PolyU is actively engaged in national space missions and is committed to promoting space science education. To cultivate young people’s interest in aerospace technology and in contributing to the Nation’s development in space, the University organised the space-themed programme “Pioneering the Moon: From Exploration to Base Construction”. An award ceremony was held at Chiang Chen Studio Theatre on the PolyU Campus, attracting nearly 200 experts, students, teachers and parents to celebrate the achievements of the winning teams.

Sponsored by the Bank of China (Hong Kong) (BOCHK) and supported by the Chinese Society of Astronautics and the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics, the Lunar Base Design Competition received over 40 design proposals from students of 28 secondary schools and international schools in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.

The competition focused on themes that included Lunar Architecture and Energy, Lunar Robots, and Astronaut Health and Life Support. Students were challenged to design innovative lunar bases grounded in scientific research and data analysis. After evaluation by a judging panel of PolyU aerospace experts and members of the Hong Kong Society of Astronautics, the judges commended the participating students for their outstanding creativity and scientific talent, inspiring the next generation of space explorers and innovators.

Teams from Pui Kiu College, ESF Sha Tin College and St Paul’s Convent School (Secondary Section) were awarded champion, first runner-up and second runner-up places respectively. The three winning teams will receive prizes to encourage their ongoing engagement in STEM education activities at their schools.

The space-themed programme “Pioneering the Moon: From Exploration to Base Construction” also included a public lecture on space topics and two online lectures, as well as visits for students to the PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations to enhance their understanding of aerospace.

The winning teams are:

Champion: Pui Kiu College

About the project:
A multifunctional lunar robot will assist astronauts by improving efficiency and safety in tasks like sample collection and equipment maintenance on the lunar surface. It will aid in exploring shadowed areas and discovering new resources and geological features.

First runner-up: ESF Sha Tin College

About the project:
A solar-powered lunar base was created to utilise heliostats, potentially boosting energy efficiency by 67% and providing astronauts with a sustainable lunar living and working environment.

Second runner-up: St. Paul’s Convent School (Secondary Section)

About the project:

A robotic construction base that featured a sustainable energy system enables full deployment of autonomous robots, facilitating faster base construction and minimising astronauts’ exposure to harmful radiation.

Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, said that the students’ dedication and creativity are inspiring and vital to the future of space exploration. He noted that the innovative designs and ideas of the participating teams had impressed the judges.

Mrs Ann Kung stated that BOCHK is dedicated to fostering the overall development of young people and has been actively involved in nurturing aerospace talent in Hong Kong. In line with the national strategy of ‘building China into a space power’, the Bank supports educational outreach projects and various innovative activities to contribute to the growth of the aerospace industry in the region.