Chinese space expert Liu Jiyuan (刘纪原) received the Von Karman Award from International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) in 62nd International Astronautical Federation (IAF) annual conference. As an expert in carrier rocket and strategic missile technologies, Liu made major contributions to the experiment and design of China’s early carrier rockets.

Founded in 1982, Von Karman Award is the highest award of IAA given annually, in recognition of excellent achievement in sciences.This is the first time for a Chinese experts to receive this honor.

International Astronautical Federation (IAF), the world’s foremost space advocacy organisation, is based in Paris. It was founded in 1951 as a non-governmental organization. It has 206 members from 58 countries across the world. They are drawn from space agencies, industry, professional associations, government organizations and learned societies. Together, IAF members represent about 95% of the world’s national-government space budgets.

The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) is an international community of experts committed to expanding the frontiers of space. It is a non-governmental organisation established in Stockholm (Sweden) on August 16, 1960.

The IAA works towards promoting the development of astronautics for peaceful purposes, recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in a related branch of science or technology and provide a programme through which members may contribute to international endeavors for the advancement of aerospace science. It works closely with the International Astronautical Federation, national and international space agencies.