In order to inspire young professionals and university students' imagination and spirit of innovation and to achieve greater economic benefits from future space commercial activities for mankind, Chinese Society of Astronautics and The Robert A. and Virginia Heinlein Prize Trust cosponsor “Flying into the Future---- Space Exploration Innovation Contest in Asia” from April, 2006 to July, 2007.

Main Purposes of the contest
a) To discover unique ideas in the field of commercial space activities;
b) To encourage enthusiasm and spirit in students and young specialists to pursue studies in science and aerospace,   and to spur young minds to dare to explore and make innovations in space field;
c) To recognize talented individuals and help them develop innovative ideas for the benefit of humankind;
d) To provide young people with opportunities of meeting, communication and learning from each other;
e) To commemorate Mr. Heinlein, the late American fiction writer.

Robert Heinlein is the most enduring and influential American writer of speculative fiction. He published over one hundred novels, short stories, and articles. He won six Hugo awards, and has had his work adapted into four movies and five television series. Fifteen years after his death, most of his books are still in print in many languages, and his influence can be clearly seen in the writings of many important authors writing today.

The most prevalent theme underlying all his works is the practical benefit of man's activities in space. Though he never turned a blind eye to the terrible costs or the negative aspects of technological growth, he had a clear vision of its importance to human progress and human survivability.

A large portion of his writings was published long before Neil Armstrong first set foot upon the Moon. He wrote against prevailing opinions of the time that declared such an endeavor was both impractical and impossible.

Many of those who grew up reading his stories have gone on to make significant progress in man's expansion into space. They're scattered throughout the aerospace industry worldwide. Many testify today that they were first inspired by Robert Heinlein and his writings to pursue careers connected to space.

Today, in the Southern Hemisphere of Mars, is a small terrain feature called the Heinlein Crater, named in honor of this man who became a much beloved writer, and who dreamed that humans would some day make their home there, and thrive.

　

Announcement and Call for works

Application form for the contest

The Organizing Committee

Members of Evaluation Committee

news

Introduction of The Trust

Introduction of CSA

Introduction of 2004-2005 China Contest

Winners of 2004-2005 China Contest

Chinese Society of Astronautics
No. 8, Fucheng Lu, Haidian District, Beijing
P.O. Box: Beijing 838, Post code: 100830
Phone: 0086 10 68768622、68193081 Fax: 68768624
E-mail : csa_heinlein@yahoo.com.cn