In celebration of the 11th Space Day of China on April 24, 2026, Beihang University successfully held its 11th Space Culture Festival, featuring a rich series of events spanning academic forums, cultural activities, and science outreach.

Academic Exchange and Legacy Building

On the morning of April 19, a forum titled "Carrying Forward the Aerospace Spirit, Journeying Together to the Stars and Beyond" was held at Beihang's Xueyuan Road Campus. Qi Faren, Chief Designer of China's Shenzhou spacecraft, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and the International Academy of Astronautics, and one of Beihang's first graduates and Honorary Dean of the School of Astronautics, along with Professor Gui Haichao, an astronaut of the Shenzhou-16 crew and China's first payload specialist in space, shared their experiences of shouldering great responsibilities and striving for excellence with over 300 young students.

Qi Faren systematically reviewed the history of China's space industry, from its humble beginnings to its current strength. He elaborated on the spirit of the China manned space program and called on students to consolidate their understanding of fundamental research, actively engage in engineering practice, and confidently take on the mission of building China into a space powerhouse.

Gui Haichao shared his personal path to becoming an astronaut. "Because I love it, I persist; because I believe, I embrace challenges," he said. His story vividly illustrated that "only by staying grounded can one reach for the stars," inspiring the audience's aspirations and passion for aerospace exploration.

The forum also saw the launch of the second "Kunpeng Cup" Aerospace Knowledge Competition. Middle and high school student representatives from Tsinghua University High School, the Affiliated High School of Peking University, Beijing 101 Middle School, and Beijing No.4 Middle School joined over a hundred Beihang students and teachers at the event.

That same morning, the 70th Anniversary Innovation and Development Forum for Beihang's Aerospace Discipline brought together more than 40 retired leaders, veteran professors, alumni representatives — including Qi Faren, Professor Xia Renwei, and Academician Wang Jue — along with faculty and students of the School of Astronautics to reflect on seven decades of aerospace education.

During the festival, the Second Defense Technology Industry Special Job Fair and the "Hangyu" Lecture Series invited experts from key research institutes to deliver lectures, attracting hundreds of students. The "Hangtu" Outdoor Exhibition Zone featured dozens of employers, including the Third Research Institute of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, Beijing Aerospace Propulsion Institute, and Minospace, offering students direct access to career opportunities.

Cultural Events and Artistic Education

On April 19, the "Space+" Carnival kicked off simultaneously at the Xueyuan Road Campus and the Shahe Campus. Over a dozen interactive booths offered creative activities across both campuses, with students collecting stamps to redeem space-themed merchandise. Departments and partner institutions worked together to bring space knowledge to campus.

On April 24, the documentary film "Missions to the Moon" premiered at the Academic Exchange Hall. The film offers a panoramic record of the 53-day historic mission of Chang'e-6's far-side sample return, paying tribute to every dedicated individual who helped make the mission possible.

A specially produced "100-Meter Scroll" was unveiled by the School of Astronautics. The scroll spans seven chapters, dozens of historical moments, and over 100 figures, offering a comprehensive visual history of China's 70-year space journey.

On the evening of April 19, the large-scale biographical drama "Eternity" was staged at the Sunrise Concert Hall, telling the story of scientist Lin Shi'e and his generation's patriotism, innovation, and selfless dedication. Another drama, "Centennial Shou'e" , was performed at Beijing Guangqumen Middle School on Space Day, showcasing the glorious life of Academician Tu Shou'e and honoring the spirit of "serving the nation through aerospace endeavors."

Science Outreach and Inspiring the Next Generation

On April 24, the "Yuegong-1" science education base opened to all students. The research team explained core technologies such as closed-loop material circulation and plant cultivation, allowing visitors to experience the marvel of a "space farm."

During the festival, Beihang students also traveled to primary and secondary schools in Sichuan and Anhui provinces to deliver space science lectures, igniting students' curiosity with hands-on experiments and captivating stories. At the same time, students from multiple primary and secondary schools visited Beihang's campus, listening to academicians' lectures and touring the university.

At the "Space+" Carnival, an exhibition of space-themed paintings by elementary school students drew crowds. Beihang's postgraduate teaching brigade brought back artwork from children at Xinmin Township Central Primary School in Jingyuan County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The school also brought a copy of the "100-Meter Scroll" to its own Space Culture Festival, spreading aerospace knowledge across the entire student body.

From 1956 to 2026, China's space industry has traversed an extraordinary seven-decade journey. Standing at this new milestone, every member of the Beihang community remains committed to inheriting the university's core spirit of "serving the nation through aerospace endeavors," aspiring to great goals, nurturing strong character, achieving excellence, and shouldering the responsibilities of the era.

Editor: Lyu Xingyun