A teenager in China has successfully built and launched a rocket with the help of the internet. The 18-year-old, Zeng Shijie belongs to a village in Hunan province, central China.
At the age of 14, he developed an interest in rockets after watching a live rocket launch broadcast with his father. Recently, the teenager announced that he has been admitted to the prestigious Shenyang Aerospace University to study aerospace engineering.
Initially, Zeng had no knowledge of rocket-making techniques. So, he turned to Douyin (China’s version of TikTok) where he found educational videos on how to build rockets.
According to his schoolteacher, Long Yan Jiao, the internet played a crucial role in nurturing Zeng’s passion especially since the resources at the village school were very limited. Using every tool available around him, Zeng improved his skills.
He recycled his sister’s old laptop and extracted nitrates from animal waste which he cooked with sugar and water in the kitchen to produce rocket fuel. Later, he realized that this fuel was not pure enough, so based on what he had learned in school, he filtered fertilizer to produce cleaner fuel.
For building rocket engines, he used PVC pipes and cement. At first, his attempts failed. He then taught himself 3D modeling and design software and even purchased a secondhand 3D printer.
In June 2023, Zeng carried out his first rocket launch attempt inviting his father and school friends to witness it. The launch failed due to rain but the very next day he succeeded in sending the rocket into the sky.
After more than 100 attempts, Zeng managed to build four types of engines, several single-stage rockets and one two-stage rocket. The two-stage rocket successfully reached an altitude of 400 meters above ground level.
To support his passion, Zeng’s school awarded him 3,500 yuan in funding and also provided him with a space for experiments. His family also gave him full support in pursuing his dream. Now, after his admission to university, Zeng has revealed his ultimate goal to design a real rocket.
We welcome your contributions! Submit your blogs, opinion pieces, press releases, news story pitches, and news features to opinion@minutemirror.com.pk and minutemirrormail@gmail.com
