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The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has announced its plans to launch a multispectral optical satellite called “HKUST-FYBB#1” in collaboration with Chang Guang Satellite Technology Company Ltd. The satellite will be launched at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu on August 25, 2023. This launch marks HKUST’s first step towards building a remote sensing satellite constellation and a comprehensive environmental monitoring and disaster forecasting system.

The multispectral optical satellite is considered to be the most advanced type of civilian satellite. It will collect remote sensing data related to global environment, disaster, and sustainable development. The satellite’s spatial resolution for capturing images is 0.5 meters, which is 20 times higher than the openly accessible data from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 optical satellite. Additionally, its image swath is over 150 kilometers, comparable to the latest land satellites of the United States.

The satellite is named “HKUST-FYBB#1” as a token of gratitude to Mr. Francis YIP Chi-Hung and his wife, Mrs. Catherine YIP NG Bun-Bun, for their generous donation and support. The collected data will be used by HKUST to establish a digital twin system that covers all slopes in Hong Kong. This system will monitor surface conditions, simulate and showcase landslide disasters, and societal responses to emergencies. The goal is to enhance coordination and decision-making in disaster response and management.

HKUST has also signed an agreement with Chang Guang for a long-term collaboration in satellite research and development. The partnership will focus on carbon emission research and its application in data analysis. By combining HKUST’s scientific research capability and Chang Guang’s sub-meter level commercial remote sensing satellite constellation called “JiLin-1”, a comprehensive environmental monitoring and disaster forecasting system will be built. This system will support the nation’s dual carbon policy goals and enhance remote sensing technology.

HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP expressed her gratitude to Mr. and Mrs. Yip for their support. She emphasized HKUST’s commitment to exploring and finding solutions to global challenges such as natural disasters and climate change. By partnering with Chang Guang, HKUST aims to drive aerospace innovation and contribute to the national development strategy. The university will leverage its research capabilities and promote cooperation among various sectors to achieve the nation’s dual carbon policy goals.

The strategic cooperation between HKUST and Chang Guang aims to foster collaboration in scientific satellite development and remote sensing data application. They plan to jointly develop greenhouse gas remote sensing monitoring satellites and enhance remote sensing data service capabilities in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. This initiative will contribute to the development of the aerospace industry in Mainland China and Hong Kong.

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