In 2021, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR Mrs Carrie Lam visited The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to learn more about its research projects. Accompanied by PolyU Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai, President Professor Jin-Guang Teng and other senior members of the University, Mrs Lam toured the Precision Robotics Laboratory of the Research Centre for Deep Space Exploration (RCDSE) and the University Research Facility in Materials Characterization and Device Fabrication (UMF).

Mrs Lam (centre) toured the Precision Robotics Laboratory of the Research Centre for Deep Space Exploration, accompanied by PolyU Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai (third from right), President Professor Jin-Guang Teng (third from left), and other senior members of the University.

Professor Yung Kai-leung (front row, left) explained how the Surface Sampling and Packing System collected lunar soil during the Chang’e-5 mission.

Mrs Lam experienced the landings on the Moon and Mars through a Virtual Reality system. Using topographic mapping and geomorphological analysis technologies, PolyU researchers identified ideal landing sites for the Chang’e-3, -4, -5 and Tianwen-1 missions.

Professor Wu Bo (right), Associate Head of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, showed Mrs Lam a 3D model of the asteroid Itokawa, and talked about initiatives supporting the Nation’s future asteroid exploration.

Research in aerospace technology

At the Precision Robotics Laboratory, Professor Yung Kai-leung, Director of RCDSE, introduced Mrs Lam to PolyU’s research in aerospace technology.

PolyU has been actively participating in the Nation's space exploration programme since 2010. The University, in collaboration with experts from the China Academy of Space Technology, has developed and manufactured various space instruments that were used in the Nation's lunar and Mars exploration missions. They included the Surface Sampling and Packing System for collecting and sealing surface samples from the moon and bringing them back to Earth in the Chang'e-5 mission; and the Mars Landing Surveillance Camera for monitoring the landing of Tianwen-1. PolyU researchers also helped select safe landing sites for the space missions using advanced topographic mapping technologies.

Mrs Lam said: “PolyU’s cross-discipline scientific research team has distinguished deep space exploration capability and possesses practical experience in international space missions, contributing to the Nation's aerospace development with encouraging achievements.”

The RCDSE brings together PolyU experts from different fields, including geology, remote sensing, civil engineering, mechanical engineering and physics, pushing the frontiers of research in aerospace technology.

Research in advanced materials

Mrs Lam also visited the UMF to gain a better understanding of PolyU’s research in advanced materials and their applications. For example, its Cleanroom has supported the development of products including the non-invasive, ultrafast and portable COVID-19 antibody biosensors, health monitoring devices, soft robotics, on-skin electronics and neuromorphic vision sensors.

Professor Daniel Lau (first from right), Director of UMF and Head of Department of Applied Physics, showed Mrs Lam the projects conducted in the UMF’s Cleanroom.