Hong Kong scientists to build robot for China’s Chang’e-8 moon mission

Researchers from HKUST will lead team to develop lunar surface robot that will help pave way for research facility at moon’s south pole

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In addition to the robot, the Chang’e-8 mission will also feature a lunar rover. Illustration: CNSA

Published: 7:00pm, 19 Dec 2024Updated: 7:15pm, 19 Dec 2024

Hong Kong-based scientists will take the lead in building a lunar surface robot for China’s 2028 moon mission, according to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

The research team plans to create a robot capable of scientific exploration, instrument deployment, and installation tasks for the Chang’e-8 mission.

The robot will pave the way for a long-term unmanned facility in the lunar polar region as part of China’s ambitions to set up an international research station on the moon, HKUST said.

The robot will include a mobile charging station, which is expected to power other lunar devices, improving the efficiency of lunar exploration and collaborative operations.

“The project will propel technology for deep space exploration and lay the groundwork for future scientific research at an international lunar research station,” HKUST said.

Yu Hongyu, director of the Space Science and Technology Institute at HKUST, said the team aimed to create an innovative robot with advanced materials and manufacturing techniques.

He added that the robot should be equipped with temperature management systems to ensure it can operate in the extremely low temperatures at the lunar south pole.