Sep 4, 2026 · 43 min · 10 segments
Every national space programme rests on four pillars: visionary leadership, unwavering political and economic commitment, realistic ambitions, and a deep acknowledgement that fundamental science is…
Ji WuGuestHostHostEpisode 136.
Every national space program rests on four pillars – visionary leadership, unwavering political and economic commitment, realistic ambitions and a deep acknowledgement that fundamental science is the essential bedrock for a successful and enduring space program.
Professor Ji Wu in has continued that tradition of putting science first.
In this interview, recorded during COSPAR 2026 in Florence, he talks about his priorities of science, international collaboration, and the profound significance of adherence to systems engineering.
He talks about his personal journey too – Initially, he wanted to study medicine, but after an administrative mix-up... as China was coming out of the Cultural Revolution in the mid-1970s, ended up studying telecommunications and electrical engineering.
He developed a strong commitment to international collaboration by working with the European Space Agency in the Netherlands, completing his PhD in Denmark, and completing a stint as the Vice President of COSPAR.
Links to many of the missions, projects, and organizations referred in this episode are available on astrotalkuk.org.
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Episode 136.
Every national space program rests on four pillars – visionary leadership, unwavering political and economic commitment, realistic ambitions and a deep acknowledgement that fundamental science is the essential bedrock for a successful and enduring space program.
Professor Ji Wu in has continued that tradition of putting science first.
In this interview, recorded during COSPAR 2026 in Florence, he talks about his priorities of science, international collaboration, and the profound significance of adherence to systems engineering.
He talks about his personal journey too – Initially, he wanted to study medicine, but after an administrative mix-up... as China was coming out of the Cultural Revolution in the mid-1970s, ended up studying telecommunications and electrical engineering.
He developed a strong commitment to international collaboration by working with the European Space Agency in the Netherlands, completing his PhD in Denmark, and completing a stint as the Vice President of COSPAR.
Links to many of the missions, projects, and organizations referred in this episode are available on astrotalkuk.org.