The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has announced its collaboration with Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Ltd (Chang Guang) to launch a multispectral optical satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu on August 25. This satellite, named "HKUST-FYBB#1" as a gesture of gratitude to Mr. Francis YIP Chi-Hung and his wife, Mrs. Catherine YIP NG Bun-Bun, who generously supported the initiative, is a groundbreaking step for HKUST. It marks the university's inaugural satellite mission and signals the commencement of a remote sensing satellite constellation project and an extensive environmental monitoring and disaster forecasting system.

Distinguished as an advanced civilian satellite, the multispectral optical satellite set to launch on August 25 holds the most sophisticated status in its category. Its remote sensing image collection boasts an impressive spatial resolution of 0.5 meters, which is twentyfold higher than openly accessible data from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 optical satellite. Its image swath spans over 150 kilometers, rivaling that of the latest U.S. land satellites.

HKUST's pioneering efforts have led to an influential partnership with Chang Guang, the first commercial remote sensing satellite company in Mainland China. This collaboration transcends the launch of "HKUST-FYBB#1," extending into a long-term, multifaceted relationship focused on satellite research and development pertaining to carbon emissions and data application.

Merging HKUST's scientific proficiency and accomplishments in fields like meteorology, oceanography, and environmental protection, with the trove of remote sensing data gathered from Chang Guang's constellation of 108 orbiting satellites, known as "JiLin-1," the collaboration aspires to construct an all-encompassing environmental monitoring and disaster forecasting framework. The objective is to deliver scientific data supporting China's dual carbon policy objectives—peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. Simultaneously, the collaboration seeks to advance China's remote sensing technology, a leading-edge approach entailing the collection and processing of electromagnetic radiation information from space or elevated Earth surfaces. This data is instrumental in identifying and comprehending Earth's environment and resources.

The satellite launch garners wholehearted support from Mr. Francis YIP and Mrs. Catherine YIP, who expressed their joy in facilitating the strategic alliance between HKUST and Chang Guang. They applauded HKUST's unwavering dedication to aerospace technology development in Hong Kong and affirmed their commitment to backing innovation and technology in the city. The project symbolizes a significant milestone in Hong Kong's aerospace progress, prompting the YIPs to feel immense pride in their city's advancement and their role in the initiative.

HKUST's Council Chairman, Prof. Harry SHUM, conveyed the university's dedication to sustainable development and its proactive stance in addressing global carbon emissions challenges. Acknowledging the YIPs' support, he articulated HKUST's eagerness to collaborate with governmental bodies, research institutions, corporations, and diverse sectors to broaden the application of the data derived from its collaboration with Chang Guang. This collective effort aims to contribute to China's dual carbon policy ambitions, government emissions targets, and global climate change mitigation, exemplifying a firm commitment to sustainable development.

Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, echoed gratitude to the YIPs for their support. She highlighted the university's encouragement of researchers to engage in pioneering, socially impactful research projects and emphasized the institution's enthusiasm for partnering with Chang Guang to drive aerospace innovation and contribute to national developmental strategies. Prof. IP emphasized HKUST's intent to harness its research capabilities to bolster cooperation among academia, research, and industry sectors, ultimately fortifying the aerospace industry and advancing China's dual carbon policy objectives.

Chang Guang's Deputy General Manager, Mr. CHEN Maosheng, underscored the collaboration's purpose in fostering deep cooperation in scientific satellite development and remote sensing data application. He emphasized the synergistic blend of satellite manufacturing expertise from Chang Guang and remote sensing application proficiencies from HKUST. Together, the entities will collaborate on developing satellites for greenhouse gas remote sensing monitoring and expand their joint efforts in new remote sensing satellite endeavors, bolstering aerospace development in Mainland China and Hong Kong while enhancing remote sensing data services in the Greater Bay Area.

At the heart of this endeavor is Prof. Su Hui, who leads the HKUST research team alongside Prof. ZHANG Limin, Head and Chair Professor of HKUST's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Working in tandem with their counterparts at Chang Guang, they will pioneer high-resolution optical satellites and pivotal technologies for carbon emissions monitoring. The collaboration will spearhead the development of remote sensing technology in environmental monitoring satellites, supplying vital scientific data for macro-level decisions encompassing energy conservation, emission reduction, and China's dual-carbon strategic goals.

Source:prnewswire.com