National scientists' HK visit well-received

Aerospace experts get enthusiastic greeting from young space fans

National aerospace scientists were greeted with growing enthusiasm and passion by the Hong Kong community-especially young space fans eager to have closer contact with the top brains-as their public tour of the city entered its second day.

As part of the science delegation's five-day visit to Hong Kong, two lectures for students and an exchange activity between scholars were held on Thursday at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the University of Hong Kong.

During the lecture at HK Polytechnic, Xie Jun, deputy chief designer of the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, and Zhang He, executive director of the Chang'e 4 lunar probe project, shared the advanced technologies applied in the satellite program and also the nation's future plans for lunar exploration.

In another lecture, Long Lehao, chief designer of the Long March rocket series, and Sun Zezhou, chief designer of the Tianwen 1 Mars probe, spoke about the nation's achievements in exploring Mars and outer space, as well as their personal experiences pursuing scientific dreams.

During the exchange session in the afternoon, Xie, Zhang, Sun and five young scholars from the Chinese mainland exchanged views and feelings with 23 HK Polytechnic teachers and students.

During another event, Zhao Xiaojin, vice-president of the China Academy of Space Technology, a world-class spacecraft designer and manufacturer, said the warm welcome received in Hong Kong was beyond the delegation's expectations.

After Long ended the lecture and stepped off the podium, he was quickly surrounded by students eager to talk with him. The enthusiastic fans queued up to shake his hand, ask for his autograph and take photos with him.

Cornelius Leung, a 21-year-old aviation engineering student at HK Polytechnic, said he decided to attend the lecture to learn about the engineering technologies behind aerospace exploration to enhance his professional knowledge. But, in the end, he was more impressed by the spirit and beliefs that supported the scientists in overcoming hardships in their quests.

Wu Bo, a professor at HK Polytechnic who led a team in the nation's Mars project, also attended the lecture at his university. Noting an instant increase in students' inquiries about outer space projects, Wu said he was very happy to see their growing interest in space research as a result of public seminars delivered by leading experts.

Teng Jinguang, HK Polytechnic's president, said such lectures offered precious opportunities for its teachers and students to understand China's aerospace achievements.

The growing communication between mainland and Hong Kong experts during the activities also promoted understanding.

Hu Hao, chief designer of China's third-phase lunar exploration program, said he learned of the University of Hong Kong's great potential in the aerospace field, such as its strength in remote-sensing and talent cultivation, during the exchange activity.

Noting that cross-border exchange in the aerospace field has room for improvement, Hu said the visit will help the two sides increase mutual understanding.