On April 24, a series of activities were held at Beihang University to commemorate the fifth China Space Day. Academician Qi Faren, chief designer of China's Shenzhou spacecraft and leading technician of China's first man-made satellite Dongfanghong-1, and Prof. Liu Hong, chief designer of Lunar Palace 1, told the story behind “the magic science”.
At 9 a.m., a live broadcast themed “Follow Beihang, Roam Space” was held at Beijing Air and Space Museum at Beihang University, during which scientists, professors and students informed the public about China’s remarkable space accomplishments and the prominent contributions of Beihang University to China’s space industry.
Academician Qi Renfa told the story behind the launch of Dongfanghong-1 and shared his thoughts of learning at Beihang through live streaming video. “I made my mind to build airplanes to defend my motherland. The five years I spent at Beihang will always be remembered,” said Academician Qi. “Everyone should have a dream, since only when the dream is treasured in heart can you find your target and faith.”
At 10 a.m., the team members who have stayed in Lunar Palace 1 commenced another live streaming on how to survive in space.
Prof. Liu Hong introduced Lunar Palace 1, the first bioregenerative life support base in China and the third in the world. Besides, she also briefed the audience on the systematical cyclic utilization of materials, the cultivation of plants and animals in a closed environment, the physical and psychological characteristics of the subjects in the experiment, etc.
Liu Hui, a volunteer who participated in the Lunar Palace 365 experiment, shared her experience of living in the palace with the public online. She patiently answered the questions put forward by the audience in the live steaming.
The two live events was simultaneously broadcasted in Xinhua, CCTV News, Tencent, Douyin, Bilibili, etc., and attracted millions of viewers.
In 2016, China designated April 24 as China Space Day to mark the launch of China's first satellite on April 24, 1970. Since then, Beihang organizes its space culture festival as a representative activity to commemorate and celebrate the great achievements made in China’s space cause.
Reported by Wang Qing
Photographed by Di Bailu
Reviewed by Li Jianwei
Edited by Jia Aiping and Ren Chenjie
Translated by Ren Chenjie
