A satellite named after The Chinese University Hong Kong-Shenzhen (CUHK-Shenzhen) was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center at 7:37 a.m. on Feb. 3, ushering the start of interstellar exploration of the university.

Carried by a Long March-2C carrier rocket, 11 Geely-02 satellites soared into low-earth orbit from the launch site. Among them was the CUHK-Shenzhen No. 1, named after the university. Developed and operated by Geespace, a pioneer in commercial communication, navigation, and remote sensing satellites, this constellation of satellites aims to provide a highly reliable and cost-effective application services for future mobility applications including autonomous driving, intelligent connectivity, and consumer electronics.

Equipped with communication, navigation, and remote sensing capabilities, the CUHK-Shenzhen No. 1 satellite offers satellite data products and services. It serves international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and contributes to the commercialization, scaling, and global development of satellite applications. CUHK-Shenzhen will collaborate with Geespace to conduct forward-looking technology research and development by integrating aerospace science and technology to promote the largescale application of Chinese aerospace technology.

The CUHK-Shenzhen No. 1 Satellite

The year 2024 holds special significance as it marks the 10th anniversary of the founding of CUHK-Shenzhen. The launch of the CUHK-Shenzhen No. 1 satellite on this important occasion symbolizes the university’s unwavering commitment to innovation-driven development and its role in contributing to the nation’s strength in education, science, technology, and talent.

 In 2024, CUHK-Shenzhen and The Chinese University of Hong Kong introduces the Aerospace Science and Geoinformatics+ X Double Major Program. This program aims to impart professional knowledge to students, enabling them to use the data to design innovative solutions for the study of outer space and the protection of the Earth. Students engaging in the Double Major Program will have the opportunity to participate in various internships, visits, and related research projects in enterprises in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The University hopes to use this opportunity to build on its teaching and deepen its scientific research in order to cultivate talent in the field of aerospace science and explore the mysteries of the universe.

Xu Yangsheng, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, foreign member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, and president of CUHK-Shenzhen, said: "Exploration of the cosmos is a common dream of mankind, the Chinese astronauts are unrelenting in their self-improvement, unremitting in their struggles, and have created the 'Two Bombs and One Star,' manned spaceflight, Moon exploration, and other brilliant achievements. This hardworking spirit serves as a model for young people in the new era to learn from."

In the future, The CUHK-Shenzhen will continue to work closely with its partners in the field of aerospace science and technology to promote the transformation and application of scientific research results  and to facilitate the prosperous development of China's aviation and high-tech industries.