2026 China Space Conference advances global exchange and GBA aerospace development
PolyU is strengthening its leadership in space science and innovation with the establishment of the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA) later this year, a strategic platform dedicated to advancing cutting-edge research, nurturing future talent, and fostering global collaboration in aerospace. Building on its contributions to major national space missions, the University is taking a forward-looking step to consolidate its expertise and expand its impact in the rapidly evolving space sector.
This vision was spotlighted at the 2026 China Space Conference “Flying to Deep Space-International Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation & Development”. Bringing together over 500 leading experts from academia, research institutions and industry worldwide, the forum explored emerging areas such as deep space exploration, commercial space innovation and AI-driven technologies. It further reinforced Hong Kong’s status as a “super connector.” Keynote and parallel sessions explored key areas including Thai-Chinese lunar collaboration, nano-satellite development, and space science education.
Supported by the Education Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), the two-day forum was co-organised by PolyU in collaboration with the Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA) and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). The event marked the first time the China Space Conference was held in Hong Kong. It also aligned with broader national development priorities, including the 15th Five-Year Plan’s vision to position China as a global aerospace leader.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Professor Jin-Guang Teng, PolyU President; Dr Sze Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; Professor Christopher Chao, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation); Mr Jiang Jun, Deputy Secretary-General of CSA; Dr Ayhan İncirci, Director General of the External Relations and Legal Affairs Department of APSCO; Mr Huang Heji, Director of the Institute of Mechanics of CAS; the Hon. Duncan Chiu, Member of the Legislative Council (Technology and Innovation Constituency) of the HKSAR; Professor Chan C.C., Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Founder of the International Academician Science and Technology Innovation Centre and Distinguished Chair Professor of Electric Vehicles and Smart Energy of PolyU; Dr Hao Yinxing, Executive President of the Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation of CAS; Ms Wang Xi, Director of the Guangdong Aerospace Research Academy (GARA); Mr Hsu Hoi-shan, President of the Beijing-Hong Kong Academic Exchange Centre; and Professor Richard Leung, PolyU Court Member and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Orion Astropreneur Space Academy.
In his remarks, Professor Teng highlighted PolyU’s unique role as the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong to have actively contributed to various major national missions, including Chang’e-6 and Tianwen-1. He announced the establishment of PARA, emphasising its role in strengthening the Greater Bay Area’s position as an international innovation hub. He noted that the forum serves as a critical bridge, moving beyond fundamental research toward a deeply integrated ecosystem of academia and industry.
The forum also received significant support from government and international organisations. Dr Sze Chun-fai underscored the importance of talent cultivation in securing the Nation’s aerospace future. Mr Jiang Jun highlighted the rising quality of China’s home-grown innovations and expressed hope for deepening regular collaboration with PolyU to nurture young talent. Meanwhile, IAF Executive Director Dr Christian Feichtinger commended PolyU’s proactive international role, noting its 2025 Excellence in “3G+” Diversity Award.
Witnessed by Prof. Teng (left, back row) and Mr Jiang (right, back row), the MoU between PolyU and CSA was signed by Prof. Yu Hongyu, Executive Director-designate of PARA (under preparation) and Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering (left, front row), and Ms Li Luping, Project Director of the Science Popularisation Division of the CSA Department of Educational, Scientific and Technological Affairs (right, front row).
Witnessed by Prof. Teng (centre, back row), Mr Huang (right, back row) and Ms Wang (left, back row), the MoU between PolyU, CSA and GARA was signed by Prof. Chao (centre, front row), Mr Gao Dapeng, Division Director of the CAS Institute of Mechanics (right, front row), and Mr Yang Rong, GARA Deputy Director (left, front row).
A key highlight of the event was the signing of two strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The first, with the CSA, focuses on nurturing scientific talent and aerospace science popularisation. The second, a tripartite agreement with the CAS Institute of Mechanics and GARA, aims to deepen innovation synergy across R&D, talent exchange, and technology transfer between Guangdong and Hong Kong.
The inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Alliance was held at the event. The Hon. Chiu (4th from left) and Prof. Yu (centre) were joined by the representatives of the other seven founding parties, including Mr Luo Heng, Vice President of Geovis Technology (4th from right), Prof. Xing Fei, Chief Technology Officer of TY-Space Technology (3rd from left), Mr Lian Hongkui, General Manager of Thermal AI (3rd from right), Mr Shen Zhenyu, R&D Director of AT-moto Technology (2nd from right), Prof. Shen Yan, Chairman of Edrive Space (2nd from left), Mr Gao Bo, Executive Chairman of the Hong Kong Young Scientist Association (1st from right), and Ms Li Junxuan, Partnership Director of Dassault Systèmes Greater China (1st from left).
Furthermore, the event saw the inauguration of the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Alliance. Led by the Hon. Duncan Chiu and PolyU, as well as involving over twenty research and technology entities, the Alliance aims to connect the aerospace supply chain for the commercialisation of research outcomes. The launch ceremony of the Hong Kong Aerospace Featured Schools Education Alliance was also held at the event.
By fostering cross-regional collaboration and high-level knowledge transfer across these interdisciplinary fields, PolyU continues to drive a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem that supports both regional growth and the Nation’s visionary deep-space exploration strategy.
Experts and industry leaders at the 2026 China Space Conference discussed cutting-edge topics including deep space exploration, satellite technology, and commercial innovation to foster global aerospace collaboration and education.
