People mourn China's "father of space technology"

The death of China's legendary scientist, Qian Xuesen, has plunged many Chinese into deep sorrow. People across the country are mourning the scientist, known as the Father of China's space program, in different ways.

A small mourning hall has been set up at Qian Xuesen's home for the public. Despite the cold weather, people with flowers showed up to express their condolences.

As Qian Xuesen was the father of China's space program, some of the visitors are involved in the country's lunar probe project.

Yang Liwei, China's 1st astronaut, said, "I remember the last time I saw him, Master Qian was lying in bed. He asked me how I felt after returning from the space journey and what direction the lunar research project was taking. I was deeply moved by his love for life and scientific research. "

Many visitors simply stood downstairs and looked up to the hall in silence. Some of them travelled all the way from remote regions. They spoke of Qian Xuesen's devotion to science, as well as his aspiration for truth.

Local residents of Xiaoying Alley lay the white chrisanthemum to mourn for  the just passed-away China's keystone space scientist Qian Xuesen, in front  of his portrait on a stone tablet in his hometown of Hangzhou, east China's  Zhejiang province, Oct. 31, 2009. Qian Xuesen, widely acclaimed as the  country's "father of space technology" and "king of rocketry", died of  illness in Beijing Saturday morning at the age of 98. Under the guidance  of Qian, also known as Tsien Hsue-shen, China finished the blueprint on  developing jet and rocket technology. He also played a significant role  in developing the country's first artificial earth satellite.  (Xinhua/Xu Zuoheng)