On the eve of the 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition, the 16th Aerospace Laureate Awards Ceremony was held in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.
Since its inception in 2005, the Aerospace Laureate Awards have embodied the spirit of “celebrating industry heroes, advancing scientific knowledge, and promoting aerospace achievements.” The awards honor individuals and teams in China’s aerospace and aviation sectors, recognizing outstanding contributions by scientists, managers, technical experts, pilots, and astronauts across eight categories, including “Collaboration,” “Technical Pioneer,” “Craftsmanship Excellence,” “Heroic Figures,” “Aviation Excellence,” “Leadership,” “Heroic Bravery,” and “Lifetime Dedication.” The award has become the most prestigious and influential recognition in the field.
This year, 29 individuals and teams received awards. Among the recipients were several Beihang University faculty members and alumni, demonstrating Beihang’s integral role in the aerospace sector and its strong commitment to advancing industry and national goals.
Beihang Professor Gui Haichao, a Shenzhou-16 astronaut and China’s first payload specialist, was awarded the “Heroic Bravery Award” for his groundbreaking work in space science. Gui, a faculty member in Beihang’s School of Astronautics, was China’s first astronaut recruited from the general public, rather than the military. In April 2024, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China awarded him the honorary title of “Heroic Astronaut” and presented him with the “Third-Class Astronaut Medal” in recognition of his contributions to China’s space program.
At the awarding ceremony, Beihang Party Committee Secretary Zhao Changlu presented Gui with the “Heroic Bravery Award” to recognize his contributions to space exploration. Gui, who underwent over 200 high-intensity training exercises, completed a highly successful mission on Shenzhou-16 in 2023, carrying out multiple on-orbit experiments and inspiring countless people to pursue their space dreams.
Alongside Gui, several other Beihang alumni and faculty members received major awards, further highlighting the university’s deep legacy in the aerospace field.
Feng Peide, am academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a prominent expert in aerospace navigation and control, was awarded the “Lifetime Dedication Award” for his invaluable contributions to the national aerospace sector over several decades.
Zhang Litong, a 1956 Beihang graduate and an expert in aerospace materials, was honored with the “Lifetime Dedication Award” for her pioneering work in high-temperature alloys and materials, which has greatly strengthened China’s aerospace technology capabilities.
Wang Binwen, adjunct doctoral advisor at Beihang’s School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering and chief technical expert at AVIC, received the “Technical Pioneer Award.” As a leading expert in aircraft structural integrity, Wang has played a pivotal role in the research and development of critical aerospace technology.
Cheng Ronghui, a 2009 Beihang doctoral alumnus and chief designer of advanced engines at the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, was also awarded the “Technical Pioneer Award” for his forty years of innovative contributions to the field of aviation engine design.
Since the establishment of the Aerospace Laureate Awards, many Beihang faculty and alumni have been honored, showcasing the university’s commitment to “Serving the Nation through Aerospace Endeavors.” Beihang has hosted the awards ceremony on multiple occasions, further reinforcing its central role in China’s aerospace sector.
Looking ahead, Beihang remains committed to advancing aerospace and cultivating innovative talent to support the nation’s aspirations in the aerospace field. Driven by the spirit of scientific inquiry and national service, Beihang faculty and alumni will continue striving for excellence, contributing to China’s goal of becoming a global leader in aerospace and to the broader goal of national rejuvenation.
Written by：Lu Meili
