HK, Macao add thrust to nation's space exploration

Rental opportunities

Since July 2021, the China National Space Administration, or CNSA, Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center has granted eligible organizations the opportunity to rent lunar research samples for related research.

Asked by his mentor to research some soil samples, Qian quickly wrote several papers about them.

In December, Qian completed his doctorate with flying colors. In recognition of his exemplary work, he received the Li Siguang Outstanding Ph. D. Student Award early this year, one of the highest awards for geoscience students in China.

Qian next decided to further his lunar research through a postdoctoral position in HKU's Department of Earth Sciences.

Deep space missions such as lunar exploration demand significant financial and technological capabilities — typically the preserve of nations such as China and the United States, and the European Space Agency.

"Doing research in Hong Kong offers me the opportunity to remain engaged in a national project, further contributing to the country," Qian said.

Researching lunar geology in Hong Kong can also stimulate development of related local industries, inspire young people in the city to take part in this field, and enhance cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland on deep space exploration, Qian said.

Scholars in Hong Kong studying the moon's geography mostly rely on remote sensing data, rather than direct analysis of lunar soil. "I can use my abilities to fill a gap in this respect," Qian said.

After joining HKU in March — becoming the first at the institution to engage in lunar research — Qian soon started to apply for lunar soil for his work.

Early this year, the CNSA again began accepting applications for lunar samples, and Qian spent a month preparing a proposal, submitting it before the deadline.

A few weeks later, the CNSA phoned him to say his proposal had passed the initial review and would now require an oral defense.

At the end of May, Qian defended his proposal in Beijing, introducing his research ideas, team members, equipment for experiments, and sample storage conditions at his university to the panel of judges.

During the application process, Qian found that lunar science in the country is progressing swiftly. Many top universities now offer undergraduate programs to cultivate expertise in deep space and planetary domains. Their faculty and students, along with researchers from key institutions, are applying to study lunar soil for purposes beyond Qian's volcanology research.