A biopic of the late scientist Qian Xuesen, the father of China's aerospace achievements, hit theaters on March 2.

Mainland actor Chen Kun plays Qian, who was instrumental to China's missile and aviation programs after New China's founding.

Qian died in Beijing on Oct 31, 2009, at age 98.

Based on Qian's studies of the country's defense and aviation industry, the government set up an aviation industry committee in 1956. It later became the leading organization for China's missile and aviation programs.

The film has been nominated for best picture at the 19th Beijing University Students' Film Festival, which will kick off in April.