Six top universities to offer low-altitude space major

In a major move to address the strategic demands of China’s burgeoning low-altitude space economy, six top universities have jointly launched an undergraduate programme in the sector this year. They expect to enrol new undergraduates for the upcoming fall semester, reports Zou Shuo for China Daily.

Approved by the Ministry of Education and added to China’s national catalogue of undergraduate programmes in April, the initiative represents an urgent national effort to cultivate talent for an industry poised to exceed CNY1.5 trillion (US$209 billion) by 2025. The six institutions are Beihang University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, South China University of Technology, and Northwestern Polytechnical University.

Luo Mingqiang, vice-dean of the School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering at Beihang University, defines the low-altitude space economy as encompassing aircraft operating below 1,000 metres and their related activities. “In the future, our daily commutes, package deliveries, or even ordering a cup of coffee will likely be closely linked to the low-altitude space economy,” he said.
Full report on the China Daily site