China's Tiangong Space Station to Host First Scientific Project from Hong Kong

The Tiangong Space Station in China is on track to host its inaugural scientific research initiative by a team from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) within this year, as reported by the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. This significant project aims to assist in reducing greenhouse emissions in the Greater Bay Area and will provide essential data to help achieve China’s aspirations for carbon peaking and neutrality, as well as support the carbon initiatives of nations along the Belt and Road.

According to Ba Jin, the deputy director of the center's application and development division, a research team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has conceptualized this project. They are partnering with the Changchun Institute of Optics, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, to create a state-of-the-art high-resolution detector for monitoring greenhouse gas emissions. The project has received approval and is moving forward smoothly, with plans to deploy the detector to the space station for experimental purposes soon.

The greenhouse gas detector is designed to identify and measure hotspots for carbon dioxide and methane emissions across the mid-latitudes of the globe, particularly focusing on major emissions sources like power plants, coal mines, and landfills. The research team will analyze the gathered data to calculate near-real-time carbon emission fluxes, providing accurate and timely information that will aid decision-makers in developing effective strategies for carbon reduction and in evaluating the success of these initiatives.

Ba emphasized the importance of the Greater Bay Area in advancing scientific and technological endeavors in China, highlighting the rich educational and research landscape in Hong Kong. He encouraged further involvement from Hong Kong researchers in space station projects to establish a systematic approach that would enhance regional capabilities in space technology in the coming years.

Since the completion of the space station two years ago, there have already been more than 180 projects in orbit, with nearly two tons of scientific materials sent up and close to 100 different types of experimental samples returned to Earth. China's space station is anticipated to embark on over 1,000 research initiatives in the next decade, aiming to boost scientific outreach and promote international collaboration, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. Future efforts will include a focus on new space technologies, manned deep-space exploration, and developing innovative space applications to meet national strategic objectives.