11-year-old Yan Hongsen from Zhejiang, China, is a rising star for his self-built rockets. Despite a failed launch, his dedication and support from his parents fuel his dreams of space exploration.
An 11-year-old boy from Zhejiang province in eastern China, known as “rocket boy,” is making waves online for his impressive self-taught skills in programming, physics, and chemistry. Yan Hongsen, a Primary Five student, has captured the hearts of many with his passion for aerospace and his ambitious homemade rocket project.
From Rocket Fascination to Hands-On Engineering
When Yan was four years old, she saw a Long March 2 take off at a launch center, and that's when she developed an obsession with rockets. His enthusiasm for space and astronomy led him to take online programming courses and self-study physics and chemistry from books, videos, and forums with astronomy enthusiasts. To nurture his interest, Yan’s parents transformed their living room into a rocket research studio.
Starting in August 2022, Yan dedicated ten months to building his first solid-fuel rocket. By June 2023, he successfully launched the rocket, which he named Sen Xing, meaning “moving forward.” Unfortunately, the rocket experienced a malfunction when its booster failed to deploy the parachute, leading to a crash. Despite the setback, Yan meticulously analyzed the debris and identified the issues, showing remarkable resilience and problem-solving skills.
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Future Ambitions and Parental Support
Yan is currently working on modifying his rocket for a future launch and has showcased over 600 lines of code he wrote for the rocket’s flight control system. His father, who works in the tourism industry, has been a steadfast supporter, assisting his son in overcoming technical challenges and seeking expert advice when needed. Yan’s academic performance is also notable, ranking among the top in his class.
The young inventor's story has gained significant attention on social media in China. Observers are impressed by Yan’s achievements and the unwavering support from his parents. Yan hopes to develop an actual rocket for space exploration and enroll in one of China's elite civilian defense institutes. His journey continues to inspire and captivate audiences, highlighting both his exceptional talent and the power of parental encouragement.
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