Considered as the Father of Chinese Rocketry, Qian Xuesen has made valuable contributions to science and society in both China and the U.S. (Photo : www.en.sjtu.edu.cn)
An extraordinary exhibition was held in California Institute of Technology (Caltech) on Friday, Oct. 2, focusing on the life of China's late space scientist Qian Xuesen, who is considered the "Father of Chinese Rocketry," the Xinhua News Agency reported.
Qian was born in China and studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Caltech in the United States.
He died at the age of 98 in 2009.
The exhibition titled "Qian Xuesen: a man of science and an inspiration to scholars" also marked the 60th anniversary of Qian's return to China from the U.S. in 1955.
The exhibit featured numerous archives, documents and images of the scientist throughout his life and career, the report said.
"It is rare that one individual that can make such great achievements in two countries in one's lifetime," Dr. Thomas F. Rosenbaum, president of Caltech, one of the sponsors, said during the opening of the exhibition.
"If you look at Professor Qian, at what he used to do both in the U.S. and in China, (you) reflect the way that language of science can improve the future for humanity, not a particular country," Rosenbaum said.
Before his return to China, Qian studied and worked in the United States for two decades, and made important contributions in applied mechanics, aeronautical engineering and many other fields.
Qian, a founding member of the rocket research group in Caltech, was also involved in the formation of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), and also made significant contributions to the victory of allied forces during World War II.
"The influence of Qian Xuesen was profound, who led the formation of JPL, and of course China's space program and missile program depended crucially on the contributions of the same man," Rosenbaum said.
After his return to China in 1955, Qian played a key role in China's missile and aviation programs.
"Sixty years ago, Qian Xuesen and his family left Caltech to China. Six decades represent a cycle of life in China's traditional philosophy," said Zhang Kai, vice director of Qian Xuesen Library and Museum with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, which organized the exhibition. "Therefore we are really thrilled that this year in 2015, we can take his exhibit to the institute where he felt deeply attached to."
The report said that the organizers intend to portray Qian's life and legacy, convey his enthusiasm for science and education, and illustrate a few defining moments of his legendary life through the exhibit.
Qian Yongzhen, Qian Xuesen's daughter, told Xinhua that the exhibition aimed to "inspire the young generation."
"Science is an international language. It is a special way to connect," Rosenbaum told Xinhua. "I am very excited about the possibility it connects."
