Growing up under the influence of his father's passion for aerospace, Xu Liang, a second-generation aerospace hopeful, has dreamed of spaceflight since childhood. As an adult, he pursued advanced studies abroad. After experiencing the ...See moreGrowing up under the influence of his father's passion for aerospace, Xu Liang, a second-generation aerospace hopeful, has dreamed of spaceflight since childhood. As an adult, he pursued advanced studies abroad. After experiencing the blockade and discrimination faced by Chinese students in foreign aerospace programs, Xu Liang resolved to return to China and joined the Shenzhou Project. During a visit to the U.S. for international exchange, the stark contrast between China's and America's aerospace systems deeply shook him, sparking the idea of developing private aerospace in China. When Xu Liang sought investment, he faced widespread opposition. His team endured research failures, suppression from foreign companies, and funding crises. Ultimately, with the support of China's manned spaceflight program, Xu Liang founded the private aerospace company "Tiangang," marking a new chapter of collaboration between the state and private sectors. Using aerospace equipment he helped design himself, Xu Liang sent his astronaut son, Xu Tianchi, into space.
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