China's space industry has made remarkable progress, with landmark projects such as the Tiangong Space Station, the Chang'e lunar missions, the Tianwen Mars exploration, the Beidou satellite network, and the Xihe solar probe becoming a name card for its technological innovation. Since the 21st century, and particularly in recent years, China's aerospace industry has developed rapidly, becoming a hallmark of its scientific and technological progress.
Professor Shi Peng, Associate Dean of the School of Astronautics at Beihang University (BUAA), recently shared insights into China's grand vision for building a leading aerospace nation as outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan. He also offered suggestions for developing Hong Kong's aerospace industry to align with national strategies.
Seizing the opportunity: HK's potential as an Asia-Pacific commercial aerospace hub
The 15th Five-Year Plan includes, for the first time, the topic of building a leading aerospace nation. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's Policy Address has also mentioned promoting aerospace technology and supporting the space economy. Shi proposed that HK should seize the development opportunities presented by the Plan to accelerate the establishment of an "Asia-Pacific Commercial Aerospace Hub" and deepen its integration into the national aerospace strategy.
Three strategic advantages: technology leadership, financial empowerment, international synergy
HK can adopt an integrated development approach based on "technology leadership + financial empowerment + international synergy." By leveraging the institutional advantages of "one country, two systems" and its role as an international platform, HK can align its strengths with national needs, position itself in the global commercial aerospace wave, and contribute uniquely to the country's aerospace ambitions.
In technology leadership, Shi proposed that HK should first strengthen its research and innovation capabilities. "Universities such as The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) possess prominent advantages in basic research and international scientific cooperation," he noted. He recommended that these institutions focus on "soft science" areas such as advanced aerospace materials, remote sensing data processing, spatial communication, and navigation algorithms to achieve differentiated technological breakthroughs.
In financial empowerment, Shi pointed out that HK's mature international financial system and market environment should be fully utilized to provide financing, insurance, mergers and acquisitions, and other financial services for mainland commercial aerospace enterprises. He suggested that HK develop an aerospace financial services industry, host an International Aerospace Investment Summit, and create an industry valuation system. Efforts should also be made to establish aerospace industry investment companies to attract private rocket and satellite enterprises to HK. Additionally, he advised exploring the creation of an International Aerospace Arbitration Centre and formulating commercial aerospace standards for the Asia-Pacific region.
In international synergy, Shi expressed that the Greater Bay Area (GBA) holds significant potential in commercial aerospace. He suggested that HK could act as a platform to attract capital from the Middle East and Southeast Asia to participate in commercial aerospace projects, such as providing satellite data services for ASEAN countries.
Deepening cooperation: BUAA and HK institutions build talent cultivation platform
Inspiring the next generation: Persistence and problem-solving
Against the backdrop of the nation's rapidly developing space industry, enthusiasm for space is growing in HK. A payload specialist from HK will soon have the opportunity to conduct missions aboard the China Space Station, inspiring more local teenagers to set their sights on the stars.
As a mentor training aerospace engineers, Shi offered three key pieces of advice for HK's youth: First, physical and mental fitness. Facing the challenges of space requires both physical and mental resilience. "Good physical health is essential," Shi emphasized.
Second, practical problem-solving skills. Apart from strong academic performance, students must be able to transform knowledge, theories, and methods into practical solutions for complex problems.
Third, teamwork and collaboration. In today's AI-driven world, where young people often spend excessive time on their phones, communication skills and teamwork are critical. "This is the most important capability we focus on when training aerospace engineers," Shi said.
Building collaboration: Training teachers and strengthening university partnerships
In late November, Shi and his colleagues will visit HK to conduct training sessions for secondary school teachers. The aviation and aerospace science education courses they have developed will be launched across HK next year to inspire teenagers' interest in aerospace technology.
Shi also expressed enthusiasm for deeper collaboration with HK's universities. "HK universities have significant advantages in cutting-edge basic research, while the BUAA has extensive experience in engineering applications and system integration," he said. "Together, we can form joint teams in areas such as space-air-ground information systems, advanced materials, and aerospace biomedical engineering, achieving complementary advantages and collaborative innovation."
Joint labs: Bridging research and industry
Shi suggested using a "Joint Laboratory + Dual-Supervisor System" to cultivate talent, supplemented by mechanisms such as joint PhD/Master's programs, student exchanges, short-term visits, co-supervised postdoctoral research, and industry internships. This approach would establish a continuous talent pipeline from undergraduate to postgraduate, postdoctoral, and young professional levels.
Shi also recommended that HK introduce policies to encourage local universities to form joint teams and laboratories with top mainland engineering institutions like the BUAA. He proposed creating joint innovation centers with accompanying technology exhibition halls, integrating scientific research, achievement demonstration, science education, and industry incubation into one platform.
"If, in the future, a Chief Designer of the country's Manned Space Program comes from HK, it would be a tremendous honor for the city and a symbol of its deep integration into the nation's aerospace strategy," Shi said.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; English Intern Editor: Wynnea; English Editor: Zoey SUN)
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