Hu Hao, chief designer of China's third-phase lunar exploration program, shares his experience with students at the University of Hong Kong, June 23, 2021. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)
HONG KONG – Hu Hao, chief designer of China’s third-phase lunar exploration program, shared on Wednesday afternoon his experience with over 100 young students, scientific researchers and scholars at the University of Hong Kong.
The scientists’ delegation this time brought lunar soil collected in China’s fifth lunar exploration mission in late 2020 to the HKSAR. The soil will be displayed at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Sunday through early July
The lecture was held after a delegation consisting of the country’s top-level aerospace scientists and engineers arrived in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday.
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Before the start of the lecture, Hu exchanged his gift, a national flag, with HKU.
He encouraged the university to cultivate more professionals for the nation’s aerospace exploration program, and welcomed the university to participate in the research of the lunar soil samples brought back by the nation’s most recent lunar probe.
The shared vision of putting the national interest first is the key to the successful implementation of space projects, Hu said, adding that he hopes it will be the same case for HKU if the university gets involved in these projects.
“Aerospace projects can be achieved only by collective efforts, not individuals’,” Hu said.
Noting the difficulties the scientific team from PolyU has overcome in the nation’s Chang’e-5 project, Hu expressed his appreciation of Yung Kai-leung, the team’s head professor, who showed perseverance and a strong sense of responsibility during the task.
Innovation can be achieved only through enduring efforts, Hu said.
READ MORE: Top scientists discuss space exploration in HK
During the hourlong talk, Hu also retold the history of the six lunar probes since China’s lunar exploration started 17 years ago. The lunar probes have laid a solid groundwork for the nation to pull off its latest Mars exploration, marking a significant step in China’s outer space endeavors, he said.
Hu’s lecture is one of the key events of the scientists’ visit. Over the next few days, the delegates will give lectures and face-to-face talks at several universities and secondary schools.
Another two scientists – Long Lehao, chief designer of Long March Rockets Series; Sun Zezhou, chief designer of China’s Mars exploration program Tianwen-1 – will participate in the other sharing event at the HKU on Thursday morning.
The scientists’ delegation this time brought lunar soil collected in China’s fifth lunar exploration mission in late 2020 to the HKSAR. The soil will be displayed at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from Sunday through early July.