Zhang Qingwei

Zhang Qingwei is a Chinese aerospace engineer, business executive and politician who led major parts of the Chinese space effort before entering government. Born in 1961, he rose to become president of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the state group behind most Chinese launch vehicles and spacecraft, and later chaired the aircraft maker Comac. He was deputy leader of the project to send a Chinese person into space and the leader of the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program that flew the Chang'e 1 orbiter. He also headed the team that designed the Xian JH-7 combat aircraft. After his industrial career he held senior provincial and national offices, including chairing the commission responsible for science, technology and industry for national defense.