Macao helps advance nation’s aerospace ambitions
Macao has been leveraging its pioneering research and international connections to propel the nation’s aerospace industry forward, including a joint satellite program poised to create the first domestically developed precise model of Earth’s magnetic field, a Macao-based astrophysicist said on Wednesday.
Zhang Keke, associate vice-president at the Macau University of Science and Technology, who specializes in Earth and planetary science and applications, shared news of the progress during an interview with China Daily on the sidelines of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024.
Zhang and his colleagues are behind the development of the Macao Science satellites — a network of four satellites providing high-precision measurements of the Earth’s magnetic field — in collaboration with the China National Space Administration.
According to Zhang, the Earth’s magnetic field is one of the most fundamental studies in Earth sciences and has everyday relevance. As a crucial infrastructure, the study offers extensive potential applications in aviation, navigation, mobile technology, and defense.
However, no Chinese organization is currently capable of providing such measurements, making it a bottleneck in technology, Zhang said.
The Macao Science 1, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China on May 21, made a breakthrough. With two satellites working together, it is the world’s first low-latitude, high-precision Earth measurement satellite constellation.
Since beginning operations in November, the on-orbit constellation has generated a substantial amount of high-quality data, which Zhang expects to reach the application stage within the next one to two years.
Zhang also introduced the Macao Science 2, another two-satellite constellation expected to launch in 2026, designed to bring a distinct orbital angle, with a perigee of approximately 180 kilometers and an apogee of about 2,000 kilometers.
The two satellite constellations will work in coordination, dedicated to the exploration, measurement, and research of the Earth’s magnetic field.
Together with algorithm and software technological advancements, China is highly likely to construct its first comprehensive and high-precision model of the Earth’s magnetic field within the next two to three years.
This will enable the country to end its reliance on Europe and the United States in this critical area, Zhang said.
“More than 2,000 years ago, the Chinese made a groundbreaking invention with the sinan (a magnetic spoon-shaped compass), establishing ourselves as pioneers in the study of the Earth’s magnetic field. Now, with the advent of Macao Science, the nation is poised to reclaim its position as a world leader and center in this field,” Zhang said.
In October, the Royal Astronomical Society, a leading UK astronomy organization, organized a special international symposium dedicated to Macao Science 1. This was the first time a major Western research group had organized such an event specifically for a Chinese satellite.
Zhang revealed that 18 top international research institutes have shown interest in utilizing the data gathered by Macao Science 1, solidifying China’s position as an important space data provider.
Enhancing cooperation
The Macau University of Science and Technology plans to establish an institute in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, to facilitate the application of Macao’s aerospace research outcomes, while fostering integration between academia, industry, and research, Zhang said.
He highlighted the importance of solid cooperation between Macao and the mainland to leverage their respective advantages.
Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Macao enjoys a high degree of policy freedom and strong global connectivity, while maintaining its access to the mainland’s rich land resources and competitive practical-application capacity.
The city is an ideal bridge to unite domestic and foreign research teams and foster international cooperation, he said.
The institute in Zhuhai will be established on May 23, as the date marks the first anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s letter reply to the MUST staff and students.
Following the successful launch of Macao Science 1, 18 students and teachers who participated in the satellite’s development wrote a letter to Xi to report on their progress and convey their strong determination to contribute to the motherland. Two days later, Xi responded to them with a letter of praise and encouragement.
“We hope to take this opportunity to celebrate and commemorate the special day,” Zhang said.