(CNSPHOTO)

Liu Jiyuan, a Chinese astronautics expert, was granted the Von Karman Award at the 62nd International Astronautical Congress (IAC) held in Cape Town, South Africa, on October 3, 2011, by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA).

Liu is the first Chinese to receive the award, the highest prize presented by the IAA annually to scientists for outstanding lifetime achievement.

Liu, 78, was presented the award for his great life-long achievement in science. As an expert in carrier rocket and strategic missile technologies, Liu was the vice chief commander of China's manned space flight project from 1992 to 1999 and made major contributions to experimentation and design of China's early carrier rockets. He is an academician of the IAA and the International Academy of Sciences for Europe and Asia.