Research

The LSR engages in multi-disciplinary research that, with the emergence of the new Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics has pivoted strongly to 3 main areas:

1 – Space missions and space science.
We are currently involved as lead, co-lead for 3 main space science missions:

a) Chang’E 7 wide field telescope (2026+);
b) lunar flash 12U CubeSat in 100km lunar orbit (2027+) – ITS funded;
c) International payload on Tianwen 3 Mars sample return (2028+)

2 – The NewSpace economy.
This is a rapidly growing area and of increasing important to HKSAR. Our commercial partners provide opportunities in areas such earth remote sensing; atmospheric science, near Earth environment and logistics.

3 – Space Sustainability.
We firmly believe HKSAR can emerge as a global hub for Space Sustainability and are keen to help via our expertise, partners and linkages. This area includes Space Situational awareness,
Space traffic management and Debris Remediation technologies all including the increasing use of AI tools.
We have existing strong links to EPFL, NAOC debris group, Zhejiang lab and other stakeholders in these key areas. We envisage stronger internal HKU involvement with computing science, big-data (via the FoS big-data research cluster) and the Faculty of Engineering.

Summary

We are currently developing these important research capacities for the LSR as we have emerged over the last 8 years as a real interdisciplinary force at HKU by establishing strong international and mainland collaborations leveraged off the back of strong research outputs.

Our strategic directions are clear. Success will depend on grasping opportunities in these 3 focii in Hong Kong, Mainland China and internationally. We are building sufficient research capacity to make the most of these opportunities as they arise.

Our strategic plan includes the need for computational and data-intensive science and engineering, the modelling of complex systems for Space Sustainability including the provision of the AI tools and software for data-intensive analysis, visualization, and computing. It includes optimizing designs, processes, and systems for spaceborne payloads for earth, lunar and mars remote sensing.

Both high-tech driven research and development and big-data driven science (aided through linking with our FoS big-data cluster) will be significantly enhanced through on-going investment. We are actively seeking (and finding) key, high-level partners to facilitate LSR capacity building, including via MoU’s, shared funding and new agreements with elite Mainland universities including Tsinghua, Peking and Zhejiang and with our partner companies such as BISME, CIOMP, CSU, CSA and others.