The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announces on December 17, 2024, its appointment by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) to spearhead an international collaboration project for the Chang'E 8 mission. Photo: HKUST

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) will lead a team to develop a multi-functional lunar surface operation robot equipped for dexterous operations and featuring a mobile charging station that contributes to Chang'e-8 mission lunar exploration.

Expected to weigh about 100 kilograms, the robot, developed by the Hong Kong team will perform scientific exploration, deploy instruments, and carry out installation tasks in the moon's challenging environment. 

Its mobile wireless charging capability will provide power to multiple devices on the lunar surface, enhancing the efficiency of lunar exploration and collaborative operations, the Global Times learnt from the HKUST on Tuesday. 

The project aims to advance technology for deep space exploration and support future scientific research at the planned International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), the university told the Global Times.

The HKUST announced on Tuesday that it has been appointed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) to spearhead an international collaboration project for the Chang'e-8 mission.

The project will be primarily led by professors Yu Hongyu, Sun Qingping, Shi Ling, and Duan Molong.

Principal investigator Yu, from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) as well as director of the HKUST Space Science and Technology Institute, outlined several significant challenges of the mission. 

When the robot ventures to the lunar south pole, it will encounter extremely low temperatures. To ensure its reliable performance, the use of advanced materials and temperature management systems is essential, Yu said.

The absence of satellite navigation on the moon means a smart design is required to effectively address the complexities of positioning, navigation, autonomous movement and operational control. At the same time, the robot must stay lightweight while handling multiple precision tasks and serving as a charger for other lunar equipment, the professor said.

By leveraging the unique strengths of each team member, we will develop an innovative robot through optimized design with advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. The project will adhere to China's aerospace quality assurance mechanism to ensure the success of this national mission, according to Yu. 

China's lunar exploration program will carry out two more launch missions to lay the groundwork for the ILRS, with the first launch expected to take place as early as 2026, according to the CNSA. 

According to the plan, China will launch the Chang'e-7 mission in 2026 and the Chang'e-8 mission around 2028.

As one of the pioneering initiatives led by China to set up an international lunar research station, the Chang'e-8 project will pave the way for the establishment of a long-term unmanned facility in the lunar polar regions, the HKUST said.

The research team for the robot also composes of scientists from local, mainland and international institutions, including the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), City University of Hong Kong (CityU), Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), Dalian University of Technology (DUT), Shenzhen University (SZU), and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA). 

In addition, following the triumphant launch of Hong Kong's first environmental remote sensing satellite from the higher education sector last August, the HKUST is now advancing the High-Resolution Global Greenhouse Gas Observatory project, which the university expects will play a vital role in the Chinese Space Station in the near future, the Global Times learnt.