Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) held a seminar on aerospace science and technology strategy, as well as the launch meeting for the construction of the State Key Laboratory of Environment Characteristics and Effects for Near-space on June 14.

Experts in the field of aerospace technology as well as leaders from related institutions, units and universities attended the event.

Zhang Jun, secretary of the CPC BIT Committee, said that in recent years, BIT has shown strong development momentum and a significant increase in comprehensive strength. He highlighted that in the future development, the university will achieve scientific research in the entire space domain from "low-altitude", "near-space" to "deep space".

Zhang said, by utilizing technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, BIT will nurture and strengthen key technologies that support the "low-altitude" and "near-space" economy;  promote interdisciplinary integration of "aeronautics and astronautics science and technology+"; and focus on basic research and key core technologies in the near-space, aiming to contribute to the development of new quality productive forces in the aerospace field and continuously support the implementation of the national aerospace strategy with the strength of BIT.

BIT's president Jiang Lan expressed his profound respect on behalf of the university to the experts and scholars present. He said BIT will strive to achieve strategic leadership and systematic breakthroughs in the aerospace technology field, work towards establishing a new hub for independent cultivation of aerospace strategic talents, creating a source of national aerospace strategic scientific and technological strength, and establishing a new pattern of cooperation and exchange in the aerospace field.

During the conference, the unveiling ceremony of the School of Aerospace Engineering was also held.

The State Key Laboratory of Environment Characteristics and Effects for Near-space was approved in January 2025, making it the only national key laboratory in this field in China.

The laboratory will establish theories and methods for near-space environment detection, make breakthroughs in the key core technologies of near-space environment detection and cognition, achieve comprehensive and coordinated observations of the near-space environment in terms of altitude and elements, provide environmental forecasting and early warning, create a world-class innovative platform, aiming to significantly enhance the safety of aircraft travel between earth and space, and realize rapid global access to and from space capabilities.