In a groundbreaking achievement, the Nation’s Chang’e-6 space mission has successfully completed the world’s first-ever lunar far side sampling. PolyU’s “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, developed in collaboration with the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), played a pivotal role in this mission, marking a significant milestone in humanity’s quest to explore outer space.

On 2 June, the Chang’e-6 probe, equipped with the PolyU-developed system, landed on the far side of the moon. Following a soft landing, it successfully accomplished on 3 June the crucial tasks of automated sample collection and packaging on the lunar surface. The probe has since taken off from the moon, carrying the precious cargo of the first-ever lunar soil samples from the far side. These samples are set to return to Earth on 25 June, offering unprecedented insights into this unexplored lunar region.

A milestone in human space exploration

PolyU’s Professor Yung Kai-leung, Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Director of the PolyU Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, expressed gratitude for the opportunity granted by the Nation, allowing Hong Kong to showcase its capabilities and play a pivotal role in the Nation’s space exploration. 

He shed light on the difficulties and challenges faced during the sampling process on the Moon’s far side, where direct communication with Earth is impossible. “Drawing on our experience from previous projects, we’ve successfully integrated numerous enhancements into the system, enabling a timely sampling within a more restricted timeframe,” Professor Yung explained. 

The “Surface Sampling and Packing System” represents a significant advancement in lunar exploration, being the first far side sampling in human history. 
 

A press briefing was held and attended by Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) (2nd from left); Prof. Yung Kai-leung (2nd from right); Dr Wai Hon-wah, Director of Industrial Centre (left) and Dr Tam Wai-man Robert, Associate Director of Industrial Centre (right).

Profound experience in deep space research

PolyU’s involvement in the Nation’s space exploration dates back to 2010, with active participation in projects such as Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, Chang’e-5, and the Tianwen-1 Mars mission. The University’s expertise in deep space research has been instrumental in supporting the success of these missions. The University’s topographic mapping technologies have also played a crucial role in identifying optimal landing sites for spacecraft.

In 2021, PolyU established the “Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations” to further enhance its capabilities in space research. The University also established the “Joint Research Centre of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology” in collaboration with the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology in 2022, further solidifying its commitment to advancing aerospace technology.

Inspiring the next generation of space explorers

Professor Jin-Guang Teng, President of PolyU, expressed his pride in the University’s contributions to the Chang’e-6 mission and hopes that the young generation will seize the tremendous opportunity presented by the booming development of the Nation’s space industry and work together to push space exploration to even greater heights.

PolyU is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of space explorers. Through STEM outreach initiatives like “Science World: Exploring Space to Benefit Mankind” to secondary school students, the University aims to ignite enthusiasm for space exploration among local youth. By engaging young students and nurturing their passion for space technology, PolyU hopes to foster creativity and innovation, paving the way for future scientific pioneers.