Key facts
- Liu Jiyuan, a pioneer of China's aerospace program, died in Beijing at age 93.
- He worked on and led the development of control systems for China's first generation of strategic weapons and launch vehicles.
- Liu served as deputy commander of the manned space program in 1992.
- He headed the National Space Administration from 1993 to 1999.
- Liu was an expert in missile and rocket control technology.
Liu Jiyuan, a prominent figure in China's aerospace development, died in Beijing at the age of 93 due to illness. His career, spanning nearly four decades from 1960, was dedicated to the advancement of China's space program.
Liu was instrumental in developing control systems for China's initial generation of strategic weapons and launch vehicles. He held key leadership positions, including deputy commander of the manned space program in 1992. Subsequently, he led the newly established National Space Administration from 1993 until his retirement in 1999. His expertise lay in missile and rocket control technology, contributing significantly to China's capabilities in aerospace systems engineering and management.
His passing follows closely on the heels of the death of Wang Xiji, another significant figure who led the development of China's first sounding rocket.