According to the South China Morning Post, Yan’s fascination with space ignited at the tender age of four when he witnessed a rocket launch. This sparked a relentless pursuit of knowledge, leading him to delve into complex subjects through online courses, books, and forums. His parents, recognizing his passion, transformed their living room into a makeshift rocket laboratory.
In a remarkable feat, Yan successfully built and launched his first solid-fuel rocket, named “Sen Xing,” or “Moving Forward.” Although the launch didn’t end as planned, the undeterred young scientist meticulously analyzed the failure, identified the issues, and is already working on an improved model.
Yan’s exceptional talent extends beyond rocketry. He excels academically, ranking among the top students in his class while simultaneously teaching aerospace to his peers. His dream is to study at one of China’s prestigious civilian defense universities and eventually build a real rocket for the nation.
The young prodigy’s story has resonated deeply with the Chinese public, with many praising his determination and intelligence. As he continues to push the boundaries of his knowledge and aspirations, Yan Hongsen is undoubtedly a rising star in China’s scientific community.