The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has achieved a significant milestone by securing its membership in the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).
The membership was attained at the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2023) held in Baku from October 2 to 6, 2023. This historic achievement establishes PolyU as the first educational institution in Hong Kong to gain entry into this esteemed international organisation.
Established in 1951, the IAF stands as the preeminent global advocate for space exploration, boasting a diverse membership of 468 organizations spanning across 75 countries. This esteemed roster includes leading space agencies, corporations, research institutions, universities, societies, associations, institutes, and museums worldwide.
Ir Prof. YUNG, Kai Leung, BBS, Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), Sir Sze-yuen Chung Professor in Precision Engineering, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering and Associate Head of ISE at PolyU, the distinguished representative of PolyU at the 74th International Astronautical Congress said "National space missions are key subjects of scientific researches. We are delighted to become a member of IAF and play a more active role in this international platform of research collaborations. PolyU will continue to leverage its scientific research capabilities and actively participate in the international collaborations of National aerospace research".
In the same event, IAC2023, Chang'e-5 team has been awarded the Laurels for Team Achievement, the highest award presented by the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), at the academy's annual meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan on 1st October, 2023.
PolyU research excellence contributed to China’s Chang’e 5 mission, which successfully collected lunar samples from the Moon and brought them back to Earth for the first time in the Nation’s history. Lead by Prof Yung, the PolyU research team contributed to the Chang’e 5 mission in designed and manufactured the “Surface Sampling and Packing System”, a state-of-the-art innovation that uses robotics for lunar sample acquisition and packaging. The invention was developed and made in Hong Kong, the achievement not only reflects PolyU’s capabilities, but those of the Hong Kong community as a whole.
In 2020, Chang' e-4 lunar landing mission had won the highest award by the IAF – the IAF World Space Award. Prof. Yung and his team has played a crucial role in supporting the space mission by developing the Camera Pointing System. This system was mounted on the upper part of Chang’e-4 assisted the capturing of images around the lander giving a 360 degree view of the lunar farside and the movement of the lunar rover.
PolyU's membership in the International Astronautical Federation is a testament to its dedication to academic excellence, research, and its ongoing commitment to contribute to the advancement of space science and technology on a global scale.
