Showcasing Hong Kong’s R&D Strength, Advancing Aerospace Technology Applications
Hong KongMay 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) warmly congratulates Dr. Li Jiaying on her selection for the Shenzhou-23 flight crew, participating in the national manned space mission as a payload specialist. This milestone not only demonstrates the professional capabilities of Hong Kong’s research talent but also marks the broader involvement of local innovative technology in high-end technology application scenarios.
For years, Hong Kong’s research community has been actively involved in numerous aerospace-related projects, covering areas such as lunar exploration, Mars exploration, satellite development, and space experiments. As local research efforts gradually transition to practical applications and mission-level tasks, scientific achievements are being rapidly transformed into impactful technological capabilities.
Professor Ir Dr. Lee Wai-kwong, Chairman of ASTRI’s Board of Directors, stated: “We are deeply encouraged by Dr. Li Jiaying’s participation in the national space mission. This not only reflects the strength of Hong Kong’s research talent but also indicates that local R&D capabilities are moving toward higher-value application scenarios. As Hong Kong’s largest applied research institution, ASTRI is committed to driving technology transfer and actively exploring opportunities for technology applications in aerospace-related fields.”
As aerospace development enters a new phase of long-duration missions, complex system integration, and high-frequency data processing, the demand for expertise in materials science, energy technology, communication systems, artificial intelligence, and life support continues to rise. Meanwhile, with the support of research platforms such as InnoHK, Hong Kong is gradually building interdisciplinary, application-oriented innovation capabilities, providing a solid foundation for the deployment of advanced technologies.
Dr. Simon Sun, CEO of ASTRI, said: “Aerospace technology involves multiple cutting-edge fields and heavily relies on artificial intelligence, data processing, and system integration capabilities. ASTRI will continue to leverage its strengths in applied research and cross-domain integration to advance technologies toward higher reliability and practical application, while helping Hong Kong establish a more influential position in the global innovation and technology landscape.”
In recent years, ASTRI has been steadily advancing aerospace-related technology R&D and possesses support potential in several key areas, including:
- Space-grade Advanced Materials
High thermal conductivity carbon-based materials, lightweight structural materials, and coatings resistant to extreme temperature variations, enhancing spacecraft thermal management and structural reliability. - Space Energy and Novel Energy Storage
High-energy-density batteries, solid-state batteries, and low-temperature stable energy storage technologies, supporting long-duration in-orbit and deep-space mission requirements. - Space Medical and Life Support Technologies
Antimicrobial materials and wearable health monitoring systems, supporting astronauts’ long-term in-orbit health management and life support. - Low Earth Orbit Satellite Communication, Sensing, and Computing
Optimized satellite-terrestrial 5G/6G integration, non-terrestrial networks, RF communication chips, and in-orbit edge computing technologies, enhancing satellite communication efficiency and system autonomy. - In-orbit AI and Space Robotics Technologies
In-orbit artificial intelligence, image processing, and multi-sensor fusion technologies, combined with LiDAR, dexterous robotic manipulators, and high-reliability, low-latency communication systems for space robotics solutions, supporting autonomous decision-making and remote operations.
During the mission, Dr. Li Jiaying will conduct a series of scientific and applied research projects, with outcomes expected to expand research application scenarios in extreme environments and further drive the deployment of innovative technologies.
ASTRI wishes Dr. Li a successful mission and looks forward to deepening collaboration with various research and industry partners in the future, promoting the transformation and application of more innovative achievements, and continuously expanding Hong Kong’s development space in cutting-edge technology fields.