A new platform to boost joint exploration of space intelligence between the Chinese mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region got off the ground at the city’s Science Park in Sha Tin district on Wednesday.
The launch of the Beijing-Shanghai-Hong Kong Innovation Hub Initiative on Space Intelligence, established by the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre and supported by top-tier mainland organizations, came as officials, scholars and industry leaders push to transform the SAR into a space powerhouse and contribute to the nation’s aerospace development by strengthening collaboration with the mainland and overseas.
Technology relating to the Hong Kong Operation Robot for the Chang’e-8 mission and developed by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s HKSREC was showcased at the event. The multi-functional lunar surface operation robot, equipped with a mobile charging station and capable of dexterous functions, was commissioned by the China National Space Administration.
The launch, organized by the HKSREC under the theme “Leading Space Intelligence: Into the Future”, saw participants exchange results of space technology research, cross-regional collaboration, and commercial aerospace applications.
Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee -- convenor of non-official members of the HKSAR’s Executive Council -- officiated at the event, saying Hong Kong should leverage its deep experience in space research at its top universities, and act as a hub to serve the nation’s aerospace companies and develop new aerospace-related industries.
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French scientist Bernard Foing -- executive director of the International Lunar Exploration Working Group – said the Chang’e-8 Hong Kong Operation Robot project is poised to become a key scientific research platform on the moon, and can lay a strong foundation for long-term human lunar exploration missions and economic growth.
Charles Ng Wang-wai, vice-president of the HKUST (Institutional Advancement), stressed that the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) has reaffirmed Hong Kong’s vital role in helping the nation become a space powerhouse. Instead of watching from the sidelines, he said the university has been actively forging the chapter through various efforts, such as launching Hong Kong’s first higher education environmental remote sensing satellite in 2023.
Gao Yang, director of the HKSREC, said in a keynote speech the organization’s work on the Chang’e-8 lunar mission focuses on embodied intelligence and operations in extreme environments, and the robot is equipped with a mobile charging station and capable of dexterous operations.
The event also featured two expert panel discussions, focusing on space innovation collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland, as well as commercial space opportunities and investments. Guests shared their insights on research collaboration mechanisms, investment trends in commercial aerospace, stressing that Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” can help attract more talent.
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Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR, Ivan Lee Kwok-bun, said Hong Kong will continue to invest in developing innovation and technology, including aerospace technology, with the will to transform the city into an international I&T center and contribute to the nation’s goal of becoming a world leader in science and technology.
The event also held a special session on education and science outreach to share professional space-related knowledge with the general public.
Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com
