Hey space fans! 🌟 Earlier this month, the China Academy of Space Technology under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation revealed that asteroid 336877 is now officially named Qi Faren, honoring the space-tech legend from the Chinese mainland. The approval came from the International Astronomical Union.
Discovered by the Purple Mountain Observatory of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, asteroid 336877 now carries a name that celebrates Qi's pioneering spirit.
Why Qi Faren? Here's the lowdown:
- He helped develop Dongfanghong-1, the Chinese mainland's first satellite.
- He led the Dongfanghong-2 and Dongfanghong-3 missions.
- He served as chief designer for the Shenzhou spaceship series.
His work laid a solid foundation for the success of the Chinese mainland's space station missions. Today, every trip up to orbit owes a bit of credit to Qi's vision and hard work. 🚀
This naming is more than just a label in the sky—it's a reminder of how individuals shape the future of space exploration. ✨
Stay tuned for more sky-high updates! 🌌
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
