A prominent Chinese space scientist has called for expedited approval processes for the construction of a new national space museum, highlighting China’s unique position among global powers without a comprehensive space exhibition facility. Rong Yi, a senior expert at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology under China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, made the proposal during the recent fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
Rong emphasized that as China advances toward becoming a leading space power, the nation urgently requires a world-class museum to showcase its remarkable achievements in space exploration. She noted that among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China remains the only nation without a large-scale space museum, while the United States, Russia, France, and the United Kingdom all maintain significant aerospace exhibition facilities.
The scientist pointed to major aerospace museums in the United States that attract over 10 million visitors annually, noting that such institutions not only cultivate space enthusiasts and professionals but also generate substantial business opportunities. Rong emphasized that a new China Space Museum would serve as a crucial venue for promoting the spirit and culture of China’s space community while fostering patriotism and advancing science and technology education.
The current China Space Museum, which replaced the previous Chinese Space Museum, received construction approval in October 2019 and was completed in November 2022 before opening to the public in April 2023. However, the facility faces spatial constraints due to its relatively small floor area and location in Beijing’s southern suburbs, where narrow streets and small shops limit expansion possibilities.
Rong proposed that relevant authorities take responsibility for leading discussions and review work for the new museum’s site selection and construction, suggesting the project should be prioritized alongside other major space programs. She specifically identified the research complex of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology in Beijing’s Fengtai district as an ideal location, noting that the Nanyuan complex represents the birthplace of China’s space industry and contains numerous heritage sites including assembly workshops for the Long March 1 carrier rocket and the DF 1 ballistic missile.
The scientist advocated for creating a ‘living’ museum that would honor the legacy of past space projects while aligning with the Beijing municipal government’s cultural preservation and development plan, potentially creating a comprehensive educational and historical destination for space enthusiasts and the general public alike.