April 24 marked China’s 10^th National Space Day. To celebrate the nation’s achievements in aerospace, alongside the 10^th anniversary of the establishment of the Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), the University hosted its 3^rd Aerospace Festival on campus from April 24 to May 5.

This year’s festival featured a wide range of activities—including exhibitions, interactive challenges, and open-day experiences—offering faculty members and students an immersive encounter with the wonder and innovation of aerospace science.

The highlight of this year’s festival was the Department of MAE’s Hardcore Technology Exhibition, themed “Touching the DNA of Aerospace”. This showcase spotlighted the department’s latest research achievements and technological solutions in areas such as space debris protection, aerospace flight, and cross-domain morphing flight aerodynamic optimization.

Participants also took part in an aerospace quiz challenge, testing their knowledge of aerospace history, fundamental physics, and emerging technologies. By scanning a QR code, students were able to take on the challenge and earn their “Aerospace Engineer Certification”.

During the Department of MAE’s Spring Open Day, first-year students had the chance to engage in face-to-face discussions with faculty members and senior students to explore research directions and career prospects in the aerospace field.

The festival also offered guided laboratory tours, with 18 cutting-edge research laboratories open to visitors. These included the Advanced Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Laboratory, the Aerospace Propulsion Institute, the Micro and Nanomechanics Laboratory, the Droplet Engineering Laboratory, the Yuan Lab of Mechanobiology and Engineering, and the Multi-Component Fluids Group.

Attendees also had a chance to view high-end research equipment such as the rotorcraft aerodynamics and noise test platform, EUV light source, FV3000 confocal microscope, and high-precision microscale 3D printers.

Since its establishment, the Department of MAE has been committed to supporting national strategic needs and cultivating interdisciplinary, innovative talents. With its unique education model—combining scientific research with cross-disciplinary training—the department continues to drive momentum in developing the aerospace industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

The Aerospace Festival has become a signature campus event since its launch in 2023. Through exhibitions, model aircraft demonstrations, guest lectures, interactive quizzes, and laboratory open days, the festival allows participants to experience aerospace science up close, appreciate the nation’s achievements in the field, and ignite students’ curiosity and passion for exploration.

By popularizing aerospace knowledge and inspiring future scientists and engineers, the Aerospace Festival at SUSTech has played an important role in building a strong foundation for talent development and advancing the University’s scientific and technological culture on campus.