PolyU and the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in key areas of satellite technology. Under this collaborative framework, HKATG will provide PolyU with conventional optical remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar observation data in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The total estimated value of this in-kind donation is HK$20 million (including data and equipment).

In addition, HKATG has generously donated to PolyU the naming rights of an upcoming multispectral optical remote sensing satellite scheduled to launch in 2024. This satellite will provide data for PolyU research and teaching programmes for years to come.

To recognise HKATG’s significant contribution, PolyU held an appreciation ceremony attended by Prof. Wing-tak Wong, Deputy President and Provost (7th from left); Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President (6th from left); Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) (5th from left); Prof. Dong Cheng, Associate Vice President (Mainland Research Advancement) (6th from right); Dr Daniel Yip, Non-executive Director, HKATG (centre); Dr Michael Hu, Vice President and Technology Strategy Director, HKATG (7th from right); and interdisciplinary experts from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics and Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering.

At a follow-up media briefing, Prof. Charles Wong of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Dr Xu Bing of the Department of Aeronautical and Aviation Engineering, introduced how PolyU will leverage HKATG’s satellite capabilities. Applications involve mapping land use, carbon sequestration research, monitoring water quality and estimating solar irradiation.

PolyU is also collaborating with other institutions to launch a novel 6U+ low-earth-orbit (LEO) CubeSat in 2025 through the Tianzhou 9 cargo ship mission. Ongoing educational outreach will also support nurturing the next generation of space professionals in Hong Kong, positioning PolyU at the forefront of satellite technology development and applications.