8. Qian Xuesen was born in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province on December 11, 1911. After his graduation (毕业) from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 1934, he traveled across the Pacific Ocean to the United States for further study. There he received his Ph. D. degrees in both aerospace and mathematics. After he graduated, he became a teacher as well as a researcher who studied rockets and missile (导弹) theories.
He was important to the missile and space programs in China. When he returned to his motherland in 1955, the country's space research was almost zero. In 1956, he set up the first research institute of rockets and missiles. From then on, he developed China's missile, rocket and spacecraft research programs. He was honored as "The Father of China's Missiles".
He passed away on October 31, 2009 at the age of 98. He had a famous saying "My career is in China, my success is in China and my destination is in China!" When someone said he could make much more money if he stayed in the United States, he laughed and said, "My family name is Qian. But I don't like qian."
(1) The Father of China's Missiles |
On December 11, 1911 | (2) |
In 1934 | graduated from university |
(3) | traveled to America |
In 1955 | (4) |
In 1956 | set up the research institute |
On October 31, 2009 | (5) |