Feng Chia University Appoints Distinguished Professor Chiun‑Hsun Chen as Honorary Vice President to Advance Space Technology and Join Taiwan’s National Space Team

In recent years, Feng Chia University has actively promoted education and research in space technology. The university has invited renowned experts from Taiwan and abroad to serve as chair professors, cultivate talent in space-related fields, and foster the development of the space industry. On April 3, Feng Chia University officially appointed Distinguished Professor Chiun‑Hsun Chen as Honorary Vice President. With his expertise in space technology, Professor Chen will lead faculty members in advancing space-related research and development. He will also continue facilitating collaboration by introducing external resources from organizations such as the National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), the Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), and the semiconductor industry. These efforts will support joint research and industry–academia collaboration projects with the College of Engineering, the College of Information and Electrical Engineering, and the College of Construction and Development at Feng Chia University.

Professor Chen earned his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. His primary research areas include national defense technology, energy technology, combustion and fire safety engineering, and computational heat transfer and fluid dynamics. He previously worked for two years at the NASA Lewis Research Center. After returning to Taiwan, his strong research momentum led to his promotion to full professor within just three years, making him one of the leading figures in Taiwan’s space science and satellite technology fields.

Thanks to Professor Chen’s substantial contributions, Feng Chia University established the Master Program of Space System Engineering in the 2023 academic year (112th academic year). The first cohort of master’s students has been successfully enrolled, and the program will focus on developing expertise in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite system engineering and ground station system engineering. In addition, on November 12, 2023, faculty and students from the Department of Aerospace and Systems Engineering successfully launched Feng Chia University’s first single‑stage hybrid small scientific research rocket, “SHSR‑Aero1,” at the NSTC Short-Term Scientific Sounding Rocket Launch Site in Syuhai, Pingtung. This milestone makes Feng Chia University the first institution in central Taiwan to enter the scientific rocket field and the fifth university in Taiwan to successfully launch a research rocket at that site.

Beyond his technical and research expertise, Professor Chen previously served as Vice President of National Chiao Tung University, giving him deep familiarity with university governance. He also possesses unique insights into teaching and talent cultivation. Professor Chen once remarked, “The fastest runner is not necessarily the one who reaches the finish line.” Education is a long journey that requires the guidance and companionship of mentors. In a nurturing environment, students gradually develop and accumulate wisdom in learning, life, emotional growth, and leadership—this is the deeper meaning of education.

Under the leadership of Honorary Vice President Chiun‑Hsun Chen, Feng Chia University is committed to advancing development in LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite system engineering and ground station system engineering.