On August 24, a press conference for the centennial commemorative exhibition of academician Liang Sili was held at the National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientists. Liang Sili, born in Beijing on August 24, 100 years ago, was one of the founders of China's aerospace industry, a renowned expert in missile and rocket control systems, and a consultant to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). He was also the son of Liang Qichao.
At the conference, Liang Hong, Liang Sili's daughter, spoke on behalf of the family, sharing the life and experiences of her father. "Unlike his siblings, my father lost his father at the age of four and a half," she said. He endured many hardships, supporting his studies abroad through scholarships, part-time work, and temporary jobs. After returning to China in 1949, her father faced economic and technological blockades from Western countries, as well as challenges like the Soviet Union tearing up contracts and withdrawing experts. Liang Hong recalled her father's words, "Be self-reliant and strong, rely on oneself, and be responsible to oneself," which she has always remembered.
"Only with a true patriotic heart can one undertake great tasks," said Qi Guosheng, Vice Chairman of the China Space Foundation, quoting Liang Qichao during his speech. He noted that Academician Liang remembered his father's teachings, embodying the spirit of patriotism throughout his life, fulfilling his father's wish that one of his children would pursue natural sciences to serve the nation. The China Space Foundation is committed to fulfilling its duty to promote science and support the commemorative exhibition, aiming to enhance the spirit of space exploration and scientists to aid in building China's strength in aerospace.
Meng Lingyun, Deputy Director of the museum, announced that the exhibition would open to the public in late September 2024 during the National Day of Science Popularization. Nearly 300 items, including manuscripts, archives, and letters, will comprehensively showcase Academician Liang's contributions in the fields of rocket and missile control systems. The exhibition will also reflect the development of China's aerospace industry from its inception to its current strength, as well as display Academician Liang's patriotic sentiments and personal strength.
Xu Yanqing, Director of the Memorial Hall for Liang Qichao in Tianjin, shared the story of Academician Liang and Tianjin's Yinbingshi, or "Ice-Drinker's Studio". In his later years, when Liang thought of Tianjin and home, he would visit the museum unannounced, joking, "At my age, I probably shouldn't need a ticket." The "Ice-Drinker's Studio" represents a deep-seated concept of home for Liang. On the occasion of his centenary, the memorial hall has meticulously planned this exhibition as a tribute to the spirit of scientists and to convey a profound affection from here.
Zhao Chuandong, one of China's first astronauts, also attended the conference. He spoke about the core of the aerospace spirit demonstrated by the older generation, which is their love for the country. It was this patriotic belief that enabled them to achieve remarkable feats like "Two Bombs, One Satellite" on meager resources. As an aerospace worker in the new area, he emphasized the importance of inheriting and promoting the spirit of patriotism and space exploration while nurturing more young talents with a sense of national duty and innovation.
The exhibition is supported by the China Space Foundation, Beijing Aerospace Exploration and Information Technology Research Institute, and hosted by the National Museum for Modern Chinese Scientists and the Memorial Hall for Liang Qichao in Tianjin, with additional support from various other organizations.
Translator: DING Zhizhong
Reviewer: NIU Lihua
