Published: 19:58, October 30, 2024
HK college contributes to nation’s 40th Antarctic expedition
By Li Xiaoyun
Chan Cheuk-hay (left), president of the Hong Kong College of Technology, and Cheng Bo, dean of Tsinghua University Suzhou Automotive Research Institute, pose for a photo, Oct 30, 2024. (LI XIAOYUN / CHINA DAILY)

The Hong Kong College of Technology successfully participated in China’s 40th Antarctic scientific expedition through its collaboration with Tsinghua University Suzhou Automotive Research Institute on the Xuexiao 2 information system, marking a further step for the special administrative region to play its role in the country’s large-scale research initiatives.

The system for safety monitoring and health management passed all technical tests and performance assessments at the Kunlun Station — the country’s first inland research base in the Antarctic — and proved it was able to operate in extreme conditions, such as ultra-low temperatures, high altitudes, blizzards, and intense radiation, the college announced on Wednesday.

“This showcases the team’s strong expertise in cybersecurity and the industrial Internet of Things, while also demonstrating Hong Kong’s strength in scientific research,” said Sun Dong, secretary for innovation, technology and industry.

READ MORE: Chinese team embarks on 40th Antarctic scientific expedition

The development of the system demonstrates the college’s scientific research capabilities, said Tam Yiu-chung, honorary chairman of the board of the HKCT, adding that the school will continue with its efforts to build up its strength in applied sciences.

This collaboration highlights the potential for Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland to work together on national-level projects, said Sun Lu, deputy director of the aerospace vehicle research and development center at Tsinghua University Suzhou Automotive Research Institute.

He announced that the two institutions will jointly participate in another national experiment next year, which will utilize a hot air balloon to reach the stratosphere. According to their preliminary plan, the balloon will carry one pilot and one expert, with a pilot selected from the HKCT to join the training program.

Cheng Bo, dean of Tsinghua University Suzhou Automotive Research Institute, said that the balloon is expected to reach altitudes of 22,000 meters, in a bid to facilitate the collection of data on near-Earth climate and meteorological conditions. He revealed that the first phase of the experiment may take place in Northwestern China.

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Hong Kong has been active in the nation’s deep-sea, high-altitude, and polar exploration projects in recent years, said Sun Dong.

In June, Chang’e 6 — the China National Space Administration’s sixth robotic lunar exploration mission — made history with the world’s first successful sample-return mission to the far side of the moon. The spacecraft carried a sampling device developed by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Moreover, it was revealed in the latest policy address earlier this month that the Hong Kong SAR government will set up a research center to contribute to the Chang’e 8 mission.

 

Contact the writer at irisli@chinadailyhk.com