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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) played a significant role in the mission to return samples from the far side of the moon. Collaborating with the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), PolyU developed the “Surface Sampling and Packing System” for the Chang’e-6 mission. This system successfully carried out the automatic collection and packaging of lunar samples on 3 June 2024, following the soft landing of the Chang’e-6 probe. The probe is expected to return to Earth with these samples on June 25, marking a milestone in space exploration.
Prof. Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) at PolyU, commended the research team for their work. He highlighted PolyU’s extensive experience in deep space research and its position as the only university in Hong Kong involved in various national space projects. Prof. Chao expressed gratitude for the ongoing trust and support from the Nation and emphasised the importance of leveraging expertise and collaborating with Mainland researchers to contribute to national space missions.
Prof. Yung Kai-leung, Chair Professor of Precision Engineering at PolyU, discussed the complexities of sampling from the moon’s far side. Due to the moon’s tidally locked rotation, the far side remains out of direct sight from Earth, complicating communication with the vehicle. This challenge required PolyU’s team to integrate numerous enhancements into their system, allowing for timely and efficient sampling. Prof. Yung acknowledged the trust placed in them by the Nation and highlighted how this mission showcases Hong Kong’s space research capabilities.
PolyU’s “Surface Sampling and Packing System” is notable for its fully automated multi-point sampling and packaging mechanism, differing from previous methods by other countries that involved drilling or manual excavation. PolyU designed and manufactured Samplers A and B, along with two high-temperature Near-field Cameras. These cameras facilitated multiple-point surface sample collection and provided automatic vision guidance for sampling, deposition, and precise placement of the sample container into the ascender.
The process began with the Near-field Cameras mounted on a robotic arm guiding Samplers A and B. These cameras directed the sampling and deposition of lunar material into a PolyU-designed sample container within the primary sealing and packaging system. Once sampling was complete, the container was sealed by the packaging device and picked up by the sampler, which was vision-guided by the cameras for precise insertion into the ascender for its journey back to Earth.
PolyU has been integral to China’s space exploration efforts since 2010, partnering with CAST to develop sophisticated space instruments. The university’s contributions have included advanced topographic mapping technologies for identifying optimal landing sites, supporting missions such as Chang’e-3, Chang’e-4, Chang’e-5, and the Mars exploration mission Tianwen-1. In 2021, PolyU established the “Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations” and, in 2022, the “Joint Research Centre of Advanced Aerospace Propulsion Technology” in collaboration with the Academy of Aerospace Propulsion Technology.
Beyond their technical contributions, PolyU engages in STEM outreach to inspire local youth’s interest in space exploration. The university’s “Science World: Exploring Space to Benefit Mankind” programme fosters creativity and innovation among secondary school students. Under this initiative, a team from Diocesan Boys’ School, guided by Prof. Yung, had their experimental proposal preliminarily accepted by the China Manned Space Agency, providing a unique opportunity for their experiment to be conducted on the China Space Station.
PolyU’s ongoing efforts aim to elevate interest in space technology careers among young people, contributing to the scientific advancement of Hong Kong, the Nation, and the world.
