Preface
Chapter 1
A Burning Passion for Aerospace past the Ripe Age of 70
Chapter 2
A Brilliant Young Man with Soaring Ambitions and Unrelenting Determination
Chapter 3
Approaching His Ideal: Preparation Meets Opportunity
Chapter 4
Pursuit of Further Study in Moscow with High Expectations
Chapter 5
Hard Work Pays Off
Chapter 6
“The World Is Yours ... China’s Future Belongs to You”
Chapter 7
Golden Medal after Long Years Studying Abroad
Chapter 8
Transition into Missile Research in Response to the Call of the Motherland
Chapter 9
An Early Pioneer in Aerospace and Student of Qian Xuesen
Chapter 10
From Imitation to Independent Development and Innovation
Chapter 11
Missile Flying into Space from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
Chapter 12
Failure Leading to Success on the Uneven Journey of Scientific Experiments
Chapter 13
Scaling New Heights in Research on Satellites
Chapter 14
Development of China’s First Satellite from Scratch
Chapter 15
Being Outspoken Despite Potential Political Perils
Chapter 16
Successful Launch of the “Dongfanghong-1” Satellite into Space
Chapter 17
Miraculous “Shijian-1” Transmitting Remote Sensing Information to the Ground
Chapter 18
Taking the Liberty to Halt a Potentially Risky Rocket Launch
Chapter 19
Applied Satellites Orbiting the Earth while Contributing to Economic Development
Chapter 20
Communication Satellites Helping Connect Distant Points on Earth
Chapter 21
Making Every Eff ort to Adapt to Changing Situations
Chapter 22
Chinese Satellites in Space Benefi ting People on Earth
Chapter 23
Success Stories of Chinese Rockets Spreading Far and Wide
Chapter 24
Sino-US Negotiations on Satellite Launch Cooperation
Chapter 25
Chinese People All Over the World Thrilled by Successful Launch of Long March Rocket
Chapter 26
Deep Space Exploration Initiated with Substantial Preparation
Chapter 27
Three-phase Chang’e Mission Takes Chinese Aerospace Industry to New Heights
Chapter 28
China’s Successful Landing of Chang’e-1 on the Moon Hailed Worldwide
Chapter 29
Painstaking Eff orts on a Long Journey to the Moon
Chapter 30
New Satellite in Space Off ering Services
Chapter 31
Nerve-racking Satellite Launch on a Stormy Spring Night
Chapter 32
Accurate Ground Navigation Services Guided by Satellites Dotted across the Sky
Chapter 33
A Life Dedicated to Satellites and a Model of Patriotism
Chapter 34
Happily Married for Nearly Sixty Years and Counting
Chapter 35
A Contented and Peaceful Life Always Centered around Aerospace
Chapter 36
One Last Hurrah from the Launch Site at Nearly 90 Years Old
Chapter 37
Continued Aerospace Development Will Make China Stronger Than Ever

该书以孙家栋的人生历程为线索，讲述了从中国航天研制导弹起步，到中国第一颗人造地球卫星升空，各类应用卫星太空遨游，中国航天走入国际市场，“嫦娥”探测卫星奔月之旅，中国“北斗”自主卫星导航系统的故事，使人仿佛置身于航天场景，并得以感受那种惊心动魄。
本书主题虽然涉及航天高科技，但文字深入浅出、通俗易懂，是一本航天人写航天人，科技人员写科学家的力作，也不失为优秀的航天科普读物。书中对主人公职业历程和家庭平凡生活的细致描写，展示了一位中国航天科学家、无私奉献的科学品格，展示了新时代中国的“科学之光”。

孙家栋是中国航天科技事业的开拓者与奠基人之一。主人公在中国航天事业50余年的发展历程中进步成长，见证了中国航天从无到有、从小到大、从弱到强，是开创中国卫星事业新篇章、开启空间事业新纪元的代表性人物，他至今仍奔波在航天工程和人才培养的第一线，他的传奇仍在继续。
本书以孙家栋的人生经历为线索，呈现了中国航天事业走过的艰辛历程及其取得的辉煌成就和中国“大国重器”的国际地位。