"Space-Air Reusable Vehicle" Forum Focuses on Cross-Disciplinary Research

On July 31, the China Composites Society introduced information in Beijing about a related special forum for the 28th Annual Conference of the China Association for Science and Technology. The forum focused on "hightemperatureresistant lightweight structures and thermal protection for spaceaircraft roundtrip vehicles," with a focus on discussing the technical challenges faced by aircraft in terms of light weight, heat resistance, longevity, and reusability. The organizer said the forum was led by the China Composites Society and cohosted by the Chinese Society of Aerodynamics, the Science and Technology Association of Harbin Institute of Technology, and the Science and Technology Association of Northwestern Polytechnical University. More than 170 science and technology workers from overall aerospace units, universities, and enterprises took part, exchanging views on engineering needs, raw materials, structural design and manufacturing, characterization and simulation, and environmental testing, so as to promote collaborative research in materials, mechanics, aerodynamics, and manufacturing. The report noted that the forum also organized discussions on issues such as integrated leadingedge thermal protection for reusable aircraft and fatigue failure of ultrahightemperature composites, and promoted connections between university research teams and industrial needs, resulting in multiple intentions for universityenterprise cooperation. The organizer also emphasized that by inviting young scholars to take part in presentations, poster displays, and topic discussions, it hopes to build a growth platform for the next generation of talent in the crossdisciplinary field of space and aviation.