The Chinese University of Hong Kong hopes its recently launched satellite will help with disaster responses, geographic data analysis and the development of smart city solutions for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The first Earth observation satellite co-developed by CUHK and ADA Space – a Chinese mainland satellite company, with guidance from the China National Space Administration and funds from the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Commission, was sent into orbit by a Jielong-3 rocket from a launch base in Shandong province on Sept 24.
At a news conference on Monday, CUHK outlined the satellite’s many breakthroughs, including its built-in artificial intelligence and big data technologies that can be used for monitoring the Earth’s surface, atmosphere and traffic conditions, as well as for building 3D models of cities.
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This satellite is also fitted with multiple advanced scientific devices such as sub-meter high-resolution optical remote sensing cameras, which can capture detailed images with spatial resolution below 1 meter, according to the university.
CUHK experts have gained comprehensive experience from the satellite’s design and manufacturing processes, as well as from transferring the data it collects to applications, the university added.
With these capabilities, the in-orbit satellite is expected to serve the objectives of the Greater Bay Area and even overseas in disaster responses, smart city development, carbon neutrality and the low-altitude economy, CUHK said.
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CUHK President Rocky Tuan Sung-chi expressed his excitement about the satellite’s successful launch, saying it marks a new milestone in the long-term collaboration between CUHK and the Chinese mainland’s aerospace researchers.
Tuan added the university will continue to promote learning about space remote sensing, and to enhance the understanding of space technology among young scholars and the public, while contributing to the sustainable development of Hong Kong and the country.
Kwan Mei-Po, director of the Institute of Space and Earth Information Science of CUHK, said that the successful launch of the satellite has opened up opportunities for data analysis experts, and can provide services for cities nationwide.
The data collected by the satellite can also be used in teaching, helping students to learn about smart transportation, smart city planning, and smart disaster prevention, Kwan added.
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In recent years, Hong Kong has reached numerous milestones in satellite technology through the efforts of multiple institutions.
In collaboration with a mainland commercial satellite company, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology launched its first multispectral optical satellite in August 2023, aiming to enhance environmental monitoring and disaster forecasting.
Hong Kong’s first satellite manufacturing factory, the ASPACE Hong Kong Satellite Manufacturing Center, officially opened at the Tseung Kwan O InnoPark on July 25, 2023. The 18,580-square-meter facility aims to produce up to 200 satellites annually, according to its operator, Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group.
