PolyU has collaborated with the Hong Kong Space Museum to showcase an interactive exhibit “Moon | Mars VR”, on display for one year from December 2022. Powered by PolyU’s cutting-edge technology that assists the Nation’s space missions, the virtual reality exhibit allows the public to virtually experience spacewalking and explore the landing sites of Chang’e-4 and Tianwen-1 spacecrafts on the Moon and Mars.

Led by Professor Wu Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations and Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and his research team, the VR exhibit makes use of data provided by the relevant China space agencies to create a virtual reality environment of landing sites on the Moon and Mars that allows visitors to experience spacewalking on the two celestial bodies.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Prof. Wu Bo and the Curator of the Hong Kong Space Museum Mr Timothy Ho Man-hung. Reflecting the theme of the exhibit, Prof. Wu was also invited to deliver a public lecture titled “Space Exploration: A Journey to the Heavenly Questions”, discussing recent space missions by China and other countries exploring the Moon and Mars, and introducing the application of topographic mapping, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and other technologies in support of these space exploration missions.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prof. Wu said he was pleased to collaborate with the Hong Kong Space Museum in showcasing this exhibit, inviting the public to experience some of the scientific research achievements of PolyU and the Nations’ space exploration accomplishments over the years. Prof. Wu said, “As the only Hong Kong institution contributing to the Nation’s astronautical projects, PolyU has been deeply involved in China’s lunar and Mars missions. Looking forward, it is hoped that more events and exhibitions with a focus on space technology can be held to promote greater awareness and interest among the public and young people.”

The “Moon | Mars VR” exhibit is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and PolyU, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Space Museum and the Planetary Remote Sensing Laboratory of PolyU’s Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, and supported by the China National Space Administration’s Information Office.