News & Stories

The Centre for AI Robotics in Space Sustainability (CAIRSS) at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has secured HKD 46 million in funding from Stellar Rise Global Holdings Limited (Stellar Rise) to develop advanced bio-inspired robotic manipulation technologies for in-orbit operations. The project aims to support space debris removal and enable next-generation in-orbit manufacturing. With strong backing from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)’ institutions, the project targets an in-orbit demonstration by 2029, contributing to the sustainable development of space technology and the space economy, while supporting the nation's goal of advancing its position as an aerospace powerhouse.

The China Manned Space Agency today announced the crew of the Shenzhou-23 mission, which includes Dr. LAI Ka-Ying, a payload specialist from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Dr. Lai will embark on a mission aboard the Tiangong Space Station. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) extends its warmest congratulations and expresses profound pride and excitement at this historic moment. 

Led by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and established under the InnoHK research clusters of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the Hong Kong Space Robotics and Energy Centre (HKSREC) today hosted the event themed "Leading Space Intelligence: Into the Future." The full-day event brought together representatives from government, industry, academia, research institutions, and the investment community from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas, providing a platform for in-depth exchange on space technology research, cross-regional collaboration, and commercial aerospace applications.

Researchers at the School of Engineering of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have developed the world’s first Sub-Zero Celsius elastocaloric freezing device, capable of reaching temperatures as low as -12℃. This represents a significant milestone in expanding green solid-state elastocaloric refrigeration technology into the global freezing industry, offering a promising solution to combat climate change and accelerate low-carbon transformation of the global freezing market. The findings have recently been published in the international journal Nature, under the title “Sub-zero Celsius Elastocaloric Cooling via Low-transition-temperature Alloys”.

To Prof. Stephane REDONNET, scientific research is a personal as much as a professional journey, which calls not only for rigor and inventiveness, but also authenticity and boldness. A latecomer to academia, he brings his significant background in aerospace research, as well as the life experiences gained from his unconventional path.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has been appointed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) to lead the international "Hong Kong Operation Robot" project for the Chang'E-8 mission. The project will unite global aerospace scholars and experts to develop a multi-functional lunar surface operation robot. Equipped with a mobile charging station and capable of dexterous operations, the robot is designed to make significant contributions to the nation's lunar exploration missions.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the Education Bureau (EDB), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CAS-TECSU) jointly organized the Hong Kong Secondary Student Space Station Popular Science Payload and Science Experiment Design Challenge. An award ceremony was held at HKUST on September 21 to commend the outstanding student teams for their excellent designs and recognize their achievements in space science.

The buzz surrounding drones and eVTOL vehicles signals an exciting future—faster deliveries, rapid medical aid, and efficient public services just over our heads. But as these technologies take flight, they face two critical challenges: noise pollution and public safety. Drone and eVTOL operation in low altitude airspace produce noise and face flight safety challenges in micro-weather and building wind environment. Professor ZHANG Xin, Swire Professor of Aerospace Engineering, and Professor ZHOU Peng at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) are leading efforts to overcome these issues. Combining cutting-edge research in aerospace engineering with practical solutions, their team is striving to ensure drones and eVOTL  vehicles can integrate harmoniously into urban life.