In its 2024 Policy Address, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government explicitly outlined policies to advance aerospace technology research, stating that “a research center will be established under the InnoHK platform to participate in the Chang’e 8 mission, contributing to the nation’s aerospace development”. Accordingly, the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre (HKSREC) was officially established in January to undertake the Chang’e 8 Hong Kong Robotic Operations Cooperation Project, commissioned by the China National Space Administration. This project focuses on developing a multifunctional lunar surface robot and mobile charging station to perform payload deployment and wireless charging operations on the moon, laying the foundations for the future International Lunar Research Station.
The HKSREC has been deeply encouraged by the SAR government’s proactive efforts in advancing aerospace technology in recent years. As an international financial hub and innovation center, Hong Kong is steadily entering a new era of aerospace innovation. This not only responds to the national 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), which designates aerospace as a strategic emerging industry, but also represents a critical step for Hong Kong to integrate into the nation’s development framework and enhance its innovation competitiveness. Over the past two years, the SAR government has implemented a series of policies and initiatives to accelerate aerospace technology research and application, injecting new momentum into local industries. This will position the SAR as a bridge for China’s aerospace technology to engage with the global stage, fostering a new chapter of international collaboration.
Policy review
In recent years, the SAR government’s policies to promote aerospace technology have been progressive and pragmatic. In 2024, the chief executive’s Policy Address explicitly prioritized aerospace technology development, emphasizing Hong Kong’s international advantages to attract global talent and capital. Concurrently, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau launched multiple initiatives, including the Digital Economy Development Committee’s 12 core recommendations, focusing on the low-altitude economy and aerospace-related technologies such as drones and satellite applications. In 2025, the government further increased investment, planning to introduce the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme in the 2025-26 fiscal year to fund universities and institutions in areas like aerospace robotics and satellite communications. Additionally, a HK$10 billion ($1.28 billion) Innovation and Technology Industry-Oriented Fund will be set up, covering AI and aerospace cross-applications. These policies not only provide financial support but also strengthen Hong Kong’s role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and national aerospace ecosystem through policy coordination and regional collaboration. The government’s strategic approach has transformed aerospace from a niche sector into a new engine of economic growth.
Achievements in aerospace innovation
Hong Kong’s progress and achievements in aerospace innovation over the past two years are remarkable, showcasing robust innovative vitality. In 2024, the Chinese University of Hong Kong led the launch of the world’s first Earth observation satellite equipped with a large-scale artificial intelligence model, named the “Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation” satellite, advancing remote sensing and environmental monitoring to deepen understanding of climate change while enhancing local youth’s awareness of aerospace technologies. In 2025, the HKSREC, formed by five Hong Kong universities, led an international team to develop a multifunctional lunar surface robot and mobile charging station for the Chang’e 8 mission. This marks Hong Kong’s first leadership role in a national aerospace project, highlighting its edge in space robotics. According to the 2025 Global Innovation Index, Hong Kong’s ranking rose by three places to 15th globally, and the World Intellectual Property Organization recently announced that the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou cluster surpassed Tokyo-Yokohama to claim top spot in the Global Innovation Index cluster rankings, with aerospace contributions playing a significant role. These achievements have not only elevated Hong Kong’s innovation reputation but also driven related industries, such as aerospace equipment manufacturing and data processing, with the potential to create thousands of jobs and generate billions of Hong Kong dollars in economic impact.
Taking the HKSREC as an example, within less than a year since its establishment, we have brought together research teams from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the City University of Hong Kong, and the University of Hong Kong, collaborating with Chinese mainland and international universities and aerospace engineering units.
The SAR government’s aerospace policies reflect its ambition in this field, and the HKSREC’s practices demonstrate that deepening mainland and international collaboration, advancing research innovation, and nurturing talent can solidify Hong Kong’s position as a global innovation and technology hub while contributing to the nation’s aerospace endeavors
Our team complements each other in collaboration, innovates in tackling technical challenges, and maintains strict management oversight. By July, we successfully completed the conceptual design phase, achieving the first-stage milestone and passing the review, advancing to the prototype development and testing phase. The Hong Kong robotic operations design leverages Hong Kong’s cutting-edge technologies in new materials, device equipment, advanced manufacturing, and AI algorithms to ensure innovation, while relying on the engineering capabilities of mainland aerospace units to ensure reliability, earning recognition from the China National Space Administration. Since its inception, the HKSREC has actively connected with domestic and international aerospace research institutions, including collaborations with Northwestern Polytechnical University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and France’s Dassault Systemes to deepen Hong Kong’s aerospace research.
We have also built a global network of aerospace talent, attracting high-caliber professionals to participate in the lunar robotics project and establishing a robust research ladder in Hong Kong. Additionally, through participation in InnoEX, the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, and media outreach, the HKSREC actively promotes the national policy of supporting Hong Kong’s aerospace development. The SAR government’s aerospace policies reflect its ambition in this field, and the HKSREC’s practices demonstrate that deepening mainland and international collaboration, advancing research innovation, and nurturing talent can solidify Hong Kong’s position as a global innovation and technology hub while contributing to the nation’s aerospace endeavors.
Future outlook
Looking ahead, Hong Kong has unique opportunities to become a gateway for China’s aerospace technology to go global and foster international collaboration. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, the SAR can leverage its robust legal environment, global connectivity, and talent pool to serve as a “space cloud” hub for China’s aerospace commercialization. For instance, in collaboration with the Tiangong space station, Hong Kong can facilitate data processing and global research sharing, attracting partners from Europe and the Americas. With China’s emphasis on international cooperation, such as the global call for the Chang’e 8 mission, Hong Kong can lead multilateral projects, promoting technical interoperability and knowledge transfer. This not only mitigates external geopolitical challenges but also unlocks opportunities in the new space economy, such as lunar resource extraction and space manufacturing, with a projected global market size of trillions of dollars. The SAR government should continue deepening collaboration with the mainland, establish a dedicated aerospace fund, and nurture startups for global outreach. In the future, Hong Kong can become an Asia-Pacific aerospace innovation hub, contributing to China’s vision of becoming a space superpower.
In conclusion, the SAR government’s proactive efforts are propelling Hong Kong’s aerospace innovation to new heights. Industry players, the government, and academia should work together to seize national and global opportunities for shared success.
Yu Hongyu is co-director of the HKSREC; Duncan Chiu, a Legislative Council member, is an advisor to the HKSREC; and Gao Bo is administrative head of the HKSREC.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
