People living at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center have been witnesses to many historical moments in China's space program. Some of them moved there for work, but others simply grew up and chose to remain, to continue their lifelong dream of space exploration.

September 21st, 1989, is the most memorable day for a couple who work at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. It's the day they gave birth to their son.

And it's a day that shaped his whole life.

"I was born on September 21st, 1989. By coincidence, China's manned space flight program is called 921 project, as it was approved on September 21st, 1992. I feel very proud about this," said Zhang Yang, commander, guard & communication company of Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

For Zhang Yang, and the other kids who grew up at the center, they used to love watching the rockets blast off.

And they never miss any of them.

"We got up at about 2 or 3 o'clock whenever there was a launch mission....every time the launch was successful, everyone, including the engineers and their families, were so excited," Zhang said.

Zhang Yang's role has quickly shifted from simply being an onlooker to actually working at the center...

In 2012, he graduated from the Lanzhou University of Technology. He gave up the chance to work in Beijing, instead choosing to go back to Jiuquan...

He is now in charge of maintaining the communication lines of the launch pad.

Over the past fours years, he has been awarded many times for his excellent performance in dozens of missions...

Zhang attributes all his success to his parents, who have been working at the center since 1958.

"The first generation of aerospace engineers devoted their lives to developing China's 'two bombs and one satellite'. They laid a solid foundation for us to try to build a space station," he said.

"Our generation has been deeply influenced by the stories of the revolutionary martyrs who have gone through fire and water in the battlefield. That's the spirit of utter devotion," said Zhang Jinhai, Zhang Yang's father.

Zhang and his family are among thousands of people who have their roots at the Jiuquan launch center.

For them, it's more than just a workplace. It's a place where they raised their family, as well as realising their live-long dreams of space exploration.