News

Aerospace Innovation Research Summit: Insights on LEO Satellites, Rocket Engineering, and the Emerging Low Altitude Economy

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) hosted the Aerospace Innovation Research Summit (AIR Summit) on campus on 19 November 2024, bringing together political and business leaders, researchers, and industry professionals from the aerospace technology and innovation sectors. Thematic parallel sessions focused on key topics including deep space exploration, rocket and satellite technology, the new space economy, low altitude economy and opportunities for startups. Participants shared the latest research achievements, technological breakthroughs and discussed innovative aerospace solutions. The event attracted close to 1,000 global scholars and industry experts, with over 50 speakers sharing their insights and research findings.   In the afternoon, the Summit featured five thematic parallel sessions, focusing on: “Exploring How Entrepreneurs Harness Research Outcomes to Seize Space Economy Opportunities”, “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong”, “Engineering: LEO Satellites and Rockets”, “Space Exploration: Technology and Science”, and “Commercialising Space”. These sessions facilitated discussion among participants on technological innovation, industry trends and applications.   Experts Illuminate LEO Satellites and Rocket Engineering Hosted by the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE), the “Engineering: LEO Satellites and Rockets” session brought together experts from governmental and private sectors to explore cutting-edge technologies and developments in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and rocket engineering. Key presentations about rocket engineering included Mr Li Bin, Vice President of the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology, discussing advancements in liquid rocket engines, and Mr Wang Yingcheng, Head of the CAS Space Innovation Center, on China’s commercial rocket initiatives. Prof. Sean Shan Min Swei, Director of the Space Technology and Innovation Lab and Professor of Practice at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Khalifa University, introduced a CubeSat-based solution for sustainable LEO access. Mr Wang Lei, CEO of ADA Space Co. Ltd., showcased ADA Space's AI satellite network, while Dr Xu Bing, Assistant Professor at the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University presented a new paradigm in satellite navigation. A dedicated student team from AAE also shared their ongoing rocket research efforts.   The session highlighted innovative solutions and collaborative efforts shaping the future of aerospace engineering.   Promoting talent development, academic research, and technology transfer in the low altitude economy In the “Low Altitude Economy Development in Hong Kong” session, PolyU signed an MoU with the Greater Bay Area Low Altitude Economy Alliance (LAEA) to collaborate on driving innovation and advancing practices in the low altitude economy, as well as promoting academic research and technology transfer. At the same session, PolyU held the inauguration ceremony of the Research Centre for Low Altitude Economy (RCLAE), with Hon Elizabeth QUAT, Member of the Legislative Council of the HKSAR and Founding President of the LAEA, and Dr Winnie TANG, Founding Vice President of the LAEA, Founder and Honorary President of the Smart City Consortium, officiating.   In his speech, Prof. Christopher Chao said, “The low altitude economy is an emerging industry that the Nation is actively promoting. As one of the engines driving the development of new productive forces, PolyU is committed to supporting the development of related technologies, including drone package delivery and unmanned autonomous systems in urban landscapes. Regarding talent development, PolyU will launch an MSc Programme in the Low-Altitude Economy in September 2025. This unique interdisciplinary programme will balance technical research and business operations, covering topics from aircraft design in aviation hardware to civilian aviation software, including airspace management, flight path planning, and cargo and passenger transportation. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to cultivate talent essential for advancing the low-altitude economy.”   RCLAE brings together experts and scholars from the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies. RCLAE focuses on two key areas: infrastructure deployment and low-altitude airspace operation, and the development of intelligent perception and control technologies. The first area aims to design and manage low-altitude airspace effectively, ensuring safe and efficient usage. The second area focuses on developing advanced technologies that ensure aircraft can fly securely in low-altitude airspace, even in challenging situations. RCLAE has already initiated projects on low-altitude air traffic management and the use of drones for cargo transportation. Through applied research, RCLAE will propose a code of practice for drone usage in Hong Kong, and, in collaboration with the PolyU Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology, will offer policy recommendations for amending existing or establishing new regulations.

PolyU and COMAC sign agreement to establish Research Institute for Large Aircraft

On November 12, 2024, at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) signed an agreement to jointly establish the COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft. The COMAC-PolyU Research Institute for Large Aircraft aims to promote the development of the large aircraft industry. Leveraging the academic strengths of PolyU and Hong Kong’s technological innovation resources, the Research Institute will focus on key tasks such as tackling challenges in domestically-produced commercial aircraft technology and exploring future new technologies. It will bring together regional industry and research capabilities to foster collaborative innovation, providing strong support for the development of the large aircraft industry.   Reposted from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University [Original post]

Dr Li-Ta Hsu Honored for Authoring 2023's Most Cited Paper in NAVIGATION Journal

Dr Li-Ta Hsu has been recognized at the ION GNSS+ 2024 conference (Baltimore, Maryland) for authoring the most cited paper in 2023 in the esteemed NAVIGATION: Journal of the Institute of Navigation. The paper, titled "Factor Graph Optimization for GNSS/INS Integration: A Comparison with the Extended Kalman Filter," co-authored by Dr Weisong Wen, Dr Tim Pfeifer, and Dr Xiwei Bai, has garnered significant attention and acclaim in the field of navigation and positioning technologies. Published in the 2021 issue of NAVIGATION (Volume 68, Issue 2, Pages 315-331), the paper explores innovative methodologies in GNSS/INS integration through factor graph optimization, offering a comprehensive comparison with the traditional extended Kalman filter approach. This work has been pivotal in advancing the understanding and application of navigation systems, influencing both academic research and practical implementations. Dr Hsu's recognition at the ION GNSS+ 2024 in Baltimore highlights the significant impact of his research within the global navigation community. This prestigious annual conference, hosted by the Institute of Navigation, serves as a key platform for experts and innovators to exchange insights on the latest advancements in positioning, navigation, and timing technologies. Dr. Hsu's achievement not only reflects his dedication to the field but also showcases our department's commitment to advancing cutting-edge research.

AAE PhD Student Receives Best Paper Award at 2024 China National Symposium on Combustion

Mr Yu Liao, a PhD student under the supervision of Dr Guan Yu at Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, won the Best Paper Award at the 2024 China National Symposium on Combustion, organized by the China section of The Combustion Institute. This year’s symposium saw a record-breaking turnout, attracting nearly 2,000 participants from across the globe. Mr Liao's award-winning paper, titled “Open-Loop Control of Thermoacoustic Oscillations in Lean-Premixed Hydrogen-Enriched Turbulent Combustors,” was selected from a competitive pool of 314 accepted papers. The research, supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, tackles the critical issue of thermoacoustic instability in gas turbine combustors powered by hydrogen-enriched fuels. This work aligns with the Hong Kong Government’s commitment to decarbonization and its recently released “Strategy of Hydrogen Development” in June 2024. The successful research collaboration between Dr Yu Guan’s team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Professor Kyutae Kim’s group at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology highlights the importance of international academic cooperation. This partnership not only enhances research outcomes but also paves the way for future joint projects and talent development between the two institutions. Congratulations to Mr Liao for this outstanding achievement!

Celebrating Excellence: AAE’s Research Postgraduate Student Wins Student Paper Award at the 37th ION GNSS+ 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Mr Penggao Yan, one of our dedicated research students and an esteemed awardee of the PolyU Presidential PhD Fellowship Scheme (PPPFS), has been honored with the Student Paper Award at ION GNSS+ 2024, the 37th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of the Institute of Navigation. His paper, titled “Jackknife Test for Faulty GNSS Measurements Detection Under Non-Gaussian Noises,” was presented at the conference held during 16 – 20 September 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Student Paper Awards recognize outstanding contributions from emerging scholars, and this year, only four students were selected from a competitive pool of submissions. The awardees were chosen based on the technical content and clarity of their manuscripts, evaluated by a panel of recognized experts from the industry and academia. Alongside Mr Yan, this year's winners are from York University, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and National Cheng Kung University. ION GNSS+ is renowned as the world’s largest technical meeting dedicated to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology, products, and services. This prestigious event gathers international leaders in GNSS and related fields, providing a platform for the presentation of ground-breaking research, discussions on current policy, demonstrations of innovative products, and the exchange of ideas. We congratulate Mr Yan on this significant achievement and his contributions to advancing research in GNSS technology. His work not only reflects his dedication but also enhances the reputation of our department on a global stage.  

AAE Undergraduate Student Presents at the ION GNSS+ 2024 Conference

We are pleased to share that Md Sahat Mahmud, a Year 3 undergraduate student, had the remarkable opportunity to present his research at the ION GNSS+ 2024 conference in Baltimore, USA—recognized as the world’s largest technical meeting and showcase of GNSS technology, products, and services. Sahat presented his paper titled "LSTM-driven Prediction of Orbital Parameters for Accurate LEO Opportunistic Navigation." In his presentation, he introduced a novel recurrent neural network-based orbit prediction algorithm for Low Earth Orbit satellites. Attending the conference proved to be an inspiring experience, allowing him to engage with leading GNSS experts, researchers, and industry professionals. Reflecting on this opportunity, Sahat noted, “Presenting my work at ION GNSS+ 2024 has been a pivotal moment in my academic journey. I am grateful for the chance to learn from experts and to be part of such a significant event. It has truly motivated me to further pursue research in Satellite Navigation and Positioning.” Sahat also extended his heartfelt thanks to the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering (AAE) and PolyU GEO for their support, as well as to his supervisor, Dr Bing Xu, whose guidance was instrumental in this achievement. This experience marks a significant milestone in Sahat's academic journey, further igniting his passion for exploration in satellite navigation and positioning technology. We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and look forward to his ongoing contributions to the GNSS community. Congratulations, Sahat, on this impressive achievement!

AAE Scholars ranked among World’s Top 2% Most-Cited Scientists

Seven PolyU AAE scholars are ranked the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in 2024. This prestigious acknowledgment, compiled and announced annually by researchers at Stanford University, USA, is determined by citations, h-index, co-authorship-adjusted hm-index, citations to papers in various authorship positions, and a composite indicator. Congratulations to our academic staff for their unwavering dedication to achieving research excellence! This recognition highlights their significant contributions and influence within their respective fields of expertise. Prof. Wen Chih Yung Prof. Yu Simon Dr Hsu Li Ta Dr Huang Hailong Dr Liu Wei Dr Shen Xi Dr Wen Weisong Data available at Elsevier: https://elsevier.digitalcommonsdata.com/datasets/btchxktzyw/7 Published: 16 September 2024|Version 7|DOI:10.17632/btchxktzyw.7

Empowered by Opportunities: Mr. Ang Jershon Ainsleigh Entote's Journey with The HKIE Scholarship 2022

Mr Ang Jershon Ainsleigh Entote has been awarded the HKIE Scholarship 2022/23 in recognition of his exceptional achievements. This prestigious award has provided him with additional opportunities to grow and enhance his skills as an engineer. The below video highlights Mr. Ang's dedication and leadership, showcasing his significant involvement in the engineering field as a student. His commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to his peers and underscores the importance of innovation and hard work in engineering.   Read more about Jershon's achievement and the award presentation ceremony: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/aae/news-and-events/news/2023/13mar-aae-student-awarded-hkie-scholarships-202223/. Watch the video of his learning path with HKIE in 2022/23 at https://polyu.hk/GLVXf. 

AAE PhD Students and Staff Shine in 2024 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Aviation Forum

We are thrilled to announce that one of our esteemed members, along with two talented PhD candidates and a senior Scientific Officer, have been awarded the prestigious Best Student Award in Air Transportation Systems at the 2024 AIAA Aviation Forum. This accolade is a testament to their exceptional work and the groundbreaking research they have conducted. Their award-winning paper, "Analyzing the Potential of Dynamic Aircraft Wake Separation via Data-driven Aircraft Wake Region Detection," has set a new benchmark in the field of air traffic management. This research addresses a critical challenge in runway optimization by leveraging cutting-edge data-driven techniques to enhance flight safety and operational efficiency through the optimization of aircraft wake separation in dynamic environments. The recognition of this work by the AIAA Aviation Forum, a platform co-organized with leading industry entities to promote innovation in ATM, underscores the significant impact and expertise demonstrated by our researchers. We are immensely proud of their achievements and the contribution they have made to advancing the field of air transportation systems. Congratulations to our award-winning researchers!   

AAE PhD Student Named Champion in the HKIE Safety Specialist Committee - Student Project Competition 2024

We are happy to share that an AAE PhD student, Mr LI Qinbiao, won the Champion Award of Doctorate Degree group in the HKIE Safety Specialist Committee – Student Project Competition 2024 with his thesis. The Award was presented at the “HKIE-SSC Annual Dinner” on 31 May 2024. The theme of this year is “Advance Technology in improving Temporary Works safety”. The awarded project entitled “Enhancing single-pilot operations in commercial aviation: A neuro-ergonomics analysis of human performance, capabilities, and limitations” under Dr NG Kam Hung’s supervision. The purpose of this research, towards single pilot operation, is to propose a human-centred self-adaptive intelligent system driven by data from monitoring human performance and situation awareness towards single pilots, which consists of three stages to prevent human errors/unsafe behaviour in air transportation.   HKIE SSC – Student Project Competition 2024 Every year, Safety Specialist Committee (SSC) of HKIE organizes a student competition with an aim to promote safety engineering and science innovation. It also aims to provide an open and competitive platform for engineering students to demonstrate their engineering capabilities and share the learning process in safety regime.