Moving aerospace technology cooperation further forward
CUHK hosts plaque unveiling and international forum
Formal cooperation on aerospace technology between Hong Kong and mainland China has taken another step forward with the recent unveiling of a plaque for the China National Space Administration (CNSA) International Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Council Unit, at CUHK. The ceremony was followed by the 2nd Youth Innovation Forum on Digital Earth.
During unveiling, the establishment of the Hong Kong Youth Aerospace Innovation Alliance was also announced. Hundreds of scholars, researchers, and students from across the world gathered to share research efforts and insights.
Convening aerospace research leaders among local institutions
The establishment of the CNSA International Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Council Unit is a key initiative under an MoU signed in November 2023 between CUHK’s Institute of Space and Earth Information Science (ISEIS) and CNSA Earth Observation System and Data Center. It aims to strengthen cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland China in the field of earth observation. The newly established Unit is among key initiatives under the MoU.
CUHK has been intensively supporting research on aerospace technology. The University was involved in the design and development of the “Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation” satellite, launched into orbit in September 2024. It is the first such satellite to be supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong government and developed by a tertiary institution in Hong Kong.
In addition, CUHK and the CNSA Earth Observation System and Data Center jointly initiated the Hong Kong Youth Aerospace Innovation Alliance. It brings together seven local universities to nurture aerospace science and technology talent in Hong Kong.
Strengthening mainland and global cooperation
Officiating guests at the 5 December plaque unveiling included Professor the Honourable Sun Dong (fifth from left in the photo above), Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Rocky S. Tuan (fourth from right), Vice-Chancellor and President of CUHK, Ms Wu Cheng (fourth from left), Deputy Director of the Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government, Academician Gong Jianya (third from right), of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Mr Wang Fengyu (third from left), Executive Director of the CNSA International Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Center.
Professor Sun told the gathering that in recent years the government had supported local universities in conducting space-related education and research, with notable results already achieved. “The successful launch of the CUHK satellite is one of such landmark achievements,” he said. “In this year’s Policy Address, we also announced the establishment of a new research centre under the InnoHK research cluster to participate in the Chang’e 8 China lunar exploration mission organised by the China National Space Administration, contributing to national aerospace development. We are confident that the new research centre will further enhance our local capabilities in space science and technology and foster the next generation of aerospace-related talent.”
Professor Tuan said the university was honoured that ISEIS was becoming a member unit of the CNSA International Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Council, further promoting the modernisation of national science and technology. “ISEIS will closely cooperate with the Council to harness its research expertise and powerful connections with mainland and international partners that will advance aerospace technology development.”
He emphasised that CUHK, the co-host of the Hong Kong Chapter of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network, is responsible for communicating the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He hoped the event would contribute to sustainable development of the Earth by fostering communication and cooperation among all parties.
Wang Fengyu, Executive Director of the CNSA International Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Center, said: “The CNSA Earth Observation System and Data Center strongly supports the development of the Hong Kong Youth Aerospace Innovation Alliance, encouraging its members to participate in national space missions and contributing to the advancement of the national aerospace industry. We are also confident in establishing Hong Kong as a bridgehead for China’s international aerospace cooperation.”
Digital technology innovation driving sustainable development
At the 2nd Youth Innovation Forum on Digital Earth, straight after the ceremony, Dr Alessandro Annoni, President of the International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE), delivered an opening address via video. He said the Forum, a flagship event of ISDE, would create dynamic platforms for sharing innovative ideas, promoting collaboration, and contributing to the digital agenda for sustainable development of the planet.
The Forum was organised by ISDE, CUHK and the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals. Themed “Digital Technology Innovation Driving Sustainable Development”, it explored the pivotal role of advanced digital technologies in achieving UN SDGs. It attracted global researchers, scholars, and graduate students in the field of digital technologies to share innovative research and ideas.
By Eva Choy
