Friday, November 6, 2009

China says farwell to the "Father of Rocketry."


Chinese Say Farewell to the "Father of Rocketry"
2009-11-06 11:03:59 CRIENGLISH.com Web Editor: Sun Yang



Locals hold a banner to mourn the death of Chinese scientist Qian Xuesen. The funeral for Qian was held Friday morning at the Babaoshan Cemetery in Beijing. Qian Xuesen, dubbed as "China's Father of Rocketry", passed away in Beijing last Saturday at the age of 98.

The funeral for famous Chinese scientist Qian Xuesen was held at the Baobaoshan Cemetery in Beijing on Friday morning.

Qian, dubbed as "China's Father of Rocketry", died in Beijing last Saturday at the age of 98.

Qian was one of the chief pioneers of China's space science, and played a leading role in research, manufacturing and testing of China's carrier rockets, guided missiles and satellites.

Due to research and development led by Qian, China successfully tested its first atomic weapon in 1964, launched its first satellite in 1970, fired its first inter-continental ballistic missile in 1980, and launched its first manned spacecraft on October 15, 2003.

Top party and government leaders including Chinese president Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, attended Friday's farewell ceremony for Qian.

Thousands of people from all walks of life, including Qian's close friends and alumnists, were also present to say a tearful goodbye to the scientist.

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