From Classroom to Orbit: High Schoolers Redefine STEM
A team of students at Yinzhou High School in Ningbo, on the Chinese mainland, is proving age is no barrier to space exploration. Guided by instructor Le Tianshuo, their student-built satellite successfully reached orbit in 2019 – a milestone few professional engineers achieve, let alone teenagers.
The project began as an after-school club activity but quickly gained momentum as participants studied rocket physics, coding, and engineering principles. “We watched China’s astronauts conduct spacewalks and wanted to contribute to humanity’s cosmic journey,” said one club member.
More Than a Satellite
Their achievement reflects China’s growing emphasis on youth STEM education, with space programs now integrated into over 200 schools nationwide. Data shows a 40% annual increase in student-led aerospace projects since 2020 across G20 nations, signaling a global shift toward hands-on science learning.
As China prepares for lunar missions and space station expansions, these students represent a new generation of innovators. Their satellite now orbits Earth every 90 minutes, collecting atmospheric data used in climate research – a testament to how classroom dreams can reach stellar heights.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
