Opening of the International Exhibition “Qian Xuesen - the founder of Chinese astronautics”

On September 3, 2018, at the Museum and Exhibition Complex of MAI was held the solemn opening of the international photo exhibition "Qian Xuesen - the founder of Chinese astronautics". It was organized by Moscow Aviation Institute in cooperation with Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU).

The aim of the exhibition is not only to acquaint visitors with the amazing life of Qian Xuesen, but also to popularize the world astronautics among students of MAI and other specialized universities, as well as the development of Russian-Chinese cultural cooperation.

The exhibition was opened by Rector of MAI Mikhail Pogosyan and the president of SJTU Zhongqin Lin. Special guest of the ceremony was Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui. After solemn cutting of the ribbon Chinese delegation was led through the exhibition and presented memorable gifts.

“It is very pleasant that an exhibition devoted to the founder of Chinese cosmonautics and the graduate of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University opened at MAI, one of the leading aerospace universities. I note that in the USSR Qian Xuesen was twice, in 1956 and 1957, and highly appreciated the achievements of Soviet cosmonautics. After his return to China, he launched a large scientific and practical work, creating a huge reserve for the development of this direction and the continuation of the dialogue between the two countries. After half a century we are in Moscow, at MAI,at the exhibition, dedicated to his memory. I think, that it is very symbolic. Moreover, last year MAI and Shanghai Jiao Tong University started a joint program to train the engineering elite in the sphere of aerospace technologies for the economies of two countries. This will promote the development of world cosmonautics, strengthen mutual partnership. I hope that the interuniversity cooperation between MAI and SJTU will be crowned with numerous achievements”, - said Li Hui, Chinese Ambassador to Russia, in his opening speech. 

Qian  Xuesen (1911 - 2009) - Chinese scientist and founder of the Chinese space program. He is highly honored in China and often compared with Sergey Korolev, spacecraft designer who sent the first man to space. After completing his studies at SJTU, Qian Xuesen studied and worked in the United States. In the early period of the formation of New China, he was able to return to his homeland and made an outstanding contribution to the development of rocketry and astronautics. Qian Xuesen was a special ambassador of friendship between Russia and China.

The exhibition tells about the life path of the “father of Chinese astronautics” and is thematically divided into three parts: "The Great Man of Oriental and Western Cultures", "The Founding of Astronautics is a Great Deed", "The Envoy of Friendship between Russia and China."

“For us it is important that the aerospace area is one of the driving force for the development of a high-tech industry. Opening of the exhibition at the beginning of the academic year is very symbolic, because it can be a good example for young people of joint achievements of Russian and Chinese cosmonautics. It is important not only to give knowledge, but also to bring up a joint culture of cooperation and mutual understanding.”, -  said Rector of MAI in his opening speech. 

The exhibition will be working on weekdays from September 4 to October 31 2018. Information on registration and working hours of the exhibition can be found here.