On November 24, 2025, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) announced plans to launch its first dedicated lunar orbiter, Yueshan (æéȘ), in 2028. Named "moon flashes" in Chinese, the mission will track meteoroid strikes on the lunar surface, a critical step to protect future moon habitats.
Su Meng, executive director of the Laboratory for Space Research at the University of Hong Kong, explained that moon flashesâor transient lunar phenomenaâare intense bursts of light triggered when meteoroids slam into the airless lunar surface at high velocity. Without an atmosphere to slow them down, these objects pose a serious hazard to any infrastructure on the moon.
Yueshan will offer continuous, long-term monitoring of impact events, supplying scientists with real-time data to assess risks for astronauts and equipment. "No device like this has ever been built before," Su told reporters, highlighting how the mission could elevate Hong Kong's standing in global deep-space exploration.
Beyond Yueshan, Hong Kong is gearing up to participate in China's broader national space agenda, joining lunar missions Chang'e-7 and Chang'e-8, as well as the Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission. The region also anticipates sending its first astronaut, with Hong Kong-born payload specialists currently in training through China's space agency.
As space exploration opens new frontiers, Yueshan represents a leap forward for a diverse, digitally savvy generation. Entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and travelers alike can look to this mission as proof that cutting-edge science drives innovation and inspires global collaboration.
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Hong Kong to launch lunar orbiter in 2028 to study meteoroid threat
cgtn.com
