Jiang Ying, Qian's wife, and nearly 200 scientists and technology specialists from throughout the country attended the ceremony.

　　The international astronomic authoritative organs have approvedthe naming of the asteroid, which was found by a CAS astronomer.

　　Zhang Yutai, vice chairman of the Chinese Association for Science and Technology, Lu Yongxiang, CAS president, Wang Dianzuo,CAE vice president, and Yuan Jiajun, vice director of the Chinese Research Institute of Space Technology, all gave speeches at the ceremony lauding Qian's great academic achievements, especially his outstanding contribution to the nation's missile development and space technology in recent decades.

　　The scientific circles regard Qian as an excellent example of "a modern-day gifted Chinese."

　　Born in Shanghai on December 11, 1911, Qian obtained his Ph.D. at the California Institute of Technology in the United States. Heis now a senior scholar with both the CAS and CAE.

　　Qian was awarded the CAS top prize for natural sciences in 1957and a top prize for national scientific and technological advancement in 1985.

　　He has also had the title National Scientist with DistinguishedAccomplishment conferred on him.