30 Under 30 – China’s Young Space Visionaries: Gen Z in Orbit
How Qin Hao, a 26-year-old aerospace engineer, is helping China expand its satellite constellations and reach for the stars.
📝 By Dr. Alan Hughes | Telecoms & Space Policy Analyst
From Stargazing to Rocket Labs
Qin Hao (26) grew up in Inner Mongolia, where clear night skies stretched endlessly across the grasslands. As a child, he often lay on the ground counting stars, inspired by China’s ancient tradition of astronomy. His parents, both schoolteachers, nurtured his curiosity, gifting him books on space exploration.
That curiosity carried him to the Beihang University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where he specialized in satellite design. For Qin, space was never just about science fiction—it was about ensuring China’s place in the future of technology.
A Role in China’s Space Ambitions
Today, Qin Hao works at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), playing a key role in developing low-Earth orbit satellite constellations. These constellations aim to provide global internet coverage, rivaling projects like Starlink.
Qin’s team focuses on miniaturized, cost-effective satellites that can be launched in batches, reducing costs and increasing flexibility. His contributions have helped China deploy dozens of experimental satellites in just the past two years.
Gen Z’s Perspective on Space
Unlike older generations of engineers, Qin frames space exploration not only as national prestige but also as practical infrastructure. He envisions satellites enabling rural telemedicine, disaster relief, and precision agriculture in China.
“Space is not only about astronauts on the moon,” he says. “It is about connecting every farmer, every student, every family here on Earth.”
Recognition and Influence
In 2023, Qin Hao was honored as part of Forbes China 30 Under 30 – Industry & Science. His name also appeared in CCTV’s Young Innovators program, highlighting him as a symbol of Gen Z’s contribution to China’s technological rise.
At international conferences, he emphasizes that China’s space projects embody the spirit of 自主创新 (independent innovation), reducing dependence on foreign satellite systems.
Challenges in Orbit
The race to space is fierce. China faces competition from Western companies and logistical hurdles in scaling up its constellations. Qin admits there are setbacks—launch delays, technical failures, and funding bottlenecks. But he views these as part of the journey.
“Space has never been easy,” he reflects. “But every failed launch teaches us to fly stronger next time.”
Looking Forward
Qin’s next goal is to integrate quantum communication technology into satellite systems, ensuring ultra-secure networks. He also dreams of seeing China lead in space-based solar power, transmitting clean energy from orbit to Earth.
A Cosmic Dream with Chinese Roots
On his office wall hangs a line from the ancient text Book of Han: “欲穷千里目，更上一层楼 (to see a thousand miles farther, climb one more level).” For Qin Hao, this is more than poetry—it is his life’s mission.
He concludes: “Our grandparents built railways. Our parents built high-speed trains. Our generation must build highways in the sky.”
