On October 16, 1964, China’s first domestically manufactured atomic bomb successfully detonated in the Lop Nur region of Xinjiang, sending shockwaves around the globe and solidifying the international standing of the new China.
Sixty years have passed since that historic moment, and to commemorate it, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” Memorial Hall reopened on October 16 after undergoing upgrades and renovations. The museum now showcases a wealth of precious historical documents and artifacts, including many items that are being exhibited for the first time. What can we see and learn at this memorial hall?
More than six decades ago, scientists such as Qian Xuesen circled the mountainous area of Shijia Valley in Huairou, Beijing, in a helicopter, ultimately choosing a concealed site for development. While it was externally referred to as the “Beijing School of Mineral Smelting,” it had a more prestigious title: the Huairou Rocket Test Base.
Between 1960 and 1974, the Huairou Rocket Test Base undertook significant tasks involving high-energy rocket propellants, ground experiments for rocket engines, and the development of the 541 ultra-low-altitude surface-to-air missile, making vital contributions to the success of the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” project.
Today, the site has become part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences University, and the memorial hall is built on the original structures of the base. It houses over 5,000 priceless artifacts, including documents related to the development of the “Two Bombs, One Satellite,” important instruments, and the contributions of key figures associated with the project. Some exhibits, previously unseen, provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the project’s history. Visitors can feel the spirit of dedication and self-reliance exhibited by researchers during those challenging times.
On the day of the reopening ceremony, many participants and families of those involved in the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” project gathered to reminisce and share stories from that extraordinary era. Academician Hou Xun, aged 87, from Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, recalled the challenges he and his colleagues faced while working on the high-speed cameras for nuclear tests.
“We made a solemn pledge to complete the mission no matter what,” Hou reflected. “Everyone united. We started almost from scratch, facing significant hardships. Back then, Xi’an had neither gas nor natural gas. We improvised with a gasoline barrel and a simple pump setup. We joked that growing our own food was akin to starting from scratch with our work.”
The high-speed cameras that Hou and his colleagues overcame great hurdles to create captured the moment of China’s first atomic bomb explosion, marking a historic step forward for New China. In an era of scarce resources and limited references, the scientists of “Two Bombs, One Satellite” accomplished seemingly impossible tasks under extreme conditions.
Nearby, 23 bronze statues of the project’s pioneers stand among the trees, symbolizing the enduring spirit of “Two Bombs, One Satellite,” inspiring generations of people. This spirit has fueled relentless efforts by China’s scientists to achieve self-reliance and technological advancement.
At the memorial hall, visitors can find many artifacts, including the first supersonic wind tunnel developed for missile testing. This wind tunnel represents a time when our scientists, with no external support, completely developed the equipment independently, facilitating significant breakthroughs from nothing. Decades later, we have made tremendous progress in the field of wind tunnels.
The JF12 wind tunnel, now in use at the State Key Laboratory of Hypersonic Aerodynamics, is a testament to the advancements achieved since then. Wind tunnel tests have become essential in aerospace, and the successful JF12 has conducted many critical tasks, playing an irreplaceable role internationally.
Zhao Wei, the party secretary of the State Key Laboratory of Hypersonic Aerodynamics, stated, “The establishment of the JF12 spanned nearly 50 years, embodying the hard work of generations. We carry this spirit in our hearts to inspire us as we promote our current and future endeavors.”
The “Two Bombs, One Satellite” initiative laid the foundation for self-reliance in science and technology, guiding future development. In the main hall of the National Space Science Center of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a statue of Zhao Jiuzhang, a pioneer of China’s satellite program, stands proudly. Before the launch of China’s first artificial satellite, he articulated many concepts for the future of space science.
Academician Wang Chi, the director of the National Space Science Center, remarked, “He believed that scientific experimental satellites should precede others, paving the way for a focus on application satellites. After the successful launch of ‘Dongfanghong 1,’ a series of application satellites have followed, each reflecting different directions of development.”
In 1970, the launch of “Dongfanghong 1” marked the dawn of a new era in China’s space exploration. Over fifty years, China’s aerospace technology has evolved dramatically, and the visions of early scientists are steadily becoming a reality.
Reflecting on the past, the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” project solidified China’s international standing and laid a robust foundation for technological self-reliance. The spirit shown by scientists continues to inspire generations of Chinese individuals to overcome difficulties and persevere in their pursuits. Despite the passage of time and change, the legacy of this spirit remains profoundly relevant today.
Now, we aim to accelerate the construction of a strong educational, technological, and talent-driven nation. The historical role of the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” project can be seen as an early exploration of a three-pronged strategy in education, technology, and talent development. This initiative not only achieved remarkable global accomplishments but also cultivated a multitude of outstanding tech professionals, inspiring generations to engage in scientific exploration.
The “Two Bombs, One Satellite” Memorial Hall, focused on technology and geared toward education and talent cultivation, will continue to promote the spirit of this project, allowing its legacy to bloom in the new era.
Wang Yanfeng, executive vice president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences University, noted, “We are exploring a model where tasks drive disciplines, disciplines nurture talent, and talent fosters innovation. This exploration is critical for advancing the unified approach to education, technology, and talent in today’s complex environment. Our aim is to better serve the nation and contribute to the development of a technology-powered, education-driven, and talent-nurturing country through the promotion of the ‘Two Bombs, One Satellite’ spirit and the spirit of our scientists.”
Sixty years ago, the older generation of scientists linked their dreams with the destiny of their country, working tirelessly and often anonymously to rise from the rubble of a new China. They resolved to achieve what others had done and strive for what seemed impossible.
The “Two Bombs, One Satellite” spirit has inspired countless individuals and remains a treasured part of the national ethos. Today, China’s overall strength ranks among the world’s leaders, and our research conditions have vastly improved from those initial days. However, the spirit of “Two Bombs, One Satellite” continues to illuminate our path forward.
