This year, PolyU has once again launched its space-themed programme, “Building the Future: Robotics for the International Lunar Research Station”. An inaugural public lecture was held on 24 January on the PolyU campus to mark the launch of the programme. The event attracted over a hundred teachers and students from secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area to attend in person, while it was simultaneously live-streamed on multiple social media platforms in Chinese Mainland, drawing nearly 8,000 online viewers and receiving an enthusiastic response.

 

In her welcoming address, Dr Laura LO, PolyU Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement), hoped that, through the programme, students will realise that what they learn in school can one day be applied to real missions in deep space exploration. 

 

The lecture, themed “Robotic Exploration at the Lunar South Pole”, was delivered by Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations at PolyU. Prof. Wu gave an accessible yet insightful presentation on the construction of a lunar research station and the development of space robotics, inspiring students’ interest in aerospace technology. The lecture sparked lively discussion during the Q&A session, showcasing students’ strong enthusiasm for space technology and their inquisitive spirit.

 

This year’s space-themed programme is organised by PolyU and co-organised by the Education Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. It is sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK), with support from the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics. The programme aims to inspire students’ interest in space science, engineering and exploration on the lunar south pole while enhancing their understanding of the scientific and technological challenges associated with robotics on the lunar south pole. The programme also aims to foster innovative thinking and nurture future talent for the Nation’s space endeavours.

 

In line with China’s plans for building the International Lunar Research Station as well as the upcoming Chang’e-7 and Chang’e-8 missions and aiming to foster innovation across STEM disciplines, the programme also features a Lunar Robot Design Competition.

 

Visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/geo/prospective-students/undergraduate/local/polyu-space-themed-programme/ for more information about the space-themed programme.