Project 714 'Shuguang' (w. November Kelly)
Summary
This episode of Failure to Launch explores China’s secret Project 714, the nation’s first manned space program, which was abruptly canceled due to the political chaos of the Cultural Revolution. Hosts Quinn, Chris, and November Kelly, joined by guest November, discuss how 19 fighter pilots were selected as taikonauts in 1971 only to be fired and sworn to secrecy before any hardware was built. The narrative traces the program’s origins from Mao’s ambitious early satellite goals and Qian Su-Shen’s leadership through the Sino-Soviet split, highlighting how internal party politics and anti-inte…
Topics discussed
Introduction and host introductions
Patreon shoutouts and episode format changes
China's secret 1971 astronaut selection program
Early Chinese rocket development and Soviet aid
Project 581 and the Great Leap Forward impact
Qian Xuesen's rise and political challenges
Humorous tangent on space dogs and XL Bullys
Cultural Revolution begins and space program denunciations
Factional violence and the 915 vs 916 conflict
Armed coup and Politburo intervention to save program
Xuguang program and astronaut training institute
Lin Biao's death and the alleged coup against Mao
Project 714 closure and symbolic naming
Legacy of Project 714 and Jiuquan launch site
Fang Guojun reveal and near-miss launch opportunity
Outro and listener engagement
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