Ep. 334 | Qian Xuesen (Part 1)

The China History Podcast
Written By Laszlo Montgomery

Once again, by popular demand, here's another oft-requested topic. With the recent release of the Oppenheimer film, I thought this story was quite timely. Qian Xuesen is called "The Father of China's Missile and Space Program." What's not as well known is the key role he played in the late 1930s and 40s in the United States rocket and jet propulsion programs. He was there, along with Frank Malina, Weld Arnold, Apollo M.O. Smith, Jack Parsons, and Edward S. Forman, when the Jet Propulsion Laboratory was created. Under the leadership of Theodore von Karman, this team led the effort that launched America's missile and rocket programs. But come 1950 Qian's world will be upended. That's all for Part 2.

Iris Chang: Thread of the Silkworm: https://www.amazon.com/Thread-Silkworm-Iris-Chang/dp/0465006787

Listen On Your Favorite Podcast Player

Terms in Episode

Enjoy the show and want to support the CHP?

Join the Teacup Patreon

Make a Direct Donation

Buy Laszlo a Cup of Coffee

Related Episodes
Ep. 360 | Plant Hunters During the Qing Dynasty (Part 2)
Ep. 360 | Plant Hunters During the Qing Dynasty (Part 2)

After the exploits of Robert Fortune, many other plant hunters such as Henry Fletcher Hance, Père David, Augustine Henry, Ernest Wilson, and George Forrest, among others followed in his footsteps to China.

Ep. 359 | Plant Hunters During the Qing Dynasty (Part 1)
Ep. 359 | Plant Hunters During the Qing Dynasty (Part 1)

These next few episodes will be on the European and later, American plant hunters who came to China between the 16th and 20th centuries.

Andrew Shaw Returns to Discuss The History of Jade
Andrew Shaw Returns to Discuss The History of Jade

Former BBC reporter and master jade carver Andrew Shaw is back. What an informative interview this one turned out to be!

Looted China Treasures | Andrew Shaw and his book, "Spoil"
Looted China Treasures | Andrew Shaw and his book, "Spoil"

I welcomed Wuhan-based Andrew Shaw onto the CHP to talk about his book. It's all about the plundering of China's cultural treasures and imperial artifacts by not just the British, French, and Americans.

“The Second Journey” | An Interview with Joel Bigman
“The Second Journey” | An Interview with Joel Bigman

Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Joel Bigman, author of a new book called "The Second Journey."

Ep. 358 | The History of Singapore (Part 10)
Ep. 358 | The History of Singapore (Part 10)

This is as far as we're going to take this series.

Ep. 357 | The History of Singapore (Part 9)
Ep. 357 | The History of Singapore (Part 9)

The saga continues with a newly independent Singapore finding its way in the world.

Ep. 356 | The History of Singapore (Part 8)
Ep. 356 | The History of Singapore (Part 8)

In this episode, we’ll see how Lee Kuan Yew deals with the political left by launching Operation Coldstore on February 2, 1963.

Ep. 355 | The History of Singapore (Part 7)
Ep. 355 | The History of Singapore (Part 7)

In this episode we'll begin to explore the early life of the most consequential leader in Singapore's history and in the greater Southeast Asian scene, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew.

Ep. 354 | The History of Singapore (Part 6)
Ep. 354 | The History of Singapore (Part 6)

In this episode, we see how Japan marched and bicycled their way across the Johor Strait and proceeded to quickly defeat the British Commonwealth troops.

Laszlo Montgomery
Previous

Ep. 335 | Qian Xuesen (Part 2)
Next

Ep. 333 | Keye Luke