Skip to main content Start main content

Space Instruments for Lunar Sample Acquisition awarded The Science and Technology Progress Award

12 Aug 2022


RCDSE designed and manufactured the state-of-the-art “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, which successfully contributed to the National’s Chang’e 5 mission for lunar sample acquisition. This historical invention was awarded “The Science and Technology Progress Award -  2nd Class” (科學技術進步獎-二等獎) by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) in recognition of PolyU’s scientific innovation and technological advancement, and also received an appreciation letter from The China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) for the University’s contribution to space instruments.
The Chang’e 5 mission in 2020 was not only China’s first undertaking to acquire rocks and soil from the Moon’s surface but also the world's first attempt to do so for more than 40 years. PolyU was the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong to contribute to the Chang'e 5 mission. The PolyU-developed system “Surface Sampling and Packing System” is a highly sophisticated invention that uses robotic technology for lunar sample acquisition – an unprecedented method. It was developed by a research team led by Professor Yung Kai-leung , Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Director of Research Centre of Deep Space Explorations, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering & Associate Head, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Prof Yung has also been individually bestowed “The Science and Technology Progress Award -  2nd Class"

Your browser is not the latest version. If you continue to browse our website, Some pages may not function properly.

You are recommended to upgrade to a newer version or switch to a different browser. A list of the web browsers that we support can be found here