PolyU showcases space research excellence and hosts space governance forum at IAC 2026

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) participated in the 77th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2026) in Antalya, Türkiye, showcasing a broad portfolio of aerospace research achievements through exhibitions, academic forums and professional exchanges. The projects covered satellite propulsion and on-orbit servicing, spacecraft safety technologies, planetary mapping, space robotics, lunar regolith studies, and in-situ resource utilisation technologies for future deep-space missions, demonstrating PolyU’s research excellence in aerospace and its contributions to national space development.

Bringing together around 7,500 participants from 111 countries and regions, IAC 2026 served as a premier platform for global exchange in space science and technology. During the Congress, PolyU hosted the Global Networking Forum (GNF) entitled “Space Governance: Hong Kong's Role and Perspective”. In the opening remarks, Prof. YU Hongyu, Executive Director of the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (PARA), highlighted Hong Kong's strengths and potential role in global space governance. This was followed by a keynote address by Mr Steve GAO, Associate Executive Director of PARA, who discussed the importance of effective governance frameworks and international collaboration in advancing the sustainable development of space activities.

The forum also featured a panel discussion moderated by Mr WU Lei, Chief Editor and Senior Space Journalist of China Global Television Network (CGTN), with panelists from Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tsinghua University, GALAXYSPACE and CGTN, who exchanged views on global space governance, international cooperation and the sustainable development of space activities. The forum was livestreamed worldwide through the official platform, extending the discussion to a global audience.

In addition, Prof. WEN Xiewen, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was invited to participate in the Global Networking Forum “Space Manufacturing: Driving the Next Revolution in Biotechnology, Advanced Materials, and Human Exploration”, hosted by the Space Manufacturing Technology Innovation Centre of the Hong Kong Institute of Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he shared insights on the latest developments and prospects of space manufacturing technologies.

Mr Samba Zihong ZHOU, PhD student of the PolyU Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, was selected for the International Astronautical Federation Young Professional Leadership Development Programme 2026 as the sole participant from Hong Kong and China. Working alongside young professionals from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), he co-authored and presented research on the governance of multinational space programmes, including case studies of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), demonstrating the growing international impact of PolyU’s next-generation space talent and underscoring the University's role in nurturing the next generation of space leaders.