Zhang was born in Kunshan, Jiangsu province. He joined the Communist Party in June 1992, ten years after starting work. He graduated from the PLA Academy of Science and Technology with a degree in physics. He worked for most of his career at the
China Academy of Engineering Physics. He was made party chief of the organization in December 2007. In September 2015, he was transferred to work at the
State Administration for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence as deputy chief. In May 2018, he became head of the China National Space Administration. Zhang was named one of
Time magazine's
100 Most Influential People of 2019. Zhang reportedly "turned himself in" for corruption in May 2025. In March 2026, he was removed from his position as a member of the
Standing Committee of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and his membership was revoked. ==References==