Chongqing - The 2024 China Aviation Science Popularization Conference kicks off in Chongqing on August 15 to promote aviation science and inspire teens' interest in aerospace exploration.
Zhai Zhigang, China’s first spacewalker, appeared at the opening ceremony. He conducted China's first spacewalk on the Shenzhou 7 mission in 2008 and, at 55, spent six months in space as part of the Shenzhou 13 crew in 2021.
“As an astronaut, I was longing for what’s unknown as I stayed in the universe.” He said to teenagers, adding, “Now it is up to you to chase them.”
As a space hero, Zhai visited a local primary school, sharing space knowledge with students, explaining capsule buttons, and discussing astronaut meals. He inspired the children to learn more about aerospace, a vital mission for humanity.
Zhai Zhigang laughed while he was talking with students. (Photo/Kenny Dong)
At the exhibition area, children explore flight simulators, drone Quidditch draws attention, and large autonomous aerial vehicles are on display.
The eVTOL is displayed at Liangjiang District's booth. (Photo/Kenny Dong)
"The drone behind me is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) we recently purchased. Its range will reach 30km with half an hour of flying. We used it in aviation and tourism," said Dai Guo, a Liangping Airport Management Co. Ltd. leader.
The 2024 China Aviation Science Popularization Conference, hosted by the China Aviation Society, the People's Government of Nanan District, Chongqing, and other organizations, aims to nurture talent in aviation and aerospace. The event includes the 8th National Youth Drone Competition, featuring over 15,000 participants from more than 30 provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, and special administrative regions across the country.
(Huan Ran and He Le, as interns, also contributed to this report)