On October 15th, 2018, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) saw Mr. Zhang Kai, the executive curator of Qian Xuesen Library of Shanghai Jiaotong University, lead a special report on the outstanding strategic scientist Qian Xuesen.

Heads of academic and administrative departments were joined by university leaders at the report. Dr. Li Fengliang, University Council Vice Chairperson presided over the session.

Mr. Zhang Kai is also the curator of the Shanghai Jiaotong University archives. He is mainly engaged in museum operation and management, Qian Xuesen’s scientific spirit and life story, school history, and higher education management. At the same time, he serves as the head of the school “Qian Xuesen Research Center.”

Zhang Kai first reviewed Qian Xuesen’s life. After graduating from Shanghai Jiaotong University, Qian Xuesen went to the United States to study aircraft structure design and gradually established his authority in the field of aerodynamics. During his time in the United States, Qian Xuesen was always thinking about his homeland, but the post World War II changes in US government policy forced him and his family to return to China eventually.

Qian Xuesen has made many pioneering and outstanding contributions in aerodynamics, jet propulsion, aerospace engineering, physical mechanics, engineering cybernetics and other technical sciences. He participated in the development of a variety of early rocket missiles in the United States, absorbed the advanced technology behind the German V-2 missile, and accumulated rich and practical engineering experience.

Before returning to China, Qian Xuesen was a world-class scientist who combined aviation and aerospace science and technology theory with strategic planning, practical engineering experience, and scientific management. He laid a solid foundation for leading China’s space industry at a higher starting point.

After Qian Xuesen returned to China, he was brave enough to shoulder the heavy responsibility of developing China’s space industry despite the weak state of the nation and under unrelenting pressure from overseas. He participated in the development and tests of the main models of China’s early missiles, rockets and satellites. His profound knowledge and superb wisdom played a vital role in the development of China’s space industry.

Zhang Kai also introduced Qian Xuesen’s academic thoughts in his later years. Zhang Kai mentioned that rigorous and serious work is a major feature of Qian Xuesen. He also conveyed the academic spirit of “rigorous, serious, strict and determined” to his students. He emphasized the combination of science and art, encouraged innovation, was indifferent to fame and fortune and was a strong advocate for strict self-discipline.

Li Fengliang closed the event, pointing out that Zhang Kai’s report explains and demonstrates Qian Xuesen’s magnificent life in a simple and elegant way.

Qian Xuesen is the treasure of knowledge, the banner of science, and the model of China’s scientific backbone. Li Fengliang hoped that SUSTech’s faculty members and students would find inspiration in Qian Xuesen in his dedication, truth-seeking, and innovation.