The asteroid No. 17693 was named after Prof. WANG Daheng, Chinese technical optics pioneer and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) with the approval of the International Minor Planet Nomenclature Committee. The naming ceremony was held on February 26 in Beijing.

The asteroid was discovered by researchers from BAO Schmidt CCD Asteroid Program of National Astronomical Observatories at CAS (NAOC) in 1997.

Prof. WANG was born in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province and graduated from Tsinghua University in 1936. He is research professor, director and honorary director with the Changchun Institute of Optics and Fine Mechanics, CAS (CIOMP).

WANG is one of the founders of optical science and technology in China. He has made outstanding contributions to the investigation and manufacture of various large and sophisticated optical devices for defense modernization in China and played a very important role in developing optical science and technology and in the progress of metrological science in China.

In the 1950s, he founded the Laboratory for Instrument Technology (the predecessor of CIOMP). He directed the Institute to manufacture the first batch of optical glass, the first electron microscope and the first laser in China which made the Institute known worldwide as the center for applied optics and optical engineering.

Together with Professors WANG Ganchang, CHEN Fangyun and YANG Jiachi, he proposed the suggestion to develop high technology in China (the 863 Program). He and Prof. WANG Ganchang also jointly initiated to build the national key device of laser fusion. He prompted and organized members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to play active roles in offering advice for national important topics of science and technology and achieved remarkable success.

Prof. WANG initiated and promoted the establishment of Chinese Academy of Engineering jointly with other five CAS members. In 1985, he was a leading awardee of a special prize of the National Science and Technology Progress Award.

WANG became member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 1955.