Yan Hongsen's future dreams as 'Rocket Boy'

Yan Hongsen's future dreams as 'Rocket Boy'
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 19, 2024

Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province - Yan Hongsen, a 10-year-old student from Shaoxing city, has made headlines again in the field of space science. Known as the "rocket boy," Yan is currently in the process of constructing his second solid-fuel rocket, a project that underscores his deep passion for space exploration.

Yan's journey into the limelight began during the summer break of 2022. He caught the public's attention after a video uploaded by his father went viral. In the video, Yan skillfully identified inaccuracies in a rocket's depiction in an educational film at a Lhasa planetarium. The planetarium, acknowledging Yan's keen observation, promptly corrected the mistakes in their presentation.

This early demonstration of Yan's expertise in space science was further bolstered by his encounter with Zhang Yuhua, a prominent figure in China's space exploration efforts. Inspired by Zhang, Yan set his sights on an ambitious goal: building his own rocket. From August 2022 to June 2023, Yan devoted ten months to research, study, and experimentation, culminating in the creation of his first rocket.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. "That rocket only traveled 200 meters and then started to fall, and did not open its parachute at the highest point," recalled Yan's father. Despite the initial setback, Yan's enthusiasm remained undimmed. He meticulously analyzed his first attempt's shortcomings and made substantial modifications in material selection, engine design, and flight control systems for his second build, initiated in October 2023.

Yan's academic commitments have not deterred his rocketry ambitions. His father, recognizing the importance of nurturing such unique interests, believes in giving children the space to pursue their dreams. Yan has set himself the goal of launching a rocket every year until he completes primary school. His aspirations do not stop there; by 2025, he aims to develop a recyclable solid-propellant rocket, a feat aligning with the global trend towards sustainable and reusable space technologies.

Yan's endeavors in rocket building at such a young age are not just a personal achievement but also reflect the growing accessibility and enthusiasm for space science and technology among younger generations. His projects, though ambitious for his age, mirror the advancements in rocket technology, where the focus is increasingly on sustainability and reusability.

As Yan continues to work on his second solid-fuel rocket, his story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that passion and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements, regardless of age. Yan Hongsen, the 'rocket boy', represents a new generation of space enthusiasts poised to make significant contributions to the field of space exploration and technology.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article