Stage play on space scientist passes on pioneering spirit

Having covered China's space industry for 15 years, I have read extensively about the life of Qian Xuesen — the founding father of China's missile and space programs, who is also known as Hsue-Shen Tsien in the West.

Yet two weeks ago, when I watched the play People's Scientist Qian Xuesen, produced by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp, I came across little-known facts about his extraordinary journey.

The play retraces Qian's return to China from the United States, his pivotal role in building China's space industry from scratch, and his leadership in developing multiple ballistic missile models. Since Qian had taken part in the US' missile program, the US had put him under house arrest after the founding of the People's Republic of China and banned him from leaving the US to engage in military programs elsewhere. When the house arrest was lifted as part of a deal between China and the US, Qian returned to China.

What struck me most was how the theatrical form breathes life into historical facts. Also, there could not have been a better time — we just celebrated the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China on July 1, and this October marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of China's space industry — to honor Qian.

When the People's Republic of China was founded, it started with virtually nothing in space science and technology. Qian and a handful of missile technology experts led teams of young engineers to pioneer the nation's missile programs.

There is a well-known story: when General Chen Geng, then deputy chief of the general staff of the People's Liberation Army and president of the PLA Military Academy of Engineering, asked Qian whether Chinese people were capable of developing missiles, he replied in a resolute manner, "Foreigners can do it. Why can't we? Are Chinese people lesser than them?"

This unyielding spirit is just what we need at a time when some foreign countries have imposed technological blockades on China. The goal is clear: to build China's science and technology sector into a world-leading force.

China has already made remarkable strides in its space journey. The Chang'e 5 mission returned with moon samples; the Chang'e 6 mission returned with samples from the far side of the moon; the country has launched a Mars exploration mission, built its own space station and the Beidou satellite navigation system, and launched numerous satellites to support economic development and national defense.

However, becoming a world-class space power requires not only hardware strength, but also strong, appealing soft power — and this remains a weak point for our space sector, particularly in the international public-opinion arena.

To address this, we must first strengthen our efforts at "space soft power" among the Chinese public. It is not enough to publish more news articles or produce more documentaries. What we need is a comprehensive space cultural system that encourages researchers, enthusiasts and young people to engage with popular culture about our space programs, through diverse and flexible forms such as animation, music, films and stage plays.

In this sense, CASIC's new play is an excellent, innovative attempt. Notably, all its creators and performers are employees of the State-owned conglomerate, who are able to tell Qian's story from an insider's perspective with genuine emotion. Their creative interpretation makes the historical figure more approachable and inspiring, giving the work strong emotional appeal and communicative power.

I sincerely hope that CASIC will take this play to a wider audience. For anyone interested in China's space program, this production is well worth watching — it not only tells a touching story of dedication, but also reminds us of the spiritual roots that have driven China's rise in outer space over the past 70 years.