The Growing Trend of Chinese Space Culture (feat. Molly Silk)

Hello and welcome to another interviews series episode of the Dongfang Hour ! In this episode, we were thrilled to sit down with Molly Silk, a doctoral researcher in Science, Technology and Innovation Policy at Manchester Institute of Innovation Research. Molly's research focuses on topics such as China's space policy, and cultural, communicative and cooperative efforts linked to the Chinese space program.

In this episode, we discuss the presence of space references in the life of Chinese people, the interest of commercial companies to manufacture consumer space-themed products, the role of the Chinese government in the popularization of space, and more.

A special thanks to visual designer Ed Fyfe for providing some helpful visuals for the episode. Do check out his Instagram at @edfyfedesign!

If you enjoy what you see, don’t forget to follow the channel and give us a thumbs-up. Thanks and see you next time!

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Credits for various visuals: CNSA, CASC, CGTN, Euronews, Sembo Blocks, Hong Kong University, PolyU, CMSEO, KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Spacety, Landspace, Citic Books, Drone China,

[elleem]

The ancient people of China has long had a romantic relationship with the heavens through astrology (as like many other ancient civilizations) and spiritualism. Pretty much the core of chinese philisophy was born from viewing the heavens and the connection of the heavens to the earth and the people (one of the most influential piece of literature is probably the YiJing). Farming played a very important role as the Chinese calendar was created because of farming, They view themselves as a civilization born from farming, and the along that the heavens were named and legends were born. Coming from a Chinese background, for us to hear they named the technology with the legends and gods is very natural. Its almost like these legendary creatures has manifested into something tangible, giving it meaning and life. Instead if it just being a piece of equipment, it creates emotional attachment. Also we like good omens :D Its almost like naming it zeus or hercules or pegasus etc. As they say, the people that are involved in space are a bunch of romantic people :D

[woodytobiasjr]

Damn!! You guys are far more professional than interviewers with twice your experience. Very impressive.

[SuperSoliton]

Thank you guys for sharing your unique perspectives about China.
Really appreciate your observations, thoughts and opinions. People like you make the world a warmer society.

[princepsnamque]

Great guest and great episode. Space culture plays a much more important role in both economy and science than most people think. Keep it up Dongfang hour👍👍

[richard]

This is a fascinating episode - the importance of culture in Chinese and Asian life is underestimated and largely misunderstood in Europe - it is really important to understand that embedding the space endeavours into the culture and the culture spirit world shows the long-term addition to the culture and as one speaker mentioned ‘legitimises’ space and allows Chinese culture to grow into a space-faring culture quite normally and smoothly - great insides for me.

[kumbackquatsta]

molly's hair definitely is silky. great ep.

[edwardfyfe]

Brilliant episode, thanks so much for putting it out everyone! Really enjoyed hearing about naming and identity. As Molly mentioned, 'Linking the past and the present is a way to strengthen the identity of these space programs', it's fascinating to see commercial space brands getting involved too, namely Landspace with their Zhuque launch vehicles.

Also hoping for more co-branding collaborations between Chinese space brands and consumer brands as the 11.11 e-commerce event rolls around, fingers crossed. Thanks again all, great stuff!

[asdf]

You guys should go on Daniel Dumbrill's podcast. Would be interesting to hear your backgrounds as well.

[dennyliu]

The growth of awareness in space in China coincides with China's recent achievements in space exploration. In countries where there is no or little space program, people would be, as generally the case, not interested. So there is no need for Government-pushed propaganda, all you need are space programs that work progressly.

[PraetorianA]

Guys, I hope with its millions of STEM graduates yearly, that China will surprise people and make my dream come true with building true blue space ships that lands and similarly lifts off horizontally.

[paulphelps]

It seems that the Brits have forgotten how to speak clearly.
But this topic is interesting; thanks for posting.

[leo]

All Chinese space crafts are named after terms used in Chinese space or mythology

[samy]

This would’ve been boring if you’ll dint put pics, should’ve showed the pic of bunch of young kids at the launching sites too . If studying about China was a course in my university I would take it be topper of my class such a shame only first world countrys make a enemy then get jobs off that, space day art competition any prize money ?molly silk last name would come handy

[fdjw]

China is still exploring space, while the US has already moved passed that, and now explore the realm of genders. once again, the US is far ahead.