[Reading Science] Hong Kong's First Artificial Satellite to Launch from China Next Month

Annual Production Target of 300 Commercial Satellites
Hong Kong Joins China's Space Ambition
China Includes Hong Kong Astronauts in Space Program

Hong Kong's first satellite will be launched into space next month aboard a Chinese launch vehicle. Hong Kong has set an ambitious plan to produce more than 300 satellites annually by joining China's space ambitions.

A model of a rocket displayed at the Hong Kong Satellite Manufacturing Center (AMC). Photo by AMC website

On the 18th, Hong Kong and Chinese media such as the South China Morning Post and Global Times reported that the satellite "Hong Kong Star," manufactured by the Hong Kong Satellite Manufacturing Center (AMC), has completed all assembly and testing processes and will be launched into space in late November. The launch site is known to be in China. This marks Hong Kong's first satellite production and launch. The Chinese side promotes the center as the world's largest commercial satellite manufacturing facility.

A representative from the Hong Kong Satellite Manufacturing Center emphasized, "The successful production of Hong Kong Star holds significant meaning in Hong Kong's history." The representative added, "Starting next year, we plan to manufacture and supply around 300 satellites annually for global satellite customers."

This satellite will capture images of the Earth and collect information through hyperspectral remote sensing sensors and ultra-high-resolution cameras. According to the center, it can be used for disaster prevention, smart city construction, and more. It is also expected to provide GPS information for navigation systems. It is a multifunctional integrated satellite that combines communication, navigation, and remote sensing functions to offer various application services.

Hong Kong places great significance on joining the space era through its self-developed satellite. Alfred Sit, Secretary for Innovation and Technology of Hong Kong, stated, "The Hong Kong government presented a development blueprint for satellite industrialization last year. Hong Kong Star will invigorate Hong Kong's economy." He predicted that the center will become the largest satellite manufacturer in Asia within the next 3 to 5 years.

The Hong Kong Satellite Manufacturing Center has even planned to launch 720 satellites to form the Hong Kong satellite constellation. The center aims to use the satellites for services that directly link to individuals' smartphones and for acquiring big data through remote sensing. It expects to secure partnerships with government departments such as the China Meteorological Administration, environmental protection agencies, transportation departments, land asset management, carbon trading, companies handling ESG service products, and university research institutions.

Since Hong Kong is effectively part of China, Hong Kong's satellite industry cannot be separated from China's "space ambitions." A center official also emphasized, "Close cooperation with mainland China is necessary from satellite development and launch to operation." The highest priority area for cooperation is satellite launch. The most likely launch site is the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Kelan County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, China. In June, China accelerated its satellite industry by launching 41 remote sensing satellites aboard the Long March (Changzheng)-2D rocket from this site.

China has also opened its core space programs to support the development of the space industries in Hong Kong and Macau. More than 10 candidates from Hong Kong and Macau are competing in the Chinese astronaut selection process, which runs until the end of this year.