PolyU-made space instruments complete lunar sampling for Chang'e 5

Dr LAM Tai-fai, Chairman of Council, PolyU, remarked, "The collection of lunar samples is a landmark occasion in the history of our Nation's space exploration programme. It is a great testament to our University's cutting-edge research capability that PolyU was the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong to contribute to the Chang'e 5 mission. Furthermore, the fact that Hong Kong-based scientists at PolyU developed some of the most critical components for the project is a fantastic accomplishment for the whole city, proving that Hong Kong can play an important role in supporting our Nation in making significant strides in the fields of space exploration and science."

HONG KONG, 09/12/2020 (informazione.news - comunicati stampa - istruzione e formazione)

 

Consisting of two samplers for collecting loose and sticky forms of lunar regolith, two near-field cameras, as well as a packaging and sealing system, the "Surface Sampling and Packing System" has more than 400 components constructed in different materials including titanium alloy, aluminum alloy and stainless steel, which make the instruments light in weight but at the same time durable and strong enough to withstand the harsh space environment.

Talking about the challenges of the project,

Features of the Surface Sampling and Packing System:

Being the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong that possesses international deep space qualification experience, PolyU has been contributing to the Nation's space projects since 2010. As part of the Nation's lunar exploration programme, Professor Yung collaborated with the China Academy of Space Technology to develop a "Camera Pointing System" for Chang'e 3 in 2013 and for Chang'e 4's historic landing on the lunar far side in 2019, and a Mars Camera for Tianwen 1 in 2020. The "Surface Sampling and Packing System" will be used for the Chang'e 6 mission as well.

PolyU has actively participated in other space exploration projects, designing and manufacturing a number of sophisticated space tools in the past decade. These include the "Mars Rock Corer" for the European Space Agency's 2003 Mars Express Mission and the "Soil Preparation System" for the Sino-Russian Space Mission in 2011.

About PolyU

While boasting a proud history of over 80 years, PolyU is a vibrant and aspiring university with a forward-looking vision and mission. Committed to building a talent pipeline and research strength for advancing the development of Hong Kong , the Nation and the world, PolyU provides the best holistic education to nurture future-ready global citizens and socially responsible leaders, conducts high-impact interdisciplinary research, and proactively transfers knowledge to create value and build impact. We embrace internationalisation and engage the Nation for education and research through strategic partnerships and collaborations.

With "Opening Minds. Shaping the Future" as our brand promise, the University is currently offering more than 160 taught programmes in six faculties and two schools, engaging in 3,200 exciting research projects, and collaborating with over 660 institutions overseas and in the Chinese mainland on a wide variety of initiatives. We have over 400,000 alumni around the globe and currently 28,000 students.

PolyU website: www.polyu.edu.hk