Zhao Jiuzhang (15 October 1907 – 26 October 1968), also known as Jeou Jang Jaw, was a Chinese meteorologist and physicist. He was a pioneer of Chinese space technology and is considered as a founding father of China's satellite program.

Life

Born in Kaifeng, Henan Province on 15 October 1907. From 1925 to 1927, he studied electrical engineering at Zhejiang Industrial School (now Zhejiang University) in Hangzhou. He then transferred to Tsinghua University in Beijing. He graduated from the Department of Physics, Tsinghua in 1933. In 1935, he went to the University of Berlin; in 1938, he obtained his PhD. He was a professor of Tsinghua University, National Central University (now Nanjing University), and National Southwestern Associated University. During the Cultural Revolution, he was persecuted by the Red Guards and committed suicide in October 1968.

Awards and honors

In 1999, Zhao was awarded the Two Bombs, One Satellite Achievement Medal.

Membership & presidency