To further adapt to the changes in demand, optimize the allocation of teaching resources, improve the training effectiveness and promote the new development of talent training in the Centre, the Centre has kept close contact with the team from the School of Economics and Management of Beihang University. On the basis of summarizing the training experience of international postgraduates studying in China from various fields of space technology applications over the past years, the Centre prepared to establish a new specialization of “Space Project Management” after research and analysis. The Centre had completed the argumentation and design of new specialization in 2022, and added Space Project Management as a new direction to the “MASTA and DOCSTA Programmes” in 2023. At present, the enrollment of new participants for 2023 is nearing completion.

For the purpose of improving the professional construction of Space Project Management, giving full play to the wisdom of experts, innovating and planning to promote the new development of the Centre, on May 24, the Centre held a seminar on the professional construction of Space Project Management. Representatives from Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, China National Space Administration, Chinese Society of Astronautics, China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, China Academy of Space Technology, China Aerospace Science & Technology Consulting Co., Ltd., and other government departments and enterprises, with Mr. Zheng Haitao, Secretary of the Party Committee of School of Economics and Management of Beihang University, Mr. Hao Jinxing, Vice Dean of School of Economics and Management, as well as the leaders and faculty representatives of all directions of the Centre, attended the meeting. The meeting was hosted by Mr. Weng Jingnong, Executive Director of the Centre and Director of International Relations Department of Beihang University.

At the meeting, Mr. Weng Jingnong firstly introduced the history of talent training and professional construction of the Centre, and then the recent work trends. He said that based on the full integration of resources and the experience of the previous professional construction and participant training, the Centre was confident to establish the new specialization of “Space Project Management” well.

Mr. Hao Jinxing, Vice Dean of School of Economics and Management, made a report on the training plan of the MASTA Programme (all in English) in Space Project Management, focusing on the design and concept of the new course plan and professional practice sessions.

Representatives from various organizations not only expressed great admiration and support for the work of the Centre and the establishment of direction in Space Project Management, but also actively contributed to the development of the Centre and the construction of new direction. Combined with the actual work, they exchanged and discussed in depth about the selection of topics for lecture series on the frontier of Space Project Management, optimization of curriculum design, arrangement of professional practice, etc., and put forward a lot of valuable opinions and suggestions. In addition, they also expressed that they would provide teachers, practice visits and other aspects of support to further strengthen the cooperation with the Centre.

Mr. Weng Jingnong and Mr. Zheng Haitao appreciated the strong support from the government of China and partners. Mr. Weng Jingnong said that the seminar enhanced the understanding of all sides and laid a solid foundation for the subsequent deepening of cooperation. The Center would gather the strength of multiple forces, continue to focus on training talents in the field of Space Technology Applications, strengthen communication and cooperation, and further enhance the influence of the Centre.