Explainer | What were the risks involved in Hong Kong’s cancelled drone shows and can lessons be learned?
The Post breaks down what went wrong with the National Day events, the technology involved and why neighbouring Shenzhen was able to carry on with its shows
Hong Kong cancelled two drone shows organised to mark National Day this week after their navigation systems were affected by solar activities.
But across the border, Shenzhen was able to press ahead with its drone shows, held at roughly the same time.
The Post examines why Hong Kong had to ground its drones while its neighbour went ahead with their shows.
1. What happened to the drones?
Hong Kong authorities announced the cancellation of a drone performance at the West Kowloon Cultural District just minutes before it was due to start on Tuesday night, with some residents expressing disappointment upon hearing the news.
Authorities said an astronomical phenomenon, ionospheric scintillation, led to the devices being unable to receive strong GPS signals.
The ionosphere is located at an altitude of 80km (49.7 miles) to about 600km. Commercial aircraft fly at an altitude of about 10km. It also reflects and modifies radio waves that are used for communication and navigation.
Another National Day-themed show featuring 2,099 drones scheduled for Monday was also cancelled, with the organiser citing ionospheric interference that the government called “serious”.
