Prof. Liu Jiyuan

IN MEMORIAM: Academician Liu Jiyuan (1933-2026)

IAA Vice-President and a leading architect of China’s modern space programme

Prof. Liu Jiyuan, former Vice-President of the International Academy of Astronautics for Publications and Communication (2009–2019), passed away, leaving the international astronautical community in mourning. He was one of the most influential architects of China’s modern space programme

Academician Liu Jiyuan studied missile control at Bauman Technical University in Moscow in 1955 and began his career at the Fifth Academy of the Ministry of National Defence in 1960. He made outstanding contributions to the research and production of China’s first surface-to-surface and intercontinental missiles and led the development of measuring and testing instruments for China’s launch vehicles and satellites. As chief commander for management information systems, he was responsible for setting system targets and shaping technology policy.

He became Head of Division at the First Academy in 1965, its Institute Director in 1978, and Vice-President in 1983. In 1984 he was named Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Astronautics. Following the major reorganization of China’s space activities in 1993, he became General Manager of the China Aerospace Science & Technology Corporation (CASC) and the first Administrator of the newly created China National Space Administration (CNSA), also serving as President of the Chinese Society of Astronautics. He remained an active advisor to the space community well after retirement.

Academician Liu was elected a corresponding member of the IAA in 1993 and, in 1996, was nominated for full Academician status by then-IAA President George E. Muller. An active initiator and co-chair of numerous IAA conferences, he was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2007 and served as Vice-President for Publications & Communication from 2009 to 2019 — the first IAA Vice-President from China.

In 2011, he received the Academy’s Theodore von Kármán Award — its premier honor for lifetime achievement — in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2013, he received the IAA Book Award for Spatial Information System for Natural Disasters (CAPH, Beijing, 2013), for which he served as Editor-in-Chief alongside Xu Wen and a team of contributors.

Under his leadership, the IAA expanded beyond Paris. On May 30, 2010, he oversaw the founding of the IAA Study Center in Beijing, which remains active today with more than 100 cosmic studies published. He also initiated the publication of four IAA book series, including the History series, for which he wrote the preface chronicling the history of China’s space programs.

Perhaps his most lasting tribute is the strength and organization of China’s space industry today — a legacy shaped by his vision. Beyond his national contributions, he devoted himself to international cooperation through organizations including the Chinese Space Society and the IAA, offering steady support that stands as a lesson for the next generation of space professionals worldwide.

The IAA and the global space community have lost a true pioneer — a distinguished leader, visionary builder, and colleague who anticipated many of the strategic challenges the space community faces today. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends, fellow Academicians, and colleagues, and to all whose careers were shaped by his confidence and support.

His name will remain forever linked to the history of China’s space program and to the six-decade legacy of the International Academy of Astronautics.

Farewell, Prof. Liu Jiyuan. May your journey among the space stations, the planets and stars be peaceful.