Debut satellite begins new chapter of Hong Kong aerospace
The launch of the Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation satellite marks a significant milestone in CUHK’s aerospace research.
The ‘Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation’ satellite, jointly developed by CUHK and ADA Space, was launched into orbit on 24 September. It will collect environmental and geographical data in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to inform responses to global natural disasters and smart city building.
The launch marks the birth of the first satellite developed by a tertiary institution in Hong Kong, and a significant milestone in CUHK’s aerospace research.
The satellite was launched from the Haiyang Oriental Spaceport in Shandong province using the Smart Dragon 3 launch vehicle, under the guidance of the China National Space Administration and the Ministry of Science and Technology. Supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong Government, CUHK is directly involved in the design, research and development, and data reception of the satellite. The environmental and geographical data collected will be used to aid progress in global disaster mitigation, smart cities, carbon neutrality and a low-altitude economy.
Global disaster mitigation
CUHK has extensive experience in utilising satellite technology to deal with natural disasters. During a record-high torrential rain in Hong Kong on 7 September 2023, the Institute of Space and Earth Information Science (ISEIS) at CUHK obtained high-resolution data from the China National Space Administration to assist the government to analyse the flooding and shared information with government agencies.
At a press conference held for the satellite launch, Prof. Mei-po Kwan, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Geography and Resource Management (GRM) and Director of ISEIS, stressed that the satellite would enhance systematic data collection for disaster forecast and response. The findings would also apply to the design and development of smart cities. ‘CUHK has many years of experience in satellite research and data analysis. In addition to having the strong support of the mainland, we are closely connected to the world by assisting countries in the Asia-Pacific region with disaster prevention,’ added Prof. Kwan, who is also Chief Scientist of the CUHK Satellite Constellation.
Prof. Peifeng Ma, Chief Engineer of the CUHK Satellite Project and Vice-Chancellor Assistant Professor of the GRM Department, said, ‘The CUHK satellite will enable our team to develop new data-driven methods with increased prediction accuracy of up to 85%.’
CUHK Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rocky S. Tuan highlighted the University’s commitment to integrating aerospace science education and research. He noted that CUHK and CUHK-Shenzhen introduced a double major programme in Aerospace Science and Earth Informatics & X earlier this year. Prof. Tuan believed that the success of the CUHK satellite would attract more young researchers and students to join the relevant fields, which would benefit R&D.
CUHK members celebrate the satellite launch in the Haiyang Oriental Spaceport in Shandong province.
Tribute to the founding of the People’s Republic of China
The launch of the new satellite carries profound significance for CUHK and the nation, as it is a tribute to the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
This significant breakthrough will advance aerospace remote sensing knowledge and deepen the understanding of national aerospace science and technology development among young scholars and the public.
CUHK launches satellite into space.
The original article first appeared in the 9 October edition of CUHK in Focus.