Aviation Engineering, China’s first book about aviation history, China’s first generation of aircraft designers, head of China’s first missile research department, chief architect of China’s first recoverable satellite, deputy chief designer of China’s first generation of solid strategic missile submarine, founder of China’s titanium research and application in aviation industry.

The exhibition features altogether 256 pictures, more than 60 groups of artefacts and objects.  Among them, some of the items are on display to the public for the first time: the reply letter of Dr. Qian Xuesen in 1947 to his alma mater SJTU regarding the purchase of wind tunnel in School of Aviation; SJTU’s former president Dr. Fan Xuji’s research manuscript; congratulation remarks of two academicians-Mr. Wang Xiji and Mr. Chen Jingxiong specifically for this special exhibition.