Wang Xiji

Wang Xiji (; 26 July 1921 – 12 August 2026) was a Chinese aerospace engineer. The chief designer of China's first sounding rocket (T-7), first space launch vehicle (Long March 1) and first recoverable satellites, He was a member of the Bai ethnic minority from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. He graduated from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of National Southwestern Associated University in 1942, The institute had very few experienced scientists. Other than Wang Xiji and his former classmate , who was the deputy director of the institute, there were only two visiting professors, Bian Yingui (卞荫贵) and Li Minhua.

Working with severe shortages of technical experience, fund, and equipment, Wang's team managed to develop China's first sounding rocket, the T7-M.

Space launch vehicle and recoverable satellites In the 1960s, Wang proposed the design for the Long March 1, China's first space launch vehicle, which launched China's first satellite, the Dong Fang Hong I, in 1970.

Personal life Wang was married to Nie Xiufang, with whom he had two daughters. Wang turned 100 in July 2021.

He died on 12 August 2026 in Beijing, at the age of 105. His funeral was held on 20 August at Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery.

Honours and recognition Wang was elected an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics

He was twice conferred the Special Prize of the State Science and Technology Progress Award (in 1985 and 1990), In 1999, Wang was awarded the Two Bombs, One Satellite Meritorious Medal.