The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced today (Aug. 21) that it will launch a multispectral optical satellite at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu with Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Ltd (Chang Guang) this Friday (Aug. 25).
The satellite "HKUST-FYBB#1" will be used for tracking remote sensing data related to global environment, disaster and sustainable development. As the first university in Hong Kong to initiate a satellite mission, the launch also marks HKUST's first step towards building a remote sensing satellite constellation and a comprehensive environmental monitoring and disaster forecasting system, the university said.
According to a statement, the multispectral optical satellite set to be launched this Friday for research purposes is the most advanced type in the realm of civilian satellites. The spatial resolution of the remote sensing images it collects is 0.5 meters, which is 20 times higher than the openly accessible data of images taken from the European Space Agency's Sentinel-2 optical satellite. Its swath of image is over 150 kilometers, comparable to those of the latest generation of the United States' land satellites, the university added.
As an expression of gratitude to Mr. Francis YIP Chi-Hung and his wife, Mrs. Catherine YIP NG Bun-Bun, for their generous donation and support for the launch, the satellite is named "HKUST-FYBB#1".
HKUST signed an agreement earlier with Chang Guang, the first commercial remote sensing satellite company in Mainland China. Apart from the launching of "HKUST-FYBB#1", HKUST and Chang Guang will venture into a long-term, extensive and multi-facet collaboration in satellite research and development for carbon emission and its data application.
Combining HKUST's scientific research capability and achievements in meteorology, oceanography and environmental protection, as well as remote sensing data obtained from Chang Guang's 108 orbiting satellites, which form the world's largest sub-meter level commercial remote sensing satellite constellation "JiLin-1", the parties are set to build a comprehensive environmental monitoring and disaster forecasting system.
HKUST Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM said, "HKUST is a staunch supporter of sustainable development and has always been active in exploring and finding solutions to global carbon emissions problems. Together, we can make contributions to the nation's dual carbon policy goals, our government's carbon emissions targets, and the easing of global climate change to demonstrate our commitment in sustainable development."
HKUST Vice-President for Institutional Advancement Prof. WANG Yang, the driving force behind the plan, emphasized, "This satellite launch marks the initial step towards HKUST's ambitious goal of building a comprehensive remote sensing satellite constellation. This initiative will benefit the Greater Bay Area and the nation, aligning with the national dual-carbon strategic goal and leading the development of environmental monitoring satellite remote sensing technology. Our ultimate aim is to contribute to sustainable development domestically and globally."
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