Qian Xuesen, a famous scientist in
modern China, is a member of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of
Engineering. He was bornin in Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province in December
1911. Qian graduated form Shanghai Jiaotong University in 1934. In 1935,
he went to the United State for advanced study in MIT (Massachusetts Institute
of Technology). After receiving master's degree in MIT, Qian went to study in
California Institute of Technology. In 1939, Qian received PhD degrees of both
aerospace and mathematics and left the school to be a teacher, as well as a
researcher studying the applied mechanics and rocket and missile theories.
Qian returned to China in 1955. After his
return, Qian has served successively as director-general with the mechanics
institute of Chinese Academy of Sciences, deputy director-general and
director-general with the fifth research institute of the State Defense
Ministry, vice chairman with the Seventh Design and Research Institute The
Ministry of Machinery Industry, deputy director-general with the Commission of
Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, president with the 3rd
China Association for Science and Technology, vice president with the 6th to the
8th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). Currently, Qian
is the senior consultant with the Commission of Science and Technology of the
General Equipment Ministry of the People's Liberation Army, honorary president
with China Association for Science and Technology. In 1957, Qian won the first
prize of the natural science by Chinese Academy of Sciences, in 1979, the
outstanding alumnus prize by California Institute of Technology, in 1985, first
prize of national advanced technology awards, in 1989, the title of "World's
Celebrity for Sciences and Engineering", and in 1991, China's outstanding
scientist with outstanding achievements and the nation's first-grade medal for
heroic models.
In 1956, Qian put forward "Proposal on the
Development of China's Aviation Industry for National Defense" and assisted Zhou
Enlai, the then premiere, and Marshal Nie Rongzheng to prepare the establishment
of China's first missile and rocket R&D structure, the Fifth Research
Institute of State Ministry of Defense. In October 1956, Qian assumed office of
director-general with the fifth research institute. Henceforth, Qian has long
been in charge of the chief technological officer with the R&D of China's
missile, rocket and spacecraft, and has contributed greatly to the establishment
and development of China's missile, rocket and spacecraft undertakings. Qian is
a forerunner pioneering the development of China's aerospace science and
technology. He has been honored as "Father of China's
Missile".