Rendong Nan was born on 19 February 1945 in Jilin Province, northeastern China. He (receive) his bachelor's degree (学士学位) from Tsinghua University in 1968, and his
MSc and PhD at University of Science and Technology of China in 1982 and 1987 (respective). In 1992, he became a professor at Beijing Astronomical Observatory (BAO).
In 1997-1998, the FAST (Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope) concept was launched. Rendong played a key role in (carry) out the FAST project. After 13 years of pre-research together with about 20 domestic (partner), the funding proposal for FAST was approved in 2007. Rendong served the Chief Engineer and later the Chief Scientist for the construction project. His vision and (wise) were vital to the
FAST project achieving technical and scientific success.
The construction of the giant dish (complete) successfully in September 2016 as one of the Mega-Science Facilities in China. It is world's largest single dish, a landmark on Earth.
Rendong passed away from lung cancer on September 15, 2016. He will be remembered as an engaging and (gift) person, and professionally as a scientific and engineering leader led the successful completion of FAST, a unique facility for Chinese and world astronomy.
