24 June 2021

Members of China’s Aerospace Scientists team continued to give lectures for a second day at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) today (June 24). Mr Long Lehao, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Designer of the Long March series of rockets, gave a lecture on “Long March Rockets and China Aerospace”, while Mr Sun Zezhou, Chief Designer of the Tianwen-1 Mars Rover, spoke about "The "Fire" Road of Tianwen-1". 

Mr. Long Lehao talked about the evolution and application of Long March rockets over the past decades, which marked the development of China's aerospace programme. He said knowledge changes destiny, and that young people with aspirations should study hard, master modern technology, love aerospace, and become the pillars of the new era. “Persists in delving deep into space, explore the future, be down-to-earth, and embrace innovative development." He said. 

Mr. Sun Zezhou talked about the challenges of the Mars missions, from the "Devil's Nine Minutes" when Tianwen-1 landed, to how to deal with the low temperature environment and dust on Mars. He predicted that in the next five to ten years, Mars exploration will produce greater outcomes. He pointed out that after a decade of validation, the Mars exploration project was formally launched in 2016, which opened a new chapter in the field of interstellar exploration. He believes that Hong Kong is in an advantageous position with its international perspective and open exchanges. He hopes to have more cooperation with HKU, other universities and scientific research enterprises, in order to create more meaningful contributions to the country's aerospace development. 

Mr Long Lehao, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Designer of the Long March series of rockets

Sun Zezhou, Chief Designer of the Tianwen-1 Mars Rover