China Space Day & 70th Anniversary of Qian Xuesen's Return

04/25/2025

On April 24, 2025, the main event of the 10th China Space Day was held in Shanghai. As a crucial base for China's aerospace endeavors, Shanghai witnessed the launch of the country's first sounding rocket. It served as the starting point for Qian Xuesen, the "People's Scientist," to realize his ideal of "serving the nation through science and technology."

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Qian Xuesen's return to China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the China Space Foundation launched a series of commemorative events on April 25, structured around three themes:

Scientific Achievements: Hosting thematic exhibitions and seminars, reviewed Qian's journey back to China and his foundational contributions to China's aerospace endeavors;

Spiritual Legacy: Presenting Qian's story through multimedia exhibitions and ideological and political courses, highlighting his scientific spirit and personal integrity;

Cultural Innovation: Launching China's first "Qian Xuesen Data Service Center", and opening up 30,000 digitized archives to the public. Debut of My Chinese Heart, a play by the "Starry Sky Youth Arts Group".

A commemorative logo blending "70th anniversary" and space elements was unveiled. Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the China Space Foundation signed a cooperation agreement to promote space science education programs, national touring exhibitions, and talent development plans. Meanwhile, the Qian Xuesen Library & Museum released a promotional video titled Above the Starry River, A Patriot's Ballad. It showcased its new mission as a national-level base for scientist spirit education.

Historical Legacy

After returning to China in 1955, Qian Xuesen not only pioneered the nation's aerospace endeavors but also cultivated generations of aerospace professionals. Since 2004, astronauts including Yang Liwei have continued visiting Qian. The Qian Xuesen Library & Museum, opened in 2011, has hosted many space heroes. During the event, astronaut Tang Hongbo, as the "China Aerospace Public Welfare Ambassador," visited Shanghai Jiaotong University and received a model of the library building, symbolizing the spirit of aerospace.