Hong Kong SAR is boosting its role in the Chinese mainland's space program with a dedicated lunar orbiter, Yueshan, set to launch in 2028. 🚀🌕
'Yueshan' (月闪) means 'moon flashes', referring to the bright bursts when meteoroids hit the lunar surface. Su Meng, executive director of the Lab for Space Research at HKU, confirmed the mission this month. 📡✨
Why meteoroids matter: without an atmosphere up there, tiny space rocks slam into the moon at crazy speeds, creating flashes and crater hazards. For future lunar bases, knowing when and where these impacts happen is a game-changer. 💥🛰️
Yueshan will be the first orbiter dedicated to watching these transient lunar phenomena non-stop. Its continuous data feed will help scientists figure out how to shield lunar habitats and gear from deadly space debris. 🏠🔍
So far, no other mission has focused on this, making Hong Kong a rising influencer in global deep-space exploration. Next up, the HK SAR will also join national missions like Chang'e-7, Chang'e-8, and the Tianwen-3 Mars sampling mission. And yep, we might see our first Hong Kong-born astronaut soon! 👩🚀🌌
For young space enthusiasts tuning in from Bengaluru to Bangkok, this means more tech innovation and career vibes in your own backyard. Stay tuned for liftoff in three years! 🚀✨
Reference(s):
Hong Kong to launch lunar orbiter in 2028 to study meteoroid threat
cgtn.com
