The local government and the China National Space Administration (CNSA) have jointly launched a series of activities to mark the commissioning of China’s space exploration satellite “Macao Science 1”, the opening ceremony of which was held yesterday at the Macau Science Centre (MSC).
The “Macao Science1” satellite was launched in May.
According to a statement by the Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS), it is the first space satellite programme jointly developed by mainland and local scientists. The project has already passed a test review and the satellites are operating in orbit functioning and performing normally, the statement pointed out.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, Liaison Office Director Zheng Xincong, CNSA Director Zhang Kejian, CNSA Chief Engineer Li Guoping, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Elsie Ao Ieong U and Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSE) Director Tai Kin Ip attended yesterday’s ceremony.
The 12-day activities include the 2nd Macao Space Development Forum, a themed exhibition at the Macau Science Centre, several space industry seminars and lectures at local schools, as well as lunar soil samples that are being displayed in Macau for the first time.
Li said in a speech during yesterday’s ceremony that the central government will continue to share with the local people the country’s achievements of scientific and technological progress in space and navigation, adding that he hoped for more scientific and technological talents from Macau to participate in space scientific research.
Li also said that the “Macao Science 1” satellite programme will enhance the level of scientific and technological innovation in Macau, and open up a new mode of scientific and technological cooperation between the mainland and Macau, adding that the programme had set a good example for scientific and technological innovation in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area (GBA).
During the ceremony, Tai said that the series is a reflection of the close cooperation between Macau and the mainland in space research, exchanges and science popularisation.
Tai said he believed that with the support of the local government and the National Space Administration, space professionals from both sides will continue to work together to bring about more scientific and technological advances, train more researchers and engage in more international cooperation projects.
China Manned Space delegation to visit Macau
In addition, according to a statement from the Macau Government Information Bureau (GCS) yesterday, the China Manned Space delegation will pay a three-day visit to Macau from Friday through Sunday.
According to the statement, the delegation will be led by China Manned Space Agency Deputy Director General Lin Xiqiang, with members of the delegation comprising astronauts who carried out the mission of constructing the Chinese Space Station, including Shenzhou-12 astronaut Liu Boming, Shenzhou-13 astronaut Wang Yaping, Shenzhou-14 mission commander Chen Dong, Shenzhou-15 astronaut Zhang Lu, as well as experts from related fields of the manned space engineering systems.
The delegation will introduce the construction and development of China’s manned space programme to Macau’s scientific and technological sector, as well as local teachers and students. The delegation will carry out face-to-face interaction during the visit, the statement said.
Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng (front) and other local and mainland government officials visit the space exhibition at the Macau Science Centre (MSC) yesterday. – Photo: GCS
