From left: The University of Hong Kong Provost Richard Wong Yue-Chim; Wang Yajun, from the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp; and Zhao Xiaojin, vice-president of the China Academy of Space Technology, pose for a group photo in an activity titled “The Space Programme Scientists Enter Campus Cum Distinguished Chinese Scientists Public Lecture Series”. EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY

Aerospace collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland is set to reach new heights, with a regular cross-border exchange mechanism on the cards, according to the leader of a national team of top space engineers and designers now on a five-day visit to the SAR.

Zhao Xiaojin, who’s heading the delegation, said the country’s space institutions will establish a mechanism to maintain regular exchanges with Hong Kong universities.

Zhao, vice-president of the State-owned satellite and rocket maker, the China Academy of Space Technology, said Hong Kong students are welcome to take up internships or work at national space institutions.

He said six of his team’s members had studied at Hong Kong universities before returning to the mainland. They shared their experiences in working on the mainland during a closed-door meeting with staff members of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on Thursday afternoon.

Hong Kong scientists have been working with mainland scientists on many national aerospace projects, and there’s room for closer and deeper collaboration, Zhao said.

More important projects are being planned and scientists and young people from Hong Kong are needed to join the nation’s mission to become a space power, he said.

Hu Hao, chief designer of the third phase of China’s lunar exploration project, agreed that collaboration between Hong Kong and the mainland in aerospace projects should be stepped up.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has contributed to several of the nation’s lunar and Mars exploration programs in the past few years.

He said such cooperation has demonstrated Hong Kong’s ability and strength in scientific research, and the city is capable of participating in the nation’s key science and technology projects.

Hu, who gave a lecture at the University of Hong Kong on Wednesday, said HKU has certain competitiveness in remote sensing, a strength in aerospace research.

“We certainly hope to work with competitive and strong institutions to research and design aerospace facilities and equipment,” he said.

In his view, this exchange visit is an opportunity for both sides to improve mutual understanding and Hong Kong universities and research institutions are also able to get the latest information about the country’s development and needs.

Xie Jun, deputy chief designer of China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, said given the SAR’s lower latitude, the city has a geographical advantage in conducting satellite research as satellite positioning systems work better in lower latitudes regions.

Noting that Hong Kong has many ideal locations to conduct related experiments and research, Xie suggested that PolyU scientists carry out more research on the application of satellite navigation in cities.

Qi Faren, first chief designer of China’s Shenzhou spaceship, said Hong Kong should further integrate into the nation’s science and technology development.

He urged the city’s relevant sectors to learn from the world’s scientific and technological frontiers, meet the country’s major development needs and focus on the people’s health.

Contact the writers at kathyzhang@chinadailyhk.com