Ren Xinmin, male, Han nationality, is a native of Ningguo, Anhui Province. He graduated from the Weapon Industry School University Department of Chongqing Military and Political Ministry in 1940. He then obtained a master's degree and a doctorate degree from the University of Michigan Research Institute in 1945.
An expert on space flight and liquid rocket engine technology, Ren served as a researcher and senior technical advisor at the China Aviation Industry Corporation. He also managed the development plan and technical channel of designing a liquid rocket engine. Ren later led the research and development of multiple types of liquid rocket engines; in this capacity, he examined new technologies such as unstable combustion of liquid rocket engines and directed the development of several ballistic missiles.
His accomplishments in his field include the development of the Long March I carrier rocket -- which ultimately led to the launch of the first man-made earth satellite, Dongfanghong I. Ren then supervised the research and development of the Long March III carrier rocket. He presided over the testing, launch, and operation of the Fengyun I meteorological satellite engineering and two other scientific satellites. Ren is considered a major figure in China's space flight programs and in 1999 was awarded the Two Bombs and One Star Meritorious Medal.
He was elected as an academician to the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1980.