He is a major expert in the development team of China's Chang'e series lunar probes, and the "backbone" in the hearts of countless astronauts. From "Resource 2" to "Chang'e 1", from dreaming the moon to chasing the dream of Mars, with him, "the launch is not nervous, and the team members eat well." He has devoted more than 50 years to China's aerospace industry, especially the space industry, and is determined to "serve the people and be a scientist for the people". Let us approach this never-ending astronaut - Ye Peijian.

Ye Peijian, who is over seventy years old, still comes to the office on time at eight o'clock in the morning to start his day's work. When we walked into his office, he excitedly showed us two photos we couldn't put down, which were the "mutual photos" of the "Tianwen-1" probe and the "Zhurong" rover on the moon.

From 1996 to 2004, the three satellites of "Resource 2" were successfully launched and put into use. The "Zhengyuan 2" series of satellites have achieved a number of breakthroughs in satellite technology, and also set a record of my country's launch of three satellites of the same type at different times, reflecting the space. Not only the performance of the satellite is excellent, but this model has also cultivated a reserve force that dares to fight tough battles for the future development of China's aerospace industry. In 2001, China's lunar exploration project officially entered the demonstration stage at the same time as the development of "Resource No. 2". Ye Peijian, who is in charge of "Resource No. 2", joined and became one of the first core figures of the lunar exploration project. The lunar exploration project is known as the third milestone in China's aerospace development after artificial earth satellites and manned spaceflight. On October 24, 2007, Chang'e-1 was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. On October 31, Chang'e-1 entered the Earth-Moon transfer orbit and arrived near the moon after a 112-hour flight. When it was announced that the braking was successful, the control hall was boiling, and old experts such as Sun Jiadong, the father of two bombs and one star, were moved to tears.

Ye Peijian, technical consultant of the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences: From a scientific point of view, this star cannot be scrapped when China is engaged in lunar exploration.

Ye Peijian's persistence made Chang'e 2 the pilot star of the second phase of the lunar exploration project. Chang'e-2, launched on National Day in 2010, not only made further progress in lunar exploration results, but also laid the foundation for subsequent lunar landing missions, and successfully carried out a number of expansion experiments. Just before that, Ye Peijian had already made the decision to "take a back seat".

Ye Peijian, technical consultant of the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences: Young people, I want to give them opportunities. I made a list for the human resources department, how to break down this team, who will do Chang'e backup, and who will do the second phase of the project. If I lead them, I will be a consultant and a chief.

Although he no longer sticks to the front line, Ye Peijian has never left lunar exploration and deep space exploration. As long as the researchers need it, he will spare no effort. Every launch, he must be there to cheer for the team.

Ye Peijian, technical consultant of the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences: I think I position myself now, not to interfere with their work, to help them when they have difficulties and need help, and when they can't bear it, That's all, honor goes to them.

With the success of Chang'e 5 returning lunar soil from the moon, China's three-step strategic planning of "circling, landing, and returning" for the lunar exploration project has been successfully completed, but China's space exploration has not stopped. Chinese astronauts are inheriting the spirit of lunar exploration and embarking on a new journey of interstellar exploration step by step. At present, my country has signed nearly 160 cooperation agreements with more than 60 countries and international organizations. The fourth phase of the lunar exploration project, the planetary exploration project, the return of samples from Mars, and the exploration of the Jupiter system have been launched.

Over the years, Ye Peijian has won many honors. What he cherishes most is being awarded the national honorary title of "People's Scientist" in the Great Hall of the People on September 29, 2019. This heavy honor makes him full of motivation in his work.

Ye Peijian, technical consultant of the Fifth Academy of Aerospace Science and Technology Group and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences: I myself (will also) make new contributions. If you have this honor, you must do something. The more honors, the greater the pressure, the heavier the burden, and of course there is motivation, you can't stop.Editor/Ma Xue