Yan Hongsen, an 11-year-old from Zhejiang, China, has become an internet sensation for his extraordinary achievement of writing 600 lines of code to build a rocket. His fascination with rockets began at the tender age of four after witnessing the launch of the Long March-2. This early exposure ignited a passion that would lead him to remarkable accomplishments at such a young age.
Yan, a self-taught prodigy, has taken online courses and studied physics and chemistry independently. His dedication culminated in the construction of his first homemade solid-fuel rocket, which he began building in August 2022. After 10 months of hard work, Yan launched his rocket, named Sen Xing, in June 2023. Unfortunately, the launch was not entirely successful, as the rocket crashed due to a parachute malfunction. Despite this setback, Yan remained calm and analytical, stating, “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.”
Yan's determination is unwavering. He plans to launch a second rocket and aspires to attend one of China’s seven prestigious civilian defense universities. His ultimate goal is to build a real rocket for China’s space exploration efforts. Throughout his journey, Yan has documented his progress on social media, where he has amassed over 440,000 followers. His parents have been incredibly supportive, even transforming their living room into a makeshift rocket research studio.
Yan’s father expressed immense pride in his son's achievements, 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.” He also highlighted their unwavering commitment to supporting Yan’s dreams: “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.”
Yan’s achievements have garnered attention from 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. Admirers have praised not only Yan’s extraordinary accomplishments but also the remarkable support from his parents. One user commented, “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 an 11-year-old rocket scientist is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and parental support. His story has inspired countless followers and demonstrated that with the right combination of dedication and encouragement, extraordinary dreams can indeed become reality.
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