An 11-year-old rocket scientist
Yan Hongsen, an 11-year-old from Zhejiang, China, has become an internet sensation for writing 600 lines of code to build a rocket. His fascination with rockets began at age four after witnessing the Long March-2 launch. Yan, who has taken online courses and self-studied physics and chemistry, spent 10 months constructing his first homemade solid-fuel rocket, starting in August 2022.
In June 2023, Yan launched his rocket, named Sen Xing, which unfortunately crashed due to a parachute malfunction. Yan remained composed, analyzing the failure:
“The nitrocellulose didn’t explode as expected, the spring and lithium battery were also damaged. Maybe there is still an issue with the rocket’s body connection.”
Despite the setback, he plans to launch a second rocket and aspires to attend one of China’s seven prestigious civilian defense universities, with the ultimate goal of building a real rocket for China’s space exploration.
Support from family
Yan has documented his journey on social media, amassing over 440,000 followers. His parents have been supportive, transforming their living room into a rocket research studio.
Yan’s father expressed his pride, recalling the maiden launch: “Although the rocket crashed, I considered its first flight a triumph. I was over the moon with excitement, but my son took it in stride, remaining remarkably calm and composed.”
Yan’s father also highlighted their commitment: “I don’t understand aerospace, but I will always accompany my son. As parents, we fully support our child’s dreams. If he encounters technical difficulties that he can’t solve, he always contacts me, and I try my best to reach out to experts for help.”
Global recognition
Yan’s achievements have caught the attention of educators, tech enthusiasts, and space aficionados worldwide. His story has gone viral on Chinese social media, captivating millions and earning him recognition as a prodigious talent. Comments from admirers highlight his parents’ remarkable support and Yan’s extraordinary accomplishments. One user remarked, “This must be the youngest person to build a rocket in China. I’m so proud of him.”
Yan Hongsen’s journey from a curious four-year-old to a young rocket scientist has not only inspired his followers but also demonstrated the power of passion, perseverance, and parental support in achieving extraordinary dreams.