Recently, seven PAIR Professors from the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE) participated Hunan TV International’s documentary “Young Blood under Lion Rock”. They shared their remarkable contributions and personal journeys within national deep space exploration missions, demonstrating the brilliance of Hong Kong’s scientific researchers as they scale new technological heights in service of the nation.
Ir Prof. YUNG Kai-leung, Director of RCDSE, an expert in precision engineering, led his team in developing the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”. This system assisted the Chang’e-5 and Chang’e-6 probes to achieve automated lunar sampling and return—a milestone in national aerospace history. Having participated in major missions including the Chang’e and Tianwen-1 missions, Prof. Yung emphasises that “precision” is a relentless pursuit of perfection, harnessing electronics and AI to push products to their limits. Modest about his accolades yet possessing a photographic memory for technical detail, his perseverance has carved a unique path for Hong Kong toward the stars.
Prof. WU Bo, Associate Director of RCDSE, utilises remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and AI to identify precise “landing spots” for probes on the Moon and Mars. He assisted Chang’e-4 in locating a landing site within a five-metre radius on the far side of the Moon and created 3D terrain models for Tianwen-1. Raised in a mountain village in Hunan and educated abroad, he chose to move to Hong Kong to contribute to national missions, valuing the city’s advantage of being “backed by the motherland”. With unwavering resolve, Prof. Wu creates “celestial maps” to ensure probes arrive and operate safely, providing indispensable navigational wisdom.
Prof. Daniel LAU Shu-ping, a core team member of RCDSE, established the Atomic Electron Microscopy Laboratory, equipped to visualise atoms and decade the universe at a microscopic level. His team spent three years building a world-class platform from scratch to study lunar materials, exploring the possibilities of new elements and materials. Prof. Lau believes that “holding onto one's convictions” is the essence of scientific success. By creating space for the next generation and pushing scientific boundaries through meticulous research, he embodies the “Lion Rock Spirit” on the front lines of science.
Prof. ZHAO Qi, Management Committee Member of RCDSE, documents humanity’s journey onto deep space through his “geological notes” in the Rock Mechanics Laboratory. His research spans real lunar samples and simulated lunar soil, analysing fragment morphology through simulated rock crushing and 3D CT scans. His team also investigates how lunar soil affects microbial growth, laying a scientific foundation for lunar development. Grounded and rigorous, Prof. Zhao transforms lunar imagination into evidence through precise experimentation and calculation.
Prof. CHUA Song-lin, also a Management Committee Member, focuses on applied biology. He simulates microbial growth in lunar soil and microgravity environments, acting as a “life safety inspection station”. His research examines whether bacteria might extract minerals or mutate in space—critical for future astronauts establishing bases. By guarding against harmful pathogens and exploring the microbes’ potential for food production. Prof. Chua’s work is centred on ensuring humanity can survive in extreme environments.
Prof. WENG Yi-wei, another core team member, advances materials development and systems design, advocating the survival strategy of “using local materials” to offset the high costs of space transport. He developed “Spark Plasma Sintering” technology to process lunar soil into “lunar bricks” for automated assembly of bases for living and research. Combining robotic assembly with AR algorithms, he enhances both the intelligence and safety in building processes. His team is transforming lunar construction from science fiction into a viable blueprint, rewriting the rules of human habitation in space.
Another core team member,Prof. WEN Weisong, specialises in robotics, AI and unmanned systems, focusing on achieving precise positioning and intelligent operation for deep space “robotic dogs”. He envisions a three-stage vision: from developing superior robotic carriers to establishing a “Lunar GPS” communication system, and ultimately granting robots an “intelligent brain” capable of self-healing and emotional companionship. Striving for innovation and reliability, Prof. Wen hopes robots will evolve from tools into partners in interstellar exploration, expanding the boundaries of human cognition in unknown territories.
The stories of these seven researchers are not only a microcosm of Hong Kong’s scientific prowess but also a vivid testament to the city’s deep involvement in the national aerospace industry. From precision machinery to life sciences, and from lunar architecture to AI navigation, the PolyU research team has engraved the mark of “Hong Kong R&D” into the cosmos. Leveraging the city’s unique advantage of being “backed by the motherland and connected to the world”, they are inspiring a new generation of scientists to continue writing Hong Kong's interstellar legend in the nation’s journey toward becoming a space power.
Online video channel:
Hunan TV International - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st7SlQrm2nc
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4qMn5FF
| Research Units | Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations |
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