HKUST Pioneers World’s High-Precision CO2 and Methane Synergistic Observatory Payload
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has been commissioned by the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU.CAS) to lead the development of the world’s first lightweight, high-resolution high-precision carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) synergistic observatory payload. This groundbreaking project is set to make history as it will become Hong Kong SAR’s first payload to China’s Tiangong Space Station aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft for research and application. The instrument is designed to precisely monitor greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in specific areas, quantifying their emission fluxes, and providing critical data for formulating and assessing carbon reduction policies. This initiative underscores HKUST’s support to the national strategies for achieving Carbon Dioxide Peaking and Carbon Neutrality.
In response to the pressing challenges posed by global climate change, China has set ambitious targets: to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Accurate monitoring of GHG emissions is essential for reaching these goals. HKUST spearheads this project to develop a lightweight, high-resolution Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) to capture key emission data from space. The project gained official approval from the CSU.CAS last year and is slated for installation on the China Manned Space Station. The payload will serve as a core platform for real-time monitoring of CO₂ and methane emissions. Notably, it will be the world’s first spaceborne instrument to simultaneously monitor these two primary greenhouse gases with both high resolution and precision.
The observatory will focus on major carbon emission sources, such as power plants, landfills, oil fields, coal mines, and natural gas plants, covering various low-to-mid-latitude regions, including Hong Kong. It will capture essential data on GHG concentrations, along with the remarkable capability to detect potential gas leaks, significantly minimizing resource wastage. The HKUST research team plans to establish a comprehensive GHG point source database, utilizing this dataset to calculate real-time carbon emissions and identify emission hotspots. This will provide reliable, accurate, and high-frequency data for carbon monitoring, reporting, and verification, empowering policymakers to craft effective emission reduction strategies. Additionally, the data will be shared with research institutions, benefiting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, thereby aiding the international community to mitigate climate change.
The research project is co-led by Prof. SU Hui, Chair Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Global STEM Professor at HKUST, and Prof. ZHANG Limin, Chair Professor and Head of the Department. Prof. ZHAI Chengxing, the Division of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas, is the mission system engineer. Other team members include: Senior Scientific Officer Dr. RONG Pingping, Prof. ZHANG Jize, and Prof. WANG Zhe from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST; Prof. NING Zhi, Prof. SHI Xiaoming, and Prof. GU Dasa from the Division of Environment and Sustainability; Prof. MA Xiaojuan from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Prof. ZHU Pengyu from the Division of Public Policy; Prof. GAO Meng from Hong Kong Baptist University; and Prof. LI Jia from Lingnan University.
CSU.CAS Senior Engineer Ms. FANG Man, who is responsible for managing the project, stated: “This project signifies the first collaborative initiative between HKUST and the China Manned Space’s Application Program. Our primary objective is to harness the capabilities of China’s space station to conduct global observations of greenhouse gas point sources. This initiative is a significant milestone, as it is the first instance of Earth science experiments being carried out aboard our nation’s space station.”
Prof. Tim CHENG, Vice-President for Research and Development of HKUST stated, “In the face of complex and interrelated climate challenges, HKUST responds with its research excellence. By leveraging interdisciplinary and cross-professional expertise, we integrate research and innovation to drive global emission reduction and promote sustainable development as a tangible goal through a national space mission. We sincerely appreciate the support from the China Manned Space Agency and CSU.CAS for this valuable opportunity. We are thrilled to see our groundbreaking research expanding from the ground to space to create a sustainable future and bring this grand space mission to positively impact people’s daily lives on Earth.”
Project co-lead and Executive Director of HKUST’s Space Science and Technology Institute, Prof. SU Hui, expressed, “We are deeply honored to be appointed as the leading team in such significant space mission. It exemplifies HKUST’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development through cross-regional, cross-institutional, and interdisciplinary collaboration over the years. This initiative highlights the strong partnership and complementary strengths between the Mainland and the HKSAR in technological advancement and innovation. We eagerly anticipate the launch of the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft as it enters its designated orbit, along with the commencement of the related experiments. We warmly invite support from all sectors of society to provide resources for the continuation of this project, uniting in our mission to achieve net-zero emissions and more effectively combat global climate change.”
Project co-lead and National Engineer Awardee Prof. ZHANG Limin remarked, “HKUST has consistently championed the advancement of aerospace technology in the HKSAR, leveraging its leading strengths in engineering and technology. We are committed to working hand in hand with academia and industry to promote the country’s development in the aerospace sector. Our research team is creative, ambitious, and visionary, having successfully launched Hong Kong’s first high-resolution optical satellite in the higher education sector in 2023 for hazard and environmental monitoring. Currently, we are focused on leading the development of a lightweight high-resolution high-precision greenhouse gas point source detector to be deployed aboard China’s manned space station. This demonstrates how strong national support empowers scientists and engineers from Hong Kong and Macau to undertake significant scientific and technological projects.”
In June 2023, the China Manned Space Agency solicited scientific experiment projects for the manned space station globally and entrusted the CSU.CAS with the selection process. Following rigorous expert evaluations, the Multi-Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory project led by HKUST was chosen as a standout among the science application projects for the space station. This innovative initiative is set to launch into orbit aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft to conduct critical experiments.
(This news was originally published by the HKUST Global Engagement and Communications Office here.)
