Retiree builds replica Chinese spacecraft

By Miao Jiayu ( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2016-12-14

The sky is the limit for 71-year-old Zhao Jianshe.

 

As both a DIY lover and a fan of space travel, Zhao, who lives in the Urumqi Economic and Technological Development Zone, has built a replica model of the Shenzhou XI spacecraft, which launched in October.

 

Zhao said he was inspired and excited to make a model of the rocket after watching two astronauts come out of the capsule of the Shenzhou XI.

 

After experimenting with different materials for half a month, Zhao decided on using 500 plastic bottles to construct an exquisitely-designed rocket body and four propellers.

Retiree builds replica Chinese spacecraft

Zhao looks at his rocket model. [Photo/uetd.gov.cn]

Zhao said the most difficult part to make was the propeller. It took him numerous attempts to stick the cylinder-shaped bottles together.

Retiree builds replica Chinese spacecraft

Zhao works on a plastic bottle. [Photo/uetd.gov.cn]

Though a ripe old age, Zhao still kept an enthusiastic hobby of making handicrafts. He had made skyscrapers and pagodas from pill bottles and cartons that would otherwise have gone in the garbage can.

 

Zhao plans to make another model of a bullet train as part of his New Year wish.

 

“I have already worked out the size of the model and how much materials will be used,” said Zhao. “I will make the model hollow inside, and people can see the other side through the window.”

 

Edited by Jacob Hooson