Planetary Remote Sensing of China's Space Exploration Missions

Lead  Prof. WU Bo

Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science | Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations

Research led by Prof. Wu Bo has advanced remote sensing with an integrated 3D mapping model developed for planetary topographic mapping, and introduced AI-powered approaches for geomorphological analysis. The research has contributed to the Nation’s lunar and deep space exploration programme, including, lunar missions Chang’e-3 (嫦娥三號), Chang’e-4 (嫦娥四號), Chang’e-5 (嫦娥五號) and Mars mission Tianwen-1 (天問一號).

Prof. Wu’s integrated 3D mapping model synergises photogrammetry, photoclinometry and laser altimetry to eliminate data inconsistencies and unify multi-source intelligence, enabling high-precision, high-resolution topographic mapping essential for space mission planning. The model has also been specifically optimised to overcome challenging conditions of planetary remote sensing, successfully navigating the thin atmosphere on Mars and the lunar south pole under extreme illumination.

The advancements have supported landing site evaluation and surface operations in the Nation’s space missions. Notably, during the Chang’e-4 mission, with the 3D integrated model and AI-powered technologies it revealed rough terrain and informed the vital decision to adjust the descent orbit for the world’s first-ever landing on the far side of the Moon. The technologies also contributed to the successful landing of the Zhurong rover (祝融號) in southern Utopia Planitia during the Nation’s first Mars mission Tianwen-1.

PolyU’s contributions have been acknowledged by the China National Space Administration and the China Academy of Space Technology, with continued collaboration for future deep space exploration missions.

RAE 2020 Impact Case Study