AWARDEE OF TECHNOLOGICAL SCIENCES PRIZE

ZHANG  GUITIAN

Zhang Guitian is one of the most important pioneers and leading persons in China's liquid rocket engine field. He was born in Gaocheng, Hebei Province. He graduated from Moscow Aviation Institute in 1961 and majored in liquid rocket engine. He has always engaged in launch vehicle rocket engine design and research in China after graduation. From 1961 to 1983, he worked as design department chief with Liquid Rocket Engine Research Institute of the 7th Ministry, chief designer, deputy director of the institute and director of the Institute successively. From 1984 till now he has been worked as director of 067 Complex of China Aerospace Corporation(CASC), deputy director of Science and Technology Committee of CASC, director of Science and Technology Committee of the Sixth Academy of CASC. He is also member of the national science and technology awards judgement committee. He was elected the academician of Chinese Engineering Academy in 1995 and academician of International Astronautic Academy in 2002.
Professor Zhang is the first who raised and solved the problem of liquid rocket engine combustion instability. Zhang directed the successful development of rocket engine for Chinese launch vehicle Long March I. He made great contributions in breakthrough of several key technologies, such as high altitude ignition. Zhang directed the successful development of launch vehicle Long March IV A third stage rocket engine. Key breakthroughs in two-way gimbaling and restarting were made. As chief commander he organized and directed large thrust engine for Long March II E vehicle. Many new technologies were employed in the engine development. The low earth transportation capability and commercial launch marketing competition ability of Chinese launch vehicle increased dramatically. The engine also successfully used in launching of Chinese manned spaceship by Long March II F. Now Zhang is directing the development of Chinese new generation large thrust liquid rocket engine. Key technologies have been primarily mastered. The engine system level test has successfully performed under his organization.