‘China’s Rocket Boy’: 11-Year-Old Prodigy Yan Hongsen Rockets Toward Space Dreams Despite Setbacks

There is a saying, “Coming events cast their shadows long before,” which means we can predict what might happen in the future and anticipate it through present signs and clues. A future greatness has been reported in China where an 11-year-old boy named Yan Hongsen has taught himself programming, chemistry, and physics and then wrote 600 lines of code to build a rocket.

At such a young age, Yan has already made significant strides in the field of amateur rocketry. Starting in August 2022, Yan dedicated ten months to building his first homemade solid-fuel rocket, which he named Sen Xing. The highly anticipated launch in June 2023, however, did not go as planned. The rocket experienced a crash due to a parachute malfunction, yet Yan's response to the setback has been nothing short of inspiring.

“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 said, reflecting on the malfunction. Despite the challenges, Yan’s composure and analytical approach have demonstrated his resilience and determination.

Undeterred by the crash, Yan is now focusing on his next project. He plans to launch a second rocket and is working diligently toward his goal of gaining entry into one of China’s prestigious civilian defense universities. His ultimate dream is to contribute to China’s space exploration efforts by building a real rocket.

Yan’s journey has not only captured the attention of the public but has also been a source of great pride for his family. His efforts are documented on social media, where he has amassed over 440,000 followers. His parents have been crucial in his endeavors, even converting their living room into a rocket research studio to support his passion.

Yan’s father expressed his pride and excitement about the maiden launch, stating, “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 further shared, “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.”