Launched on August 15, the project aims to cultivate creativity as well as interest in space exploration among high school students in China. It is a non-profit activity co-organized by China Youth Social Service Center, china.org.cn and Arizona State University (ASU).

According to china.org.cn, over 60,000 high school students nationwide participated in the project, and 48 qualified to enter the finals in Beijing.

The final round focused on each student's comprehensive capabilities, such as problem handling, communication, leadership, as well as team spirit. Among the judges were Zhu Jin, President of Beijing Planetarium, Rick Shangraw, Vice President of ASU, and Philip Christensen, professor of ASU.

Zhang Yuexuan, a 17-year-old amateur dancer from Tianjin No.1 Middle School, is one of the 15 winners. "Every contestant has a dream of space, and I'm no exception," she told Beijing Review. "When I was asked to predict what I would do when I turn 30, I said I would like to invite a Martian man to come to the Earth and show him how beautiful the Earth is.

"More importantly, I made a lot of friends here and had a lot of fun. I hope I can broaden my mind and learn more about the cultural differences between China and the United States during the trip."

"The kids are very smart and great fun," Rick Shangraw told Beijing Review. "Their performance in the competition was outstanding, and exceeded our expectations. We will organize the project every year and expand coverage in China, with more people involved.

"We have such an event in the United States as well. I hope it will be helpful to the scientific exchange between the two countries."

According to organizers, some 15 high school students from China will be given an opportunity to meet their American peers in the ASU, during their winter and summer vacations. They will visit the ASU Mars Space Flight Center, Lowell Observatory, etc.

The ASU, as one of the best comprehensive universities in America, enjoys a high reputation in terms of Mars research and observatory equipment. ASU professors will offer guidance on scientific observation, academic papers, etc. to the visiting students. Moreover, the ASU will offer full scholarships for four-year bachelor degrees to the top contestants of the China Youth Space Academy, although the number of scholarships remains unknown.

The 15 students are scheduled to leave for their space exploration trip on January 26, and return to China on February 5.